The National Survey of Science and Mathematics Education (NSSME) has provided periodic snapshots of K-12 science instruction in the United States for over 40 years. Study topics include teacher background and beliefs, professional learning opportunities, course offerings, instructional objectives and activities, resources for instruction, and…

In this response to Lingley's (2016) article "Democratic Foundations of Spiritually Responsive Pedagogy," the author invites the framework of (a)spiritually responsive curriculum to include a more direct engagement with a culturally relevant curriculum as well. The author agrees with Lingley's postulation that (a)spirituality is deeply…

There is enormous urgency to actively develop sound plans that address equity, social and emotional well-being, and academic excellence in schools. This blueprint is founded on the belief that all students can succeed when learning is supported by equitable systems. To achieve equity, individuals and systems must truly value all students and their…

Since teaching is a creative endeavor, there are no infallible guides to success. Good instruction, however, typically involves four elements: motivation, organization, clarification, and generalization. Furthermore, a great teacher is one who projects a vision of excellence. (Author/GC)

Educators should look beyond quantitative measures of intelligence and consider learning styles and abilities. The attitudes of teachers and the knowledgeability of administrators are both essential elements for the successful integration of handicapped learners into regular classrooms. (Author/GC)

Reviews the basic tenets of educator Haim Ginnot's theories about teacher behavior and classroom communication as the most influential element that contributes to children's behavior in the classroom, as teachers consistently demonstrate and model positive communication, behaviors, and relationships. Explains several of Ginnot's essential ideas…

This paper examines the methods used in designing school and classroom environments. The tools are labeled: (1) discipline-centered schooling; (2) empirical-naturalistic schooling; and (3) great works schooling. First, the outline endeavors to reveal the essential elements of the three tools that represent images, structures, or "maps" of…

This article considers the relationship between teachers' ideological beliefs about education and the decisions they make, focusing on beliefs regarding purpose of schooling and process of knowledge acquisition. The effects of teacher beliefs on adoption and implementation of instructional innovations, particularly cooperative learning, are…

Exciting developments for New Zealand education have provided opportunities recently for teachers and other educators to express their professional aspirations in assessment. The mantle of fostering teachers' professionalism through strong relationships across the education sector and relevant stakeholder groups, and the provision of timely…

Based on his reading, research, and experiences as both a classroom teacher and teacher educator, the author accepts Dewey's ultimate recognition that the problem is not simply that teachers are unaware of alternatives to schooling as usual, and that better teacher education is the solution to making schools the sites of more active learning. The…

Reviews of the state of biology fieldwork in UK schools and universities at the beginning of the twenty-first century (Barker, Slingsby, and Tilling 2002; Smith 2004) were not entirely pessimistic; rather they suggested ways forward that might lead to an increase in fieldwork. Whether their hopes have been realised has, perhaps, been revealed by…

Tyrone Howard is Professor of Education at UCLA; Associate Dean of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; and former Director of Center X, which is where UCLA's teacher education program is housed. Center X provides a unique setting where researchers and practitioners collaborate to design and conduct programs that prepare and support K-12 teachers and…

Guidelines for gifted education programs are offered in a discussion of 10 commonly held myths, such as only gifted students can do in-depth, independent projects; 20% of high school dropouts are gifted; gifted students are more prone to depression and suicide; cooperative learning is inappropriate with gifted students; and gifted students are…

Presents information on beginning teaching experiences from the journals and taped conversations of six novice teachers. The article discusses the influence of teacher background and examines teachers' opinions that they learn more through teaching and daily encounters with students than through inservice workshops and university courses. (SM)

Outlines perspectives on literacy evident in the mass media: the business perspective, the deficiency perspective, and the combat perspective. Reflects on other literacy metaphors, and argues that, as knowledgeable participants in the public debate, teachers should use literacy labels that reflect more authentic and legitimate viewpoints. (SR)