Discussions of the research-practice gap often assume that K-12 educators are uninterested in or even derisive about the value of research for improving student learning. The work of K-12 educators in the Minority Student Achievement Network (MSAN) counters this conventional wisdom. This article provides evidence that MSAN educators not only value…

The article discusses questions related to the application of educational research to state public policy, including the characteristics of educational policy which influence the use of research-based information; the most effective kinds of research information; and the best methods for communicating that information to policymakers. (JL)

This article considers different ways in which research and policy are connected in an era of educational reform. The relationship between public policy, school reform, and educational research is examined from a political perspective. The article focuses on the uses of research in recent state-level reform activities in Texas. (JL)

Sex equity research, which compares educational treatment and outcomes of males and females, is defined, and the goals implicit to its conceptual framework discussed. The importance of this research and its implications for policymakers is discussed. Recommendations for researchers, educators, and policymakers are made. (JL)

Research on teaching, learning, and schooling, while extremely helpful, does not translate automatically into prescriptions for change, which requires support, trust, and adaptation rather than inflexible mandates that imply distrust. (CB)

A model of generative learning suggests teachers must be aware that students learn what they construct from teaching, not necessarily what teachers are teaching. The study of student thought processes upon a base of neural, cognitive and educational research leads to improved instruction and furthers the goal of universal education. (MT)

The National Association of Secondary School Principals formed a national task force on learning styles, defining them as the composite of cognitive, affective, and physiological factors that indicate how a learner approaches learning. The goal was to develop a workable diagnostic instrument leading to personalized education. (MT)

Using a question-and-answer format, this article presents information to help schools become more familiar with the concept of learning styles. Students appear to be able to identify their preferences and absorb more in environments that complement their strengths. (DF)

Until recently, teacher behaviors as conceptualized by educational researchers were not consistent with teachers' own views of effective teaching. Explicit attention has to be devoted to the characteristics of the teacher so that changes or adoptions of new procedures will be congruent with the teacher's own ideas and attitudes. (JN)

The central task of the teacher is to accomplish tasks that will result in pupil learning. Research on the effects that certain competencies have on teacher behavior and student academic achievement is needed. (CJ)

Socially critical action research in education can be defined as being strategic and critical pedagogic action on the part of classroom teachers aimed at increasing social justice. Five characteristics of socially critical action research are examined: participation, direction, consciousness, constraints, and outcomes. (IAH)

Discusses how to hear and incorporate students' voices in educational learning and inquiry, explaining the context for and importance of hearing students' voices. Discusses teachers' roles as researchers who would incorporate student voices in their research, forms of research, and necessary skills and materials for becoming teacher-researchers.…

Discusses a collaborative project between education and anthropology which qualitatively studies the establishment of strategic connections between households and classrooms in Arizona's Mexican communities. Teacher-researchers visit households, assume the role of learners, establish connections with parents, and develop instructional activities…

Introduces a theme issue that focuses on how qualitative researchers ensure that the data they get are good, explaining why it is important for teachers and administrators to understand this. The paper briefly reviews each of the articles, all of which address one aspect of getting good data based on the authors' own research and experiences. (SM)

Demonstrates how nonacademic interviewing talents can inform how qualitative researchers perform and produce interviews, outlining key concepts and practices for better qualitative interviewing from journalists and other researchers and examining four elements of interview practice (background information, interview analysis, protocol creation and…