In this study, researchers qualitatively analyzed middle school teacher participant perceptions of qualities of teacher effectiveness across 3 years (2006-2009) through 66 focus group sessions by comparing the participants' identified qualities to Stronge's (2007) Teacher Skills Assessment Checklist. Surprisingly, a disproportionate number (42.6%)…

Poor parent participation in multidisciplinary team meetings can be a concern for parents and educators, as it might lead to less relevant and effective programs for students with disabilities. This study sought to extend the literature on parent participation in the Individual Education Program (IEP) process by investigating the relationship…

The present study investigated perceived effects of an afterschool program located in 6 Title 1 schools on students' achievement, self-esteem, and attitudes. Data sources comprised surveys (n = 257), 5 focus groups (n= 23), and an individual interview with the program director (n = 1). Survey data indicated overall satisfaction with the program.…

This study was conducted with 53 beginning teachers, each with less than 3 years of classroom experience, to determine the amount of variance in their job satisfaction that could be accounted for by holistic wellness and perceived stress. The results of a regression analysis revealed that both holistic wellness and perceived stress were…

The impact of the accountability system on perceptions and practices of elementary teachers in South Texas was examined. A mixed methods approach was utilized in this descriptive study. Participants were randomly selected and included 192 educators from 12 campuses, from various districts. Teachers stated that they experienced a great deal of…

A survey of 442 beginning teachers, 57 mentors, and 33 administrators asked participants to rate the support provided to first-year teachers. Respondents identified persons who provided the most support, and responses were compared. Generally, new teachers indicated that administrators and other teachers had been more helpful than were mentors. In…

Studied the perceptions of 219 preservice teachers about the characteristics of effective teachers and investigated factors that may have influenced their responses. Identified six dominant themes, headed by student-centeredness and enthusiasm for teaching. Also established four profiles of student responses to these themes. (SLD)

This journal publishes articles that focus on the result of applied educational research, scholarly reviews of research,descriptions of classroom techniques, studies of assessments, and other topics of interest to educational researchers. Issue number 1 of Volume 7 contains these articles: (1) "Predicting First Grade Achievement from Kindergarten…

Studied the pretest and posttest attitudes of teacher education students who were required to write a literature review with empirical references about the pros and cons of corporal punishment in the classroom. Results for 59 students in 2 treatment groups and 55 students in 2 control groups at southern universities (where previous research has…

Studied whether significant differences existed in the work cultures of schools with high student achievement scores and low student achievement scores focusing on six Florida elementary schools. Schools grouped based on student achievement were found to have significantly different work cultures, with more collaborative cultures in higher…

Explores aspects of implementing an elementary professional development school (PDS) with a faculty of 80 teachers over a 1-year period. Findings of this ethnographic case study report the visions of teachers in this PDS, the processes that impacted the sharing of teachers' visions, and the PDS efforts that encouraged teachers to explicate and…

Studied the process by which university teachers arrived at positive perceptions of computer assisted instruction (CAI) through a survey completed by 63 college teachers in Singapore. Results show that knowledge of CAI is a dominant factor influencing the perceived usefulness of CAI. (SLD)

Studied the impact of technology specialists on the use of technology among teachers in rural school districts in Georgia. Interviews with five technology specialists show that they provide assistance to teachers through staff development, technical assistance, and administrative support. (SLD)

How four experienced elementary school teachers reflected on a social studies lesson they had taught and then viewed on videotape was studied. Teachers most frequently used experience and theory to explain their instructional approaches, and they appreciated the opportunity to reflect on their own practices. (SLD)

Whether there is a relationship between teachers' ratings of principal effectiveness and school-based council effectiveness was studied with 320 elementary school teachers and 19 elementary principals in Kentucky. Overall principal perception was correlated to successfully viewed school-based decision-making meetings, the basic source of…