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Full-Text Articles in Education

Improving The Self-Esteem Of At-Risk Youth, Gavrielle Levine, Deborah Majerovitz, Elizabeth Schnur, Charletta Robinson, Cadine Soman Oct 2008

Improving The Self-Esteem Of At-Risk Youth, Gavrielle Levine, Deborah Majerovitz, Elizabeth Schnur, Charletta Robinson, Cadine Soman

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study, which is part of a larger study, describes and evaluates a federally-funded (U.S. Administration for Children and Families, CBAE) program, RESOLVE, designed to increase self-esteem and encourage healthy life choices of at-risk youth. This program combines an educational component teaching healthy lifestyles, goal setting, and refusal skills to avoid unhealthy behaviors with a vocational training component. Preliminary data from post-test analysis show increased content knowledge and modest increases in self-esteem suggesting that this program is a promising way to reach a challenging population. It incorporates best practices in health education by taking a holistic approach and addressing physical …


Measuring Teachers’ Perceptions Of Grading Practices: Does School Level Make A Difference?, Xing Liu Oct 2008

Measuring Teachers’ Perceptions Of Grading Practices: Does School Level Make A Difference?, Xing Liu

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The effectiveness of classroom assessment and grading practices has become an increasingly important research topic in education. However, previous research had no consensus on whether school level had an effect on teachers’ grading practices. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether middle and high school teachers differ in regard to ratings of the importance and usefulness of grading practices, teachers’ perceived self-efficacy of the grading process, and the degree to which factors such as student effort, ability and teachers’ personal grading habits affect their grading decisions. A total of 107 secondary school teachers participated in this study …


Assessing Measurement Invariance Of The Teachers’ Perceptions Of Grading Practices Scale Across Cultures, Xing Liu Oct 2008

Assessing Measurement Invariance Of The Teachers’ Perceptions Of Grading Practices Scale Across Cultures, Xing Liu

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

In a cross-cultural study, it is crucial to understand whether items and the factorial structure of a survey instrument are equivalent across different cultural groups, because items might mean differently to different population groups, and thus the factorial structure of the measurement instrument might not hold across groups. The purpose of this study was to investigate the measurement invariance of the Teachers’ Perceptions of Grading Practices Scale (TPGP) across the U.S. and China using structural equation modeling. In particular, this study was designed to examine whether items and the factorial structure of the TPGP scale were equivalent across the two …


Improving Automaticity With Basic Addition Facts: Do Taped Problems Work Faster Than Cover, Copy, Compare?, James Cressey, Kristin Ezbicki Oct 2008

Improving Automaticity With Basic Addition Facts: Do Taped Problems Work Faster Than Cover, Copy, Compare?, James Cressey, Kristin Ezbicki

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This small pilot study compared the effectiveness of two interventions to improve automaticity with basic addition facts: Taped Problems (TP) and Cover, Copy, Compare (CCC), in students aged 6-10. Automaticity was measured using Mathematics Curriculum-Based Measurement (M-CBM) at pretest, after 10 days, and after 20 days of intervention. Our hypothesis was that the TP group will gain higher levels of automaticity more quickly than the CCC and control groups. However, when gain scores were compared, no significant differences were found between groups. Limitations to the study include low treatment integrity and a short duration of intervention.


Measuring College Student Satisfaction: A Multi-Year Study Of The Factors Leading To Persistence, Felice D. Billups Oct 2008

Measuring College Student Satisfaction: A Multi-Year Study Of The Factors Leading To Persistence, Felice D. Billups

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Using Tinto's (1987) social integration theory as a framework, this study measured student satisfaction in six transformative areas: educational experience, skills development, faculty interaction, personal growth, sense of community, and overall expectations. Emerging as a strategic planning process priority, this project sought to identify those areas where students succeeded or were at risk. Employing a three-phase mixed methods approach, this descriptive, longitudinal study was conducted from 1990-2004 at a highly selective specialized college and assisted college administrators in developing or modifying programs that would enhance student satisfaction to ensure degree completion.


A Case Study Of Teachers' Mathematics Content Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Mathematics And Teaching, Brian R. Evans Oct 2008

A Case Study Of Teachers' Mathematics Content Knowledge And Attitudes Toward Mathematics And Teaching, Brian R. Evans

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study intended to measure teacher mathematical content knowledge both before and after the first year of teaching and taking graduate teacher education courses in the Teach for America (TFA) program, as well as measure attitudes toward mathematics and teaching both before and after TFA teachers’ first year. There was a significant increase in both mathematical content knowledge and attitudes toward mathematics over the TFA teachers’ first year teaching. Additionally, several significant correlations were found between attitudes toward mathematics and content knowledge. Finally, after a year of teaching, TFA teachers had significantly better attitudes toward mathematics and teaching than neutral.


Rigorous Curriculum And Sat, Feifei Li, Thanos Patelis, Robert Lissitz Oct 2008

Rigorous Curriculum And Sat, Feifei Li, Thanos Patelis, Robert Lissitz

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The main purposes of this study are to investigate the relation between course-taking pattern and the SAT score, and examine the invariance of this relation across subgroups. In addition, we are also going to verify the accuracy of self-reported information from the SAT Questionnaire by examining the actual high school transcripts, and build the link between SAT and the achievement by correlating SAT scores with state assessment scores. If the SAT score is a function of high school course-taking behaviors regardless of students' gender, socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity, every student should be provided with equal opportunity for rigorous curriculum.


Cognition And Student Learning Through The Arts, Steven A. Melnick, Judith T. Witmer, Martha J. Strickland Oct 2008

Cognition And Student Learning Through The Arts, Steven A. Melnick, Judith T. Witmer, Martha J. Strickland

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

An increasing number of recent research studies suggest connections between cognition, social and emotional development, and the arts. Some studies indicate that students in schools where the arts are an integral part of the academic program tend to do better in school than those students where that is not the case. This study examines home/school factors that contribute most to variance in student learning and achievement and the arts from over 8,000 students in grade 5. The findings suggest in-school arts programs may have less of an impact on student achievement than proposed by previous research.


Family Myths, Beliefs, And Customs As A Research/Educational Tool To Explore Identity Formation, William E. Herman Oct 2008

Family Myths, Beliefs, And Customs As A Research/Educational Tool To Explore Identity Formation, William E. Herman

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper outlines a qualitative research tool designed to explore personal identity formation as described by Erik Erikson and offers self-reflective and anonymous evaluative comments made by college students after completing this task. Subjects compiled a list of 200 myths, customs, fables, rituals, and beliefs from their family of origin and then reflected upon the relevance and meaning of such items. The research and instructional tool described in the paper should be of considerable interest to teachers who work to promote self-reflection amongst adolescents as well as case study researchers and therapists who wish to study identity formation and values.


Empowering Teachers As Leaders: A Hard Sell, Rochelle Goldberg Kaplan, Kevin Walsh, Hilary A. Wilder, Geraldine Mongillo, Christopher Mulrine, Dorothy Feola Oct 2008

Empowering Teachers As Leaders: A Hard Sell, Rochelle Goldberg Kaplan, Kevin Walsh, Hilary A. Wilder, Geraldine Mongillo, Christopher Mulrine, Dorothy Feola

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Despite emphasis on preparing teachers as leaders, teacher educators realize that the transition of classroom practitioners into school leaders is fraught with many obstacles. This session addresses some of these obstacles, describes strategies and opportunities that we have used in our graduate master’s degree programs for teachers that support professionals as they make this change. The session will present evidence on the results of our efforts in terms of teachers’ performances within their programs and in the field after they graduate.


Preservice, Secondary Social Studies Teachers' Perceptions Of Gender Equity, Margaret M. Monaghan Oct 2008

Preservice, Secondary Social Studies Teachers' Perceptions Of Gender Equity, Margaret M. Monaghan

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examines preservice, social studies teachers’ perceptions of gender equity. The assumption that preservice teachers recognize gender as an important issue and are willing and able to take the initiative to remedy inequities in their classroom structures and content is considered. Six participants were interviewed using Seidman’s (2006) three-round, interview protocol. A focused life history was compiled to situate participants’ perceptions within their personal and professional experiences. Findings suggest a disconnect between preservice teachers' intentions and their practice in regards to gender equity. More explicit attention to gender equity in teacher education programs is recommended.


The Relationship Among Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert Gable, Stacey Kite Oct 2008

The Relationship Among Leadership Preparation Practices And Leader, School, And Student Outcomes In K-8 Schools, Donna Braun, Robert Gable, Stacey Kite

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examined the relationships among leader preparation practices and leader, school, and student outcomes through hierarchical regression analysis of questionnaire (N = 88) and state data. The findings suggest that, after controlling for demographics, a significant (p < .05) positive relationship was found between preparation practices and leader behavior (Δ R2 = .05); preparation practices and student achievement (Δ R2 = .05); preparation practices and leaders’ instructional knowledge (Δ R2 = .06); and leaders’ instructional knowledge and instruction practices in schools (Δ R2 = .05). These findings suggest the further inclusion of the essential practices into preparation programs.


Learning To Lead: Examining The Moderator Role In Debrief Conversations Among Professional Developers, Heather K. Harkins Oct 2008

Learning To Lead: Examining The Moderator Role In Debrief Conversations Among Professional Developers, Heather K. Harkins

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper reports on a study wherein the author examined her own practice when moderating debrief conversations. The analysis applied a multifaceted theoretical framework from professional learning. The findings suggest that the moderator's role as it was implemented primarily arranged organizing circumstances (Spear and Mocker, 1984) provoked by her own basic psychological needs (Deci and Ryan, 2000), her mental models (Seel, 2001), and her perception of these individual attributes in others. The implications for her future practice as a moderator are discussed.


Development Of An Instrument To Measure University Students' Social Ties And Social Distance With A Particular Focus On Racial And Ethnic Diversity, Vanessa E. Kass Oct 2008

Development Of An Instrument To Measure University Students' Social Ties And Social Distance With A Particular Focus On Racial And Ethnic Diversity, Vanessa E. Kass

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The opportunities for students to create and maintain friendships with individuals whose experiences and cultures differ from their own is steadily increasing. A survey designed to measure students' social ties and social distance was administered to one hundred eighty-two university students. Statistical analysis reveals that students who are more comfortable with people from a different race or ethnicity are more likely to interact with diverse groups. Additionally students are more likely to interact with diverse groups in the classroom than in purely social situations. These findings influence the types of interactions that create meaningful and long-lasting relationships among diverse groups.


Using A Longitudinal Data Mart To Examine The Effects Of Student Mobility On Test Performance Over Time, Richard F. Mooney, Barbara Q. Beaudin Oct 2008

Using A Longitudinal Data Mart To Examine The Effects Of Student Mobility On Test Performance Over Time, Richard F. Mooney, Barbara Q. Beaudin

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Our analysis shows how a longitudinal data mart can provide a simple and effective way to analyze student test performance over time. Our data mart in this case is a mega-table compiled from several years of archival student-level test data, where we have modified all of the fields so that they have a common meaning over time. Using this longitudinal data base we then compared the performance statistics and effect sizes of test results in math and reading on the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) series for grades 4, 6 and 8 and on the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT) in …


A Confirmatory Factor Analytic Study Examining The Dimensionality Of Educational Achievement Tests, Nina Deng, Craig Wells, Ronald Hambleton Oct 2008

A Confirmatory Factor Analytic Study Examining The Dimensionality Of Educational Achievement Tests, Nina Deng, Craig Wells, Ronald Hambleton

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

It is important to check the fundamental assumption of most popular Item Response Theory models, unidimensionality. However, it is hard for educational and psychological tests to be strictly unidimensional. The tests studied in this paper are from a standardized high-stake testing program. They feature potential multidimensionality by presenting various item types and item sets. Confirmatory factor analyses with one-factor and bifactor models, and based on both linear structural equation modeling approach and nonlinear IRT approach were conducted. The competing models were compared and the implications of the bifactor model for checking essential unidimensionality were discussed.


E-Mail Is Not Just For Old Fogeys: A Modest Study Of E-Preferences Across Generations, Barbara Rosenfeld, Lisa Novemsky Oct 2008

E-Mail Is Not Just For Old Fogeys: A Modest Study Of E-Preferences Across Generations, Barbara Rosenfeld, Lisa Novemsky

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Despite the fact that e-mail seems to be the preferred communications medium for college professors, the popular literature discusses a generation gap between younger and older individuals. The older generation reportedly is more comfortable with e-mail, whereas the younger generation appears to favor social networking, instant messaging, and texting. In this study, younger and older individuals were surveyed to learn their perceptions and habits regarding electronic communications. The data from this study show that both younger and older participants use e-mail for work and socialization purposes. This study raises an awareness of perceptions related to electronic communication styles.


The Relationship Between Ap English Language Performance And College Outcomes, Xinhui Xiong, K. D. Mattern, E. J. Shaw Oct 2008

The Relationship Between Ap English Language Performance And College Outcomes, Xinhui Xiong, K. D. Mattern, E. J. Shaw

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study focused on the relationship between students’ Advanced Placement (AP) English language performance and their subsequent college success. Targeted students were divided into three groups according to their AP English Language performance. Subsequent college success was measured by students’ first-year college GPA, retention to the second year, and institutional selectivity. The demographic characteristics of the three AP performance groups with regard to gender, ethnicity, and best language spoken are provided. Results indicated that, after controlling for students’ SAT scores as a measure of prior academic performance, AP English Language performance was positively related to all three measures of college …


Anxiety And Depression As Comorbid Factors In Drinking Behaviors Of Undergraduate Students In An Urban Private University, Charles Vohs, Robert Gable, Cynthia Ward, Joseph Barresi, Ronald Martel, Dameian Slocumb Oct 2008

Anxiety And Depression As Comorbid Factors In Drinking Behaviors Of Undergraduate Students In An Urban Private University, Charles Vohs, Robert Gable, Cynthia Ward, Joseph Barresi, Ronald Martel, Dameian Slocumb

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examined differences among four drinking behavior groups (non-drinkers, low-risk drinkers, high-risk drinkers, and frequent high-risk drinkers) with respect to anxiety and depression in undergraduate males (n = 457) and females (n = 485). Participants completed a demographic questionnaire, the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Beck Depression Inventory. Results indicated significant differences among the groups only with respect to anxiety (F = 6.49, p < .001), and in levels of anxiety (p < .01) between high-risk females and males. Findings imply needed changes in prevention approaches to reduce high-risk drinking.


A Qualitative Study Of The Assistive Technology Decision-Making Process In Four Pennsylvania School Districts, Philip Tucker, Sheila Jones, Michelle Cappa Oct 2008

A Qualitative Study Of The Assistive Technology Decision-Making Process In Four Pennsylvania School Districts, Philip Tucker, Sheila Jones, Michelle Cappa

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The purpose of this study was to gain an understanding of the Assistive Technology decision making process at four regional school districts in Pennsylvania. A qualitative case study research method involving the triangulation of data sources was implemented to collect and analyze data. Through an analysis of the data, three major topics emerged that will be addressed in the body of this paper: (a) the procedure for determining assistive technology needs and the dynamics of the decision-making process, b) the cohesiveness of Special Education and General Education programs, and c) major concerns that impact the delivery of assistive technology services.


On The Way To Becoming Global Citizens: Use Of Ict By Ukrainian Students, Mariya Yukhymenko, Scott W. Brown Oct 2008

On The Way To Becoming Global Citizens: Use Of Ict By Ukrainian Students, Mariya Yukhymenko, Scott W. Brown

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Information is one of the important assets in today's society. Information and communication technologies (ICT) may be particular important for students as one of the tools to become global citizens. The objective of this study was to investigate use of ICT by high school students (n=122) from Ukraine, a developing country. The analysis indicates that majority of students from Ukraine have computer at home and more than half of students have the Internet access at home. In addition, gender differences in the use of computer and the Internet were identified. Educational implications and future directions are discussed.


The Effect Of Direct Instruction Versus Discovery Learning On The Understanding Of Science Lessons By Second Grade Students, Marisa T. Cohen Oct 2008

The Effect Of Direct Instruction Versus Discovery Learning On The Understanding Of Science Lessons By Second Grade Students, Marisa T. Cohen

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examined the effectiveness of discovery learning and direct instruction in a diverse second grade classroom. An assessment test and transfer task were given to students to examine which method of instruction enabled the students to grasp the content of a science lesson to a greater extent. Results demonstrated that students in the direct instruction group scored higher on the assessment test and completed the transfer task at a faster pace; however, this was not statistically significant. Results also suggest that a mixture of instructional styles would serve to effectively disseminate information, as well as motivate students to learn.


A Validation Of The Collaborative Alternative Magnet School For Leadership (Cams) Student Survey, Wei Xia, Mary E. Yakimowski, Maureen Bransfield, Carolyn Mcnally Oct 2008

A Validation Of The Collaborative Alternative Magnet School For Leadership (Cams) Student Survey, Wei Xia, Mary E. Yakimowski, Maureen Bransfield, Carolyn Mcnally

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

The Collaborative Alternative Magnet School for Leadership (CAMS) Student Survey is intended to assess students' leadership development and skills. The survey was originally adapted by the Area Cooperative Educational Services (ACES) from Connecticut's Common Core of Learning, and was recently revised and used by CAMS. There are four basic aspects in the CAMS Student Survey: responsibility, persistence, respect for culture diversity, and sense of community. In this paper, the authors write about the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) that was conducted to explore the factor structure of the survey, and also report the reliability analysis results. Recommendations are provided about further …


Prospective Efl (English As A Foreign Language) Teachers’ Perceptions Of Learner Autonomy, Ozgur Yildirim Oct 2008

Prospective Efl (English As A Foreign Language) Teachers’ Perceptions Of Learner Autonomy, Ozgur Yildirim

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study investigated prospective EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers’ perceptions of learner autonomy. Main aim was to see whether the education they receive on how to teach English make any difference in prospective EFL teachers’ perceptions regarding learner autonomy. A researcher-developed questionnaire was administered to 179 students studying in the program of ‘Teaching English as a Foreign Language’ at Anadolu University in Turkey. Results of the study indicated that generally there is not much difference between the first and fourth year participants of the study in terms of their perceptions of learner autonomy.


Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant Oct 2008

Addressing Misconceptions About Heat Transfer In Undergraduate Chemical Engineering Instruction, Katharyn E. K. Nottis, Michael J. Prince, Margot A. Vigeant

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

Understanding heat, energy and temperature can be difficult. Misconceptions about heat transfer have been found to persist, even after instruction. New instructional methods are needed to address them. This pilot study examined whether researcher-developed, inquiry-based activities could increase conceptual understanding of heat transfer. Twenty-two undergraduate chemical engineering students were assessed before and after instruction with inquiry-based activities. Participants had significantly higher scores on the post-test. An examination of assessment questions revealed substantial improvement on questions closely related to activities. However, participants had difficulty applying concepts in new and related contexts. Educational implications and suggestions for future research will be discussed.


Measuring Middle School Achievement Growth With Student Growth Percentile Methodology, Rachel Slaughter Oct 2008

Measuring Middle School Achievement Growth With Student Growth Percentile Methodology, Rachel Slaughter

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This study examined reading and mathematics achievement growth for middle school students over three years using statewide test scores using student growth percentile methodology (Betebenner, 2008). This newly-emerging growth methodology provides a basis for examining growth normatively (“what is”) in order to provide a foundation for policies about adequate growth (“what should be”) and excellent growth (“what could be”). Growth is compared among student subgroups and different middle schools. A particular focus of the study is identifying typical growth trajectories of low-achieving 6th graders through the middle school years.


The Use Of Music To Teach Life Skills To Students With Emotional Disbilities In The Classroom, Williams Emeka Obiozor Oct 2008

The Use Of Music To Teach Life Skills To Students With Emotional Disbilities In The Classroom, Williams Emeka Obiozor

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

My paper reflects on the teaching of American youths with music, lyrics and cultural rhythms --- an instructional curriculum strategy to encourage positive participation, good behaviors and learning in the classroom. This is premised on the understanding of the student’s culture and using such background to educate them. Over the period of one school year, I worked with middle school students in an Emotional Challenged Program in Maryland, teaching Life and Job Skills, Reading, Writing, Math, etc. During the lessons, different hip-hop music/artists were profiled, their lyrics and messages examined and the class discussed the effect to the youths and …


Global Learning Community Network: Heritage Language Learning Project Using Social Interaction Software, Melda N. Yildiz Oct 2008

Global Learning Community Network: Heritage Language Learning Project Using Social Interaction Software, Melda N. Yildiz

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper presents the study called "Global Learning Community Network." The project promotes teaching language, culture, history and literacy through media production in teacher education. It focuses on: (1) examining cultural and linguistically responsive curriculum designed for K12 students who were in the US as heritage language learners; (2) multilingual tutoring and mentoring to K12 students about culture, language, and history of the US and Turkey using Web 2.0 technologies; (3) indentifying teacher candidates' reactions, discoveries, and experiences with the project; and (4) the process of developing learning objects such as digital storytelling projects focusing on across cultures throughout history.


Attitudes Of University Students Toward Individuals With Exceptionalities And Inclusive Practices: A Baseline Analysis Of Students Enrolled In The Introductory Course, Maureen Walsh, Sheila Dove Jones, James Krause, Emeka Obiozor, Angela Pang, Deborah Stryker, Barbara Wert, Barbara Wilson, Walter Zilz, Eileen Astor-Stetson Oct 2008

Attitudes Of University Students Toward Individuals With Exceptionalities And Inclusive Practices: A Baseline Analysis Of Students Enrolled In The Introductory Course, Maureen Walsh, Sheila Dove Jones, James Krause, Emeka Obiozor, Angela Pang, Deborah Stryker, Barbara Wert, Barbara Wilson, Walter Zilz, Eileen Astor-Stetson

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This research is investigating Bloomsburg University students’ attitudes toward individuals with exceptionalities and inclusive practices. Members of the “Introduction Course Teaching Team” are collaboratively conducting a mixed methodological study using pre and post-survey data from the Sentiments, Attitudes and Concerns about Inclusive Education Scale (quantitative data) and content analysis data of students’ essays entitled Personal Belief Statements on Inclusive Practices (qualitative data) in order to determine the variables that influence attitudes. Since the Introductory Course at Bloomsburg University includes a large number of students from various academic backgrounds, this large, diversified sample may be reflective of attitudes of the general …


Professional Development Initiatives That Bridge, Develop And Support Learning Environments For Culturally And Linguistically Diverse School Communities In The Us And Guatemala, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, Adrienne Andi Sosin, Michelle Zucaro, Cynthia Rainbow Oct 2008

Professional Development Initiatives That Bridge, Develop And Support Learning Environments For Culturally And Linguistically Diverse School Communities In The Us And Guatemala, Miriam Pepper-Sanello, Adrienne Andi Sosin, Michelle Zucaro, Cynthia Rainbow

NERA Conference Proceedings 2008

This paper describes action research initiated by members of the Alpha Upsilon Alpha Literacy Honor Society of the International Reading Association at Adelphi University. In an ongoing service project sponsored by the Nassau Reading Council (NRC) and sanctioned by the Minister of Education in Guatemala, the participants are teacher educators and teacher-researchers studying their own professional learning as they provide literacy pedagogical techniques for colleagues in the US, as well as observing the effects of the NRC professional development initiative in literacy for Guatemalan teachers. Educational insights will resonate in improved literacy practices in the US and Guatemala.