In this study of 116 high-poverty schools, we explored teaching and coaching in grades K-3. We developed and validated observation protocols for both coaching and teaching. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were computed to identify and confirm factors that explained the protocol data. Three coaching factors were identified in both…

This article reports on a 4-year longitudinal study of the effects of Literacy Collaborative (LC), a school-wide reform model that relies primarily on the one-on-one coaching of teachers as a lever for improving student literacy learning. Kindergarten through second-grade students in 17 schools were assessed twice annually with DIBELS and Terra…

This research focused on finding ways to assess instructional practices in grades kindergarten through 3 that are consistent with the American Psychological Association's Learner-Centered Psychological Principles. In several stages of research, conducted with over 2,100 children and their 124 teachers in several states, specific instructional…

This article synthesizes results from 5 studies that used noncertified tutors to work with at-risk primary-grade readers. Each of the studies featured (1) twice-weekly tutoring lessons that included guided reading, word study, and reading for fluency; and (2) supervision of the tutoring by a knowledgeable reading teacher. Results from the 5…

In this study we examined the ways in which experience with a relational approach to education, the Responsive Classroom (RC) Approach, related to teachers' beliefs, attitudes, and teaching priorities. Questionnaire and Q-sort data were collected for a sample of 69 teachers in grades kindergarten through 3 at 6 schools (3 schools in their first…

Studied discrepancies between Canadian first-graders' home and school literacy contexts regarding the contexts' potential to promote self-regulated approaches to reading and writing. Examined the extent to which differences were reflected in the children's attitudes toward and engagement in reading and writing at school. Found some discontinuity…

This study compared peer-assisted reading instruction, small-group teacher-directed reading instruction, and typically undifferentiated instruction for struggling first-grade readers. Results suggested that both peer-assisted and small-group teacher-directed instruction enhanced reading performance of struggling readers more than typical,…

Argues that topical units on cultural universals are well suited for introducing primary grade students to social studies, although the units need to be more powerful than those in leading textbooks. Notes a study supporting the feasibility of cultural universals units in first and second grade classrooms. Suggests guidelines for lesson plans,…

Observed 827 first-grade classrooms in 32 states to assess classroom activities and child-teacher interaction, dimensions of classroom environment, and relations to classroom structure and child behavior. Found that first grade is a highly variable experience for U.S. children. Found wide variation in ratings of instructional and emotional support…

This case study uses activity theory to analyze the conceptualization of teaching for an elementary school teacher in her first full-time job teaching a kindergarten/first-grade class. Findings center on teacher's use of integrations and the decentering of the classroom. Rather than sustaining concept of constructivist teaching, the teacher…

Studied children's perceptions of what constitutes good writing to see how those might better inform the teacher's instruction. Found that when supported by peers and teachers, the children were able to balance their need to produce conventionally correct writing with their need to make writing interesting to themselves and others. (Author)

Addresses issues related to biliteracy development in children. Presents two case studies that highlight how children use the social processes and cultural resources at hand to develop their literate competencies in Spanish and English. Discusses special challenges in relation to the formation of biliteracy in classrooms. (Author)

Draws on a study of socioeconomically disadvantaged children's acquisition of school literacies to investigate how children's writing and drawing might be key elements in developing critical literacies in elementary school settings. Focuses on how such classroom writing can be a mediator of emotions, intellectual and academic learning, social…

Examined effects of a change in teacher efficacy on primary school students' computer cognitions and skills when students moved to a new grade. Found that teacher efficacy explained 7 to 9 percent of student outcome variance. Effects were stronger when district inservice training was differentiated, distributed throughout the information period,…

Examined the responses of low-achieving students to reform-based mathematics instruction. Found that both the organization and task demands of the reform classrooms presented verbal and social challenges to low achievers that need to be addressed if these students are to benefit from reform-based mathematics instruction. (Author)