Education Commons^™

High-Stakes Testing And Special Populations, Gary H. Sherwin, Todd Jennings

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

This opinion paper critically examines the use of high-stakes testing on special populations. Without appropriate accommodations, standardized exams are not valid for some students with special needs. Unfortunately, many classroom teachers who must initiate testing accommodations lack knowledge of appropriate accommodations and regularly fail to provide the necessary testing accommodations. The deficit understanding of testing accommodations makes comparisons between classrooms, schools, and districts invalid since some scores loose validity. Solutions specific to standardized testing and students with special needs are offered and a more encompassing solution to the problems incurred from these tests when used for high-stakes is suggested.

High-Stakes Testing And Assessment: One Is Not The Other, Enrique Murillo, Alayne Sullivan

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

Since the institution of the common school and the advent of universal education, Americans have placed tremendous faith in public schools. Public education cultivates an informed citizenry, one of the pillars of a liberal democracy. But more importantly, schools are a repository for our common dreams of human potential and individual self-actualization. Because they so thoroughly shape the lives and life-chances of our youth, school issues are freighted with an emotional charge. Education remains the last fully public American institution, one in which millions of students cast their common lot daily and strive to become better readers, better citizens, better …

To Wonder, Wander, And Linger In The World Of Standardized Testing, Randall Wright, Alayne Sullivan

Journal of Critical Issues in Educational Practice

The standards movement began as a nobly-intended effort to establish a core curriculum—a template of knowledge and skills that would guide teaching and learning across the K-12 curriculum. Our attempts to standardize curriculum may have unintended and deleterious side-effect: The atrophying of the mind’s natural tendencies for exploratory play and inherently imaginative dimensions. This paper engages us in a critical remembering of our pedagogical relationships with children. It reminds us of children’s ways of being and asks how we might engage them in a rigorous appreciation of curricular literacies without thwarting their wonderful wanderings. Ultimately, we worry about the place …

2005-2006 Ursinus College Course Catalogue, Office Of The Registrar

Ursinus College Catalogues, 1869-Present

A digitized copy of the 2005-2006 Ursinus College Catalog. It contains details of the curriculum, departmental requirements and courses of instruction as well as lists of faculty and administrators. Student life, terms of admission, expenses and financial aid are also included as well as descriptions of the buildings and equipment available to students.

First Experiences With Object Lessons In Nineteenth-Century Brazil: Origins Of A Progressive Pedagogy For The Brazilian Primary School [Primeiras Experiências Com O Ensino Por Objetos No Brasil Oitocentista: Origens De Uma Pedagogia Progressiva Para A Escola Primaria Brasileira], Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia

Karl M Lorenz

This paper describes the methodology of Object Teaching and relates how its appearance in Brazil was a transnational phenomenon that achieved its maximum articulation in 1886 with Rui Barbosa’s translation of Norman Calkins’ Primary Object Lessons. It begins with an overview of primary school teaching in Brazil in the second half of the 19th century, followed by discussion of Barbosa’s ideas on promoting change in the schools. Central to the exposition are the ideas contained in a report that Barbosa submitted to the National Assembly in 1882, in which he proposed a new organization of primary school education, suggestions for …

Concurrent Enrollment Vs. Advanced Placement Courses, Sarah C. Mckenzie, Gary W. Ritter

Policy Briefs

The Lake View decision required that Arkansas schools provide a “substantially equal” curriculum to all students. The package of reforms adopted by the Arkansas General Assembly in 2003 included a measure that required high schools to offer College Board Advanced Placement (AP) courses and/or concurrent enrollment in college level courses (Act 102, §6-16- 1201-1206). Specifically, beginning with the 2008-2009 school year, all school districts are required to offer one AP course in each of the four core areas of math, English, science, and social studies for a total of four courses. In districts that do not already offer these courses, …

First Experiences With Object Lessons In Nineteenth-Century Brazil: Origins Of A Progressive Pedagogy For The Brazilian Primary School, Karl M. Lorenz, Ariclê Vechia

Education Faculty Publications

This paper describes the methodology of Object Teaching and relates how its appearance in Brazil was a transnational phenomenon that achieved its maximum articulation in 1886 with Rui Barbosa’s translation of Norman Calkins’ Primary Object Lessons. It begins with an overview of primary school teaching in Brazil in the second half of the 19th century, followed by discussion of Barbosa’s ideas on promoting change in the schools. Central to the exposition are the ideas contained in a report that Barbosa submitted to the National Assembly in 1882, in which he proposed a new organization of primary school education, suggestions for …

His Story/Her Story: A Dialogue About Including Men And Masculinities In The Women’S Studies Curriculum, B. Berila, J. Keller, C. Krone, Jason A. Laker, O. Mayers

Faculty Publications

The article discusses the issue of inclusion of men and masculinities in the Women's Studies curriculum. Women's Studies programs were started to compensate for the male domination in the academics. Women's Studies presented a platform where scholarship for women was produced and taken seriously, female students and faculty could find their say or voice, and theoretical investigations required for the advancement of the aims of the women's movement could take place. If the academy as a whole does not sufficiently integrate Women's Studies into the curriculum, integrating Men's Studies into Women's Studies might end up further marginalizing Women's Studies by …

Gang Prevention Service-Learning Project, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

11th grade U.S. History students have determined that 6-7th grade youth are the age group susceptible to joining gangs. The Jefferson High School youth worked on an assembly program to educate middle school students at Los Angeles Academy about the realities of gang life and the alternatives that exist to avoid future gang affiliation and involvement. Skits, speakers, pamphlets, collages, surveys, and small groups discussions were used to promote gang prevention.

Recycling Service-Learning Project, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

11th grade students identified needs related to excess campus trash and a school budget crisis. They chose to tackle both issues by expanding South Gates recycling program. Students partnered with the LA Conservation Corps recycling programto set-up a large recycling bin, arrange for pick-up and disposal, and generate proceeds for school improvement. The students were responsible for a major education campaign on campus as well as the logistics of the project including the location of the recycling bin. The education campaign included: making and distributing posters and flyers, classroom and PowerPoint presentations on recycling, intercom announcements, and information on the …

Food Quality And Food Choice Project, Cesar Chavez Foundation

Curriculum

Students at Southgate High School identified school improvement as a pressing need. Students chose to focus specifically on the dissatisfaction with food served on campus. Students developed a campus wide survey to report on improvements that can be made in food service as well as healthy food alternatives in cafeteria and vending machines. Students also learned about the value of good nutrition and the lack of quality and fresh food available in low-income communities of color.

Community Service Work-Study Program (Cswsp) Student Handbook, Center For Service And Learning At Oberlin College

Curriculum

Materials for the Be Proud! · Be Responsible! CONGRESO do Latinos Unidos, Inc. event on June 14 - 15, 2005.

Community Service Work-Study Program (Cswsp) Student Handbook - For Student Employees 2005-2006, Center For Service And Learning At Oberlin College

Curriculum

This document contains: Introduction; Community Service Partners; Financial Information; Training; Student Resources; Frequently Asked Questions; and Contact Information.

Transcending Disciplines, Reinforcing Curricula: Why Faculty Teach With Service Learning, Rudy M. Garcia, Gail Robinson

Higher Education

Service learning as a teaching methodology has a growing following among faculty in higher education. Service learning combines community service with classroom instruction, focusing on critical, reflective thinking as well as personal and civic responsibility. Service learning programs involve students in activities that address local needs while developing their academic skills and commitment to their communities.

Fractions, Decimals, And Percents : A Fifth Grade Curriculum Unit, Jeffrey Li

Graduate Student Independent Studies

This independent study outlines a fifth grade curriculum unit for fractions, decimals, and percents. The unit utilizes a problem-solving approach to lead to deep understanding of fractions and their relations to decimals and percents. The study is influenced by writings by Hiebert, Dewey, Piaget, \/ygotsky, and Fosnot, and uses a lesson planning format created by Hal Melnick. Four explorations drive the unit:

Exploration 1: What is a fraction?

Exploration 2: Going Deeper with Fractions

Exploration 3: Connecting Fractions to Decimals and Percents

Exploration 4: Comparing Fractional Amounts

Opinions About Challenge By Choice Held By Undergraduate And Graduate Students In Outdoor Education Academic Programs At Georgia College & State University, Ryan L. Sharp

The Corinthian

A primary concern when discussing the concept of Challenge by Choice (CxC) is defining it and identifying how it is used. This study is a survey of students in the outdoor education academic programs at Georgia College & State University. The primary objective of the study was to compare graduate and undergraduate student opinions about the meaning and use of CxC. It was hypothesized that graduate students would have different opinions about the concept then undergraduate students. Twenty students responded to an eight item online survey. Data was analyzed using a chi-square test. No statistical significance at the alpha .05 …

His Story/Her Story: A Dialogue About Including Men And Masculinities In The Women’S Studies Curriculum, Beth Berila, Jean Keller, Camilla Krone, Jason A. Laker, Ozzie Mayers

Jason Laker

Three faculty members and two program directors in Women's/Gender/Men's Studies contend that Men's Studies can provide an important complement to Women's Studies programs. The director of Women's Studies at Saint Cloud State University, Minnesota, discusses the incorporation of gender studies into Women's Studies programs; a program director describes the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University's (CSB/SJU) evolution from a position where many Women's Studies faculty were wary of Men's Studies to support of the incorporation of Men's Studies as an explicit requirement of two required courses for their Gender and Women's Studies minor; two longtime Gender and Women's Studies faculty …

Curriculum Adjustments For Students With Learning Disabilities In Mainstream Clasrooms., Deslea M. Konza

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

The stated policies or mission statements of many education systems around the world reflect the widespread realisation that students with learning difficulties and disabilities have both the ability and the right to learn in a normalised environment, and thus include a goal related to helping all students achieve to their potential. Indeed, education is viewed as one of the major ways in which individuals may achieve life goals, as it often holds the key to level of employment and financial security, level of housing and other life opportunities in addition to personal satisfaction and achievement (Allen, 2003; UNESCO, 2001).

Inducting Pre-Service Teachers Into Reflective Inquiry And Research Methods: Contested Curriculum And Pedagogical Spaces, Ted Booth

Faculty of Education - Papers (Archive)

The location of research methods within the pre-service teacher education curriculum has been a contentious debate within the writer's Faculty of Education for many years. Concurrently the scope and sequence of the major concepts and skills to be taught in inquiry and research methods and the related pedagogy has also been contentious. This paper attempts to chart some of the dimensions and contentions within these spaces, and links this critique to a discussion about changes in the structure and implementation of new four year Bachelor of Primary Education at the University of Wollongong. A self-study methodology is utilised in conjunction …

Drama In The Docklands, Mary Moynihan

Articles

An article by Mary Moynihan in IN2 Magazine, issue number seven, Winter 2005, on Drama in the Docklands, a project run by Smashing Times Theatre Company that promotes access to creativity in the docklands area of Dublin, bringing drama into two primary schools - St Joseph's Primary School, East Wall and City Quay Primary School, City Quay. The article documents the project and the year-end show by children at Samuel Beckett Centre, Trinity College, Dublin.

The Effects Of A Project-Based Mathematics Curriculum On Middle School Students' Intended Career Paths Related To Science, Technology, Engineering And Mathematics, Barbara Clanton

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study is an examination of whether a project-based mathematics curriculum would influence students' intended career paths related to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) endeavors; perceived usefulness of mathematics; and perceived competence in doing mathematics. A review of the literature revealed that there are many shortages of professionals in STEM fields. United States women and men are not pursuing STEM endeavors in great numbers and the U.S. relies heavily on international students to fill this gap. The literature revealed that the girls who do not pursue STEM endeavors in great numbers do not perceive mathematics as a useful endeavor …

An Analysis Of The Implementation Of Differentiated Instruction In A Middle School And High School And The Effects Of Implementation On Curriculum Content And Student Achievement, John P. Burns

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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