Education Commons^™

Developing Cultural Competence Through Problem Posing And Multicultural Children's Literature, Gayla Lohfink, Laurie Curtis

The Advocate

Increasing diversity in Kansas elementary schools is challenging educators to teach culturally and linguistically diverse students effectively. Unfortunately, research shows teachers as lacking in necessary cultural competencies. This article shares a multicultural picture book action-research project and shows how pre-service teachers constructed pedagogy by selecting literature that drew upon their students’ funds of knowledge. Implementation of the same project in practicing teachers’ classrooms revealed their self-reflections of students’ cultural connections frequently, but more often, the teachers’ reflections focused on students’ connections to the curriculum. This observation prompted an alternative problem-posing approach for utilizing multicultural literature to be presented for teachers. …

Where Are All The Women? Gender Bias Persists In Social Studies Texts, Tim Fry, Brenna S. Hofelt

The Advocate

Introduction: Creating an inclusive and a more equitable classroom is a goal that all educators should continually strive for. One area of concern is that many girls and young women do not see themselves in curriculum materials - especially in the social studies.

Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vol. 20, No. 2, 2012, Bruce Quantic

The Advocate

This content includes the table of contents and editorial information for vol.20, issue 2 (Fall, 2012)

Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vol. 20, No. 1, 2012, Bruce Quantic

The Advocate

This content includes the table of contents and editorial information for vol.20, issue 1 (Summer 2012)

Cultural Capital And The Digital Divide: A Literature Review, Suzanne K. Becking, Marilyn L. Grady

The Advocate

The internet holds promise of rapid diffusion of information to the global community and the potential to change our way of life. Those without access or with limited access to the internet are at a disadvantage. This paper examined the implications and issues surrounding the Digital Divide as it relates to Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital. It is an examination of the literature on the Digital Divide in education.

Students' Perceptions Of Learning Course Objectives: On Campus Versus Virtual Sections Of One Course, Lori Cook-Benjamin

The Advocate

The college course used in this project is required for students majoring in the Elementary Education and Early Childhood Unified Programs. Sections of the course are offered virtually as well as on the campus. This paper examines students' scores on an assignment called the Course Objective Reflection to determine if course format made a difference in the candidates' perceived learning of the six course objectives. Preliminary results indicate that virtual students achieved higher aggregate scores on the assignment than students completing the class on campus.

The Conceptual Framework: A Supportive Accreditation Practice For Teacher Education Programs That Could Be Used In The Academic Governance Of Public School Districts, Kirsten Limpert, Nancy Albrecht, Stu Ervay

The Advocate

This paper discusses how the conceptual framework - a tool used by teacher education units to improve post-secondary professional programs - can be used by public school districts instead of or in addition to a mission statement for the development of course syllabi and curriculum in this era of educational reform. It brings to a forefront the reality that public schools do not typically use the syllabus technique but instead use local curriculum guides and lesson plans. However, some districts are beginning to use comprehensive course plans similar to syllabi in higher education. Regardless of the processes being used, a …

Student Perceptions Of Undergraduate Research At Fort Hays State University, Germaine Taggart, Amanda Brown, Dustin Engel

The Advocate

Undergraduate Research is becoming an increasingly important aspect of all academic areas in universities today, and as a result an effort must be made to underand how students feel about conducting undergraduate research. Literature suggests that students are aware of the benefits to be gained from conducting research, but there are a variety of factors holding them back from actually doing so. This particular study aimed to examine the benefits students feel they receive from conducting research as well as examine how the students feel about the availability of research opportunities at a Midwestern, predominantly undergraduate institution, Fort Hays State …

The Importance Of Activating And Building Knowledge, Stephanie Wessels

The Advocate

Introduction: The following exchange occurred in a third-grade classroom:

"I thought grit was a food. It doesn't make sense," Saida commented. "Yes, there are grits that people eat. Grits are ground corn, however, in this story the word is grit. Do you remember when it was really windy outside and dust and dirt got on you? That was grit," Mrs. Henning explained.

Maximizing Resources To Make School Employee Wellness A Reality, Jennifer Thomas, Joan Carley-Brewer, Matt Howe

The Advocate

Because of the large number of Americans employed within school districts, they are a prime target population for the development and implementation of employee wellness programs. Even with grant support, funding for these programs can be limited. Forming partnerships with universities who have health- and wellness-focused areas of study can be mutually beneficial; school districts can stretch their dollars further, while college students gain hands-on experience for effective employee wellness program implementation. This articles addresses a successful partnership between a local school district and nearby university department to provide an employee wellness program. Specific tips and ideas for implementation of …

Combating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Through The Integration Of Multiple Intelligences, Jennifer Cady

The Advocate

In recent years, millions of children have been diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). As a result, schools are ill-equipped to handle the distractive characteristics that often times accompany those diagnosed with ADHD. Through the use of the Muliple Intelligences, established by Howard Gardner, teachers can begin to construct lessons that meet the needs of all learners, but particularly those individuals diagnosed with ADHD.

Preparing Digital Natives To Teach: Time To Redesign Teacher Education Programs, Adam C. Holden, Thomas Mcglinn

The Advocate

Since the emergence of Marc Prensky's concept of Digital Natives being taught by Digital Immigrants, education's challenge has been to find a way to effectively teach those who have grown up in a net generation. Now that the first of these millenniel students are preparing to become teachers themselves, we have the opportunity, perhaps for the first time, to witness true digital natives teaching their own. This article will examine the paradigm shift required of teacher education programs if they are to prepare this digital teaching generation effectively for the educational challenge that lies ahead of them.

How Pre-Service Teachers' Beliefs And Assumptions About Diverse Students Change Through Their Reflections On A Study-Buddy Program, Deborah Sardo Brown, Fanni Liu Coward

The Advocate

Fifth-three pre-service teachers participated in a study-buddy program and wrote reflective journal entries and a field experience paper in which they analyzed their study-buddy's learning dilemmas and proposed possible solutions. The pre-service teachers' writings were then analyzed for assumptions they made about their study-buddy. The results of the study documented the nature of pre-service teachers' assumptions about the diverse students they tutored and how these assumptions changed over time. In addition, this study illustrated how reflective assignments, in conjunction with participation in a study-buddy program, can serve to facilitate change in pre-service teachers' preconceived notions about diverse students.

The Behavior Management Dilemma With Student Teachers: A Practical Perspective From The Field, Robert Wolfersberger

The Advocate

A significant contributor to student misbehavior is unskilled teacher behaviors. This article identifies some of these counterproductive teaching behaviors that unintentionally create a learning environment vulnerable to student misbehavior. Student teachers are in the process of developing their skills and if they are not equipped with a functional behavior management plan and the accompanying application skills, their students may become victims of inappropriate consequences. Skill in managing student behavior is an essential teacher tool. The author recommends a practical approach to behavior management for student teachers that gives proper focus and emphasis to this important and sensitive subject.

Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vl. 19, No.2, Fall 2011, Bruce Quantic

The Advocate

This content includes the table of contents and editorial information, a message from president of ATE-E, and a message from the editor for vol. 19, no.2 (Fall 2011) for The Advocate.

Sensory Visualization: A Writing Strategy For Students, Carolyn R. Fehrenbach

The Advocate

This paper describes the use of a Sensory Visualization strategy to engage secondary pre-service teachers in a writing activity integrating current or historical events through the modality of the senses. Students write papers from the viewpoint of a person in an event after viewing a photograph or illustration of the event.

My Quiz Is Better Or It Takes A Semester To Build A Quiz, Freddie Bowles

The Advocate

Introduction: Learning by doing appeals to many teachers and students who enjoy the practical application of new knowledge. When learners are able to demonstrate the upper levels of Bloom's taxonomy - application, synthesis, evaluation - the students almost assuredly have demonstrated an "enduring understanding" of the content material.

Asian-American Students And Academic Achievement Motivation, Anh Tran

The Advocate

This article proposes a unified perspective on academic achievement motivation among Asian-American high achievers. It is contended that an integration of the achievement goal construct and the factors of ethnic identity is needed to provide an adequate answer to the question of how to motivate Asian-American students and hopefully other minority students in learning.

The Pathwise Classroom Orientation System: A Teacher Mentoring Model That Really Works, Kevin C. Costley, Timothy Leggett

The Advocate

Mentoring beginning teachers in the United States is on the rise due to the alarming attrition rates of recent decades. There is a greater need to attract/retain teachers in suburban, urban and areas of poverty.

Table Of Contents And Introductory Materials For Vol. 19, No. 1, Spring 2011, Bruce Quantic

The Advocate

This content includes the table of contents, editorial information, a message from the president of ATE-K, and a message from the editor for vol. 19, no. 1 (Spring 2011) for The Advocate.

Twin Texts And Technology: Enhancing Algebra Instruction For Elementary Teachers, Beth R. Walizer, Carol A. Borchers

The Advocate

Introduction: Algebra is often thought of as a course taken in high school, not a part of mathematics instruction in the elementary grades. In reality, algebra is the study of mathematics concerning structure, relations, and quantity and justifying those relationships (Blanton, 2008).

Gauging Technology Use In Pre-K -12 Classrooms, Russell Meigs

The Advocate

While research in the field of education suggests teachers are using technology more frequently, a tool for gauging this use was needed to provide educators with feedback regarding best practices. This study focused on the development and pilot of an Instrument for measuring levels of integration within constructivist learning environments as noted by the indicators in the Technology Integration Matrix (TIM) model. Analyses conducted in the study showed the questionnaire to be a highly valid and reliable instrument in terms of measuring the model. Recommendations were made for its use in Pre-K - 12 settings as well as in teacher …

Reflective Analysis Of The Transition Of A Face-To-Face Principal Preparation Program Into An Online Format, Robert Moody, Regi Weiland

The Advocate

This paper addresses the redesign of a face-to-face principal preparation program into an online program. An action research project began in 2004, gathering data to guide the transition. A key element was the commitment of program faculty to reflect throughout the process by considering their personal technological strengths, weaknesses, and needs, altering as needed. Data collection included investigating competing programs, feedback from principal interviews, focus groups, instructor evaluations, enrollment and retention data, and current curriculum. The results of the study, including growth in student enrollment, data from program exit exams, and student perceptions of the program are provided.

Why Homework Is Assigned, Jan Wilson, John Rhodes

The Advocate

This literature review will provide a synthesis of literature that addresses why homework is assigned, different types and amounts of homework typically assigned, and parental involvement in homework assignments.

An Alternative Teacher Preparation Journey, Debbie Mercer, Jim Barrett

The Advocate

The following report discusses one university's alternative pathway journey. Four candidates were accepted into the program the first year in the fall of 2003. Since then numbers have increased to over 175 active program participants. Such substantial growth evidences the need for highly qualified teachers, especially in particular content areas and geographic regions as highlighted in the following report. State guidelines and regulation requirements help ensure quality, rigorous programs.

An Alternate Route To Teaching, Kirsten Limpert

The Advocate

Introduction: Alternate route to teacher certification typically refers to programs that permit people with non-education bachelor degrees the option to earn a teaching license. This route allows people to enter the teaching field without returning to a college campus for two years of coursework and student teaching to obtain a license.

On The Endangered Species List: Are Secondary Reading Specialists Becoming Extinct?, Carolyn Carlson

The Advocate

Research indicates a need for support for struggling readers at the secondary level, including access to reading specialists that can provide them with expert guidance and instruction to improve their reading skills. Minimal research has been conducted on reading specialists at the secondary level, so little is known about these teachers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the number of secondary reading specialists employed in public schools. Data from the National Center for Education Statistics were analyzed in this study and indicate that there is a strikingly small number of reading specialists employed at the secondary level. …

Translating Standards Into Practice With Ela Students, Kevin Murry, Socorro Herrera, Shabina Kavimandan, Della Perez

The Advocate

Standards-based professional practices are increasingly a distinct focus of both teacher preparation and staff development. Yet, such standards are not always fully translated into rubrics for monitoring and assessment. This is no less the case as teachers build their capacities for English language acquiring (ELA) students. Recent trends indicate the widespread use ofthe CREDE, Standards for Effective Pedagogy and Learning (Doherty, Hillberg, Epaloose, andTharp, 2002) for this purpose. This article describes the history of, and rationales behind the translation of these standards into a more purposive Biography Driven Practices rubric for grade-level teachers of ELA students.