Standardized testing in the United States has been increasing at a rapid pace in the last twenty-five years. The market for tests has not only been expanding rapidly, but has also been changing sharply in structure into a fractured marketplace. Indeed, one of the main features of this book is that the market for standardized testing is highly fractured - with segments of the market facing monopoly conditions, others facing oligopoly conditions and still others where near free-market conditions exist. One of the main premises of the book is that the structures of markets have strong implications for how those markets perform. While this notion is widely accepted among economists, it is not widely appreciated in educational research. A second motivation for the book is that very little scholarly attention has been focused on the standardized testing industry. This topic - the structure of the testing industry and implications for the quality of tests and test use - affects how we evaluate the learning of students, the effectiveness of teaching, the quality of schools and the educational health of the nation. Of particular concern to the authors is one vital aspect of test quality: test validity. This book is the most current and authoritative review and analysis of the market for standardized testing.

This volume offers foundational information and research-based strategies for meeting the needs of deaf and hard of hearing learners with disabilities. The disabilities covered in this volume include developmental delays, autism spectrum disorder, intellectual and learning disabilities, deafblindness, emotional and behavioral disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and a variety of high incidence syndromes. Contributors examine the literature within each disability category, share best practices, and consider demographics/characteristics, intervention/identification, placement, communication/language, psychosocial issues, assistive technologies/accommodations, assessments, and transition/post-secondary outcomes. Each chapter begins with learning objectives and concludes with discussion questions and a resource list. Deaf and Hard of Hearing Learners with Disabilities is an essential book for courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, and in workshops and webinars for in-service teachers, professionals, and families.

Professionals in early years settings can use this book to focus on ways in which they can work collaboratively with colleagues, in order to help children with communication difficulties to understand and express themselves more fully. It brings together the most useful examples of good practice and draws on the work of reflective practitioners. There are many illustrative case studies provided and it discusses how to observe children's daily interactions, ways in which such observations can be used to improve communication skills; how play can be an important part of improvement; behavior management and support; and literacy development. The practical applications are highlighted throughout the book and the advice given comes directly from those working in early years settings. It should be of great interest to all nursery teachers, teaching assistants, speech and language therapists and parents wishing to play an active part in their children's development of language and communication skills.

This volume introduces the concept of 'adaptivity' as occurring when, say, individuals cross boundaries. Through illustrations from both formal and informal learning, the book seeks to provide learning designs and frameworks for adaptivity. This book is unique as it ties together: a) social-individual dialectics; and b) adaptive learning as it relates to creativity and imagination. It highlights case studies from social / new media contexts, school learning milieux, and formal and informal situations. It approaches adaptive learning from the perspectives of students, teachers, school leaders, and participants in social media and other digitally mediated environments. The book is a valuable resource for practitioners and academics who are interested in adaptivity as a learning disposition."

Teachers in higher education have had to become more professional in their approach to teaching, matching their professionalism in research. The first edition of this book prepares teachers to do and undergo quality audits and appraisals, and to achieve their personal aims of improving their teaching and their students' learning. The strength of this book is that it provides a sound theoretical basis for designing and using learning technologies in university teaching.
This new edition builds upon the success of the first and contains major updates to the information on learning technologies and includes the implications of using technology for the university context - both campus and electronic - which suggests a new approach to managing learning at institutional level.

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With the rise of teacher stressors, new and changing state standards, and high-stakes testing, it is more important than ever to remind literacy teachers and teacher-librarians about the reason that brought them to this profession: the love of story. The Gift of Story, by John Schu (affectionately known as "Mr. Schu" all over reading communities), invites readers to consider literacy beyond its academic benefits and explore how universal truths found in stories can change us, inspire us, connect us to others, answer our deepest questions, and even help us heal along the way. Using his experience as a teacher, librarian, book lover, and story ambassador, Mr. Schu asks readers to reflect on what it means to share their hearts through stories and how it can connect us to individuals and learning communities. The Gift of Story is presented through a study of five affective elements: Healer, Inspiration, Clarifier, Compassion, and Connector. Along the way, readers will encounter insightful contributions from educators, children's writers, and illustrators, as well as recommendations for sharing the gift of story with learning communities including: treasured book suggestions that stir reflection, engaging tips for celebrating literacy, and heart-growing applications to lift classroom and library practices. Celebrate the way we define and imagine ourselves through literacy by using stories to connect to others, build and strengthen community, and honor the children we were called to teach.

This provocative text offers an inside look at the hidden dimensions of teaching. Sometimes controversial, always poignant, the book examines highly debated issues fundamental to a free and open society. School reform is at a critical juncture; the portrait of the profession revealed here serves as a catalyst for change. Chapters discuss such timely and relevant topics as the preparation of teachers past and present, the daily work of teachers, and the influence of current policy on public education. Teaching our children is a shared responsibility. The work of teaching described in this book demonstrates clearly that there is much work to be done by all involved. This book will inform and empower a wide range of readers including those considering careers in teaching, those who have children in school, who vote and pay taxes, work in schools, influence policy, or those who are business leaders.

Recognize and support twice-exceptional (2e) learners to help them succeed in school and beyond. Twice-exceptional (2e) learners have often been misunderstood, disciplined, unchallenged, and left behind. Even as awareness of 2e learners has grown, educators are still in need of practical tools to recognize and support their twice-exceptional students. This book answers that need, providing teachers with accessible information about twice-exceptional diagnoses and suggested accommodations, modifications, and collaboration with other educational professionals. Dedicated to the needs of all 2e learners, the first part of the book covers identifying and understanding 2e students, strength-based instruction, motivation and self-regulation, and executive functioning skills. The second part details how gifted students are affected by another diagnosis, including: Specific learning disabilities ADHD Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Processing difficulties Anxiety-based diagnoses Depression and other mood disorders This book equips educators with information that will make it easier for them to advocate for their 2e students, including what they need to know about the individualized education plan (IEP) and Section 504 plan process. Special topics, such as gifted students with physical disabilities, students experiencing trauma, and gifted learners from diverse backgrounds, are also included. With Teaching Twice-Exceptional Learners in Today s Classroom, educators can better identify, support, and meet the needs of their 2e students.

Difficult Students and Disruptive Behavior in the Classroom addresses the most common problem behaviours encountered in the classroom. Offering not just problem-specific "best practices" but an attachment-based foundation of sound principles, it empowers educators to act wisely when problem behaviours occur, improve their relationships with students and teach with greater success and confidence.

A volume in Research on Religion and Education Series Editors Stephen J. Denig, Niagara University and Lyndon G. Furst, Andrews University Two major real-world problems prompted this study: maintaining the Catholic identity of the Catholic schools, and increasing interest in character education. Traditionally, Catholic schools in the United States were staffed exclusively by priests, sisters, and brothers. Today, they are predominately staffed by laypersons. This change has influenced the essential religious character and culture of Catholic schools. While Religious filter their teachings through their own religious training and emphasize the mission and charisma of Catholic education, lay staff often lack the same intensely religious experiences to bring to the teaching/learning environment. This qualitative interview study explored the influence that a series of spirituality and virtue seminars had on lay teachers' perceptions of the Catholic school and character education

This volume presents a comprehensive overview of inclusion and diversity in education across the globe. It examines how more inclusive education systems can be built, and covers areas and topics such as disability studies, sexual minorities, and indigenous communities, marginalized communities among others. The book presents perspectives of experienced and distinguished experts and researchers on inclusive practices related to participation, equity, and access from countries such as India, USA, Australia, UK, Canada, South Africa, Japan, Pakistan, Rome, Hungary, Sweden, and others. It discusses how spoken language, race, gender, and religion contribute to inclusion and marginalization. The volume also explores ideas on how schools and educational systems can respond to diversity-related issues, and the lessons learnt about how to improve capacity for further inclusion. Additionally, it provides a holistic understanding of the classroom practices and interventions adopted to handle problems of students with diverse needs. This incisive and comprehensive volume will be of interest to students, teachers and researchers of education, inclusion and diversity, equity and access, disability studies, educational psychology, social work, sociology, and anthropology. It will also be useful for teacher educators of B.Ed. and B. El. Ed courses, and anyone who is associated with or working in the field of diversity and inclusion.

Children's early experiences of literacy have a major influence on how they continue to learn as they grow older. Children enter early childhood programs and school with a wealth of knowledge and understandings of literacy. It is critical that early childhood professionals and teachers recognise and build on this learning.Literacy Learning in the Early Years offers a practical introduction to literacy issues for early childhood professionals and teachers working with children aged 0-8, in childcare, preschool and school contexts.The authors take a socio-cultural approach to literacy learning, emphasising the importance of understanding the various contexts in which young children are involved in literacy practices. They explore a range of literacy issues that early childhood professionals and teachers are facing in the 21st century. These issues include the role of play in literacy learning, how to use information communication technologies with young children and ways of introducing critical literacy. Literacy is understood broadly and readers are encouraged to explore a range of print and other media with children.With chapters from both Australian and UK authors Literacy Learning in the Early Years is an ideal professional reference and student text. a very useful introductory text to literacy development in early childhood. It is clearly written and accessible to the wide range of professionals working with young children as well as to teachers and parents. It will be a valuable text in training at initial and in-service levels on a wide range of courses.Lesley Abbott, Professor of Early Childhood Education, Manchester Metropolitan Universitythis well written, comprehensive book combines many practical examples of learning to do literacy and suggestions for action, and all the while engages the reader with questions and starting points for reflection.Susan Hill, Associate professor, The Centre for Studies in Literacy, University of South Australia

Becoming a Successful Teacher of Maths is a practical guide for newly qualified teachers of secondary mathematics. It develops the essential core knowledge, skills and understanding demanded by the new DfEE requirements for courses of initial teacher training. It is based on research findings relating to the organisation and management of maths classrooms, teaching approaches, assessment and the common misconceptions which often hinder pupils' progress in key areas of the National Curriculum. Theoretical principles are exemplified through case-study material. Suggestions for school-based activities are made. While being a practical 'how to' guide for beginning teachers, it also offers critical insights for more experience teachers reflecting on their practice.

Further and Higher Education in the UK has expanded greatly in recent years, bringing into education large numbers of young people who present teachers with new challenges. At the same time, there is an immense pressure to improve the quality of learning and teaching, and to encourage students to be active participants in the process.
This book is aimed at teachers, aspiring teachers and other professionals in upper secondary schools, further education colleges and universities who wish to increase learner motivation and to create opportunities for greater learner autonomy. It will:
* relate learning theory to practice
* provide practical help for teachers to understand how they tend to interact with students
* suggest how they may build a repertoire of teaching styles that foster sharing of responsibility with learners for more effective learning.

The second edition of David Dunn's bestselling How to be an Outstanding Primary School Teacher, now updated to reflect changes in teaching initiatives and educational policy, including valuable new content on using technology in the primary classroom. This book features lots of easy-to-introduce activities and techniques that will propel satisfactory and good lessons into the outstanding category - not just when being observed, but all the time. And the best news? It tells you how to do this without spending lots more time planning, researching and preparing 'out of this world' lessons. David Dunn provides invaluable advice on all areas of classroom practice, from lesson planning to differentiation, questioning and assessment for learning. There are dozens of starters, plenaries and useful websites, and the author's own website offers resources to save you even more time. A must for all primary school teachers who want to become outstanding, not just for the inspectors but for every child they teach.

Offers information on the techniques of teaching science classes. This book aims to guide the reader though each step of improving teaching skills and provides resource lists on books, periodicals and organizations of value to science teachers.

In Volume III, as in Volumes I and II, the classic topics of reading are included--from vocabulary and comprehension to reading instruction in the classroom--and, in addition, each contributor was asked to include a brief history that chronicles the legacies within each of the volume's many topics. However, on the whole, Volume III is not about tradition. Rather, it explores the verges of reading research between the time Volume II was published in 1991 and the research conducted after this date. The editors identified two broad themes as representing the myriad of verges that have emerged since Volumes I and II were published: (1) broadening the definition of reading, and (2) broadening the reading research program. The particulars of these new themes and topics are addressed.

In many ways America is in worse shape than before the first Watts riots occurred over 25 years ago. Intolerance is still abundant; greed is very much alive; and hope held by many at the bottom has been dimmed, if not extinguished. For our country to become everything it is capable of becoming and everything our ancestors dreamed, education cannot continue as usual. Ours is a great country, but when even one of its citizens is made to feel less than human or is robbed of their dignity, something is wrong. Hope, Intolerance, and Greed: A Reality Check for Teachers encourages teachers to question the status quo and to reexamine their power to influence the direction our country takes into the 21st century. It also encourages teachers to acknowledge the realities that exist, teach the rejection of violence, and promote an awareness and understanding of people as individuals.

This text provides a description and analysis of play and its use in helping young children to reach their potential. It is aimed at professionals working with young children with special educational needs and from a range of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.;The authors have sought to make sense of play from theoretical and practical sources to promote an interactive perspective. Included in the book is the authors' model of Play Based Assessment, a framework that can be used to assess and mediate children's learning and development.

With the turmoil and conflict that has been present in recent times, it is imperative that new methods of teaching are explored in order to produce emotionally secure and connected individuals. Social-emotional learning and whole learner education has emerged as a strategy to ensure that students are actively engaged in learning, the school, and their community. It teaches them tactics that allow them to better manage their emotions, maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. It is imperative that the whole learner is supported and encouraged to ensure proper mental health, academic achievement, and social responsibility of current and future generations. Multifaceted Strategies for Social-Emotional Learning and Whole Learner Education is a critical research publication that supports teachers who wish to utilize these teaching theories to meet their students' needs academically, socially, and emotionally and to ensure that they become lifelong learners. Highlighting topics such as adult learners, professional development, and culturally responsive education, this book is ideal for teachers, guidance counselors, researchers, academicians, and students who want to improve their understanding of learners and their social-emotional growth at various stages of learning, to find strategies that will assist in the development of any learner, and to find strategic models that promote lifelong learning.

Bringing Hygge into the Early Years is a "how-to" guide for every early educator who wishes to bring more calmness and balance into their day, in turn, leaving them feeling empowered to teach and live well. Drawing from the author's experience of embracing the Scandinavian way of living well, "hygge," this book explores how this approach can have a positive impact across your early years setting, from improved mental health and wellbeing, to embracing child-led play and high-quality outdoor provision. With step-by-step guidance on how to embed the approach alongside examples of hygge from early educators around the world, the book is divided into four main parts: Re-balance you The hygge environment Slow teaching Embracing nature Throughout each chapter, case studies and activities provide the opportunity to reflect on existing practice and support you as you make positive changes to both your wellbeing and provision. This guide will be essential reading for all early years professionals, offering further support to improve mental health and wellbeing, as well as valuable tools to lead early years practice with confidence and joy.

The Extended Mind by award-winning science writer, Annie Murphy Paul, is not an out-and-out education book. But it is entirely focused on how learning and thinking happen, illustrating how a multi-modal approach to cognition can widen points of access to intellectual activity. Using evidence from cognitive science, neuroscience, and psychology, The Extended Mind might broaden your understanding of human cognition. The findings of Annie Murphy Paul parallel those of cognitive load theorists: memory is at the core of cognition, and the body, the environment and other people enrich learning. In this book, Emma Turner, David Goodwin, and Oliver Caviglioli demonstrate how teachers can help their students augment their thinking with their bodies (embodied cognition), external tools (situated cognition) and the people around them (distributed cognition). To ease your concerns, you will read how the works of several eminent researchers validate claims put forward. Teachers and leaders of all education phases will find this book enlightening; using practical strategies and cases studies, the authors highlight opportunities to enrich students' learning by widening points of access to intellectual activity.