Teacher Education and Professional Development Commons^™

Scaffolding Learning In Science Class With Literacy Strategies, Katelyn Collins, Sue Lasky Dr.

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

The purpose of this study is to explore the efficacy of integrating literacy-based pedagogic strategies into science inquiry skills in a 6th-grade science classroom in Berea, Kentucky. This school district's student test scores are low in science, presumably tied to low informational literacy skills. This mixed-method study triangulated data from four weeks of lesson plans, two classroom observations, and four weeks of teacher analytic reflective notes. School i-Ready reading diagnostic data was also examined for pre-intervention and post-intervention conditions. Key findings of this research indicate increased student engagement and enthusiasm when practicing literacy pedagogical strategies in science class and a …

“I Don’T Remember One Thing About Civic Education”: Elementary Preservice Teachers’ Perspectives On Civic Learning And Civic Engagement, Daniela Kruel Digiacomo, Laura H. Darolia, Carly Muetterties, Stephanie Mobley

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

In this study, we examined elementary pre-service teachers’ perspectives on civic education and information and media literacy. We designed an intervention in an elementary social studies methods course to examine if pre-service teachers’ learning experiences shifted attitudes toward and imaginations about their future practice as teachers. Initial findings, based on interview transcripts and classroom artifacts, confirm the importance of bringing civic education and information and media literacy to young learners and offer insights into the kinds of support pre-service teachers may need to do so.

Taking Notice: Using Video Analysis To Develop Teacher Candidates, Michael Dicicco, Shawn A. Faulkner

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Analyzing videos can help teacher candidates develop their skills through learning to identify professional practices including pedagogy implementation, responses to students, and classroom climate (Gaudin & Chjaliès, 2016). Being able to identify key instructional elements in their teaching can help teacher candidates develop as professionals. Using video recordings can help improve professional noticing (Jacobs & Spangler, 2018) as well as content knowledge (Roth et al, 2011) and motivation (Sherin, 2007). In this article the authors discuss their experiences implementing video analysis in their university’s middle grades education program over the last seven years. They share what they have learned, advice …

Using Diverse Picture Books To Strengthen Social And Emotional Skills, Jessica L. Edwards

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

Social and emotional learning skills are inherently interconnected with culturally responsive teaching, as any progress with equity and justice requires intrapersonal, interpersonal, and cognitive competence. This article discusses the significance of this connection, providing numerous ideas for using diverse picture books to establish and further strengthen social and emotional learning skills within any classroom environment.

Teaching Vocabulary Graphic Organizers To Students With Disabilities Using The Constant Time Delay Procedure, Kera B. Ackerman, Channon K. Horn

Kentucky Teacher Education Journal: The Journal of the Teacher Education Division of the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children

This study examined the effectiveness of constant time delay (CTD) as a systematic instructional technique to teach three elementary-aged students identified with mild to moderate disabilities how to complete a vocabulary graphic organizer using words identified from their grade level social studies textbook. The researcher used CTD to teach the participants how to complete the graphic organizer while embedding instructive feedback. A multiple probe design across three participants was used to examine the effectiveness of the intervention. Results indicate that CTD was effective in teaching participants how to complete the graphic organizer. Additionally, participant acquired information through instructive feedback (e.g., …

Examining The Influence Of Digital Transformation On Organizational Culture And Employee Adaptability In Higher Education Institutions Across The Gulf Cooperation Council (Gcc), Hussein Elsayed Mohamed Ismail

Journal of the Association of Arab Universities for Research in Higher Education مجلة اتحاد الجامعات العربية للبحوث في التعليم العالي

The study aimed to explore the impact of digital transformation on organisational culture and employee readiness within Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Conducted in 2024, it involved research that used a sample of employees and administrators from various universities across the region. Structured questionnaires served as data collection tools, allowing for an in-depth evaluation of the different dimensions of digital transformation. This study primarily utilises secondary data analysis, which involves examining data from existing studies, reports, and scholarly articles. This approach is selected for its efficiency and cost-effectiveness, as it allows access to extensive …

Infographic: Hopes For Your Child’S Education, Jo Earp, Andrew Broadley

Teacher infographics

A national survey from Australian children’s charity The Smith Family has asked families about their hopes for their child’s school education. The top theme from responses was ‘good or improved academic achievement’, while 6% gave answers related to ‘affording resources and having access to opportunities’. Find out more in this infographic.

The Knowledge, Ability And Willingness Of Instructors To Accommodate Students With Disabilities In Higher Education, Hawa Allarakhia

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents the findings of a study investigating the knowledge, ability, and willingness of faculty at a large university to accommodate students with disabilities (SWD). It reveals that while many instructors demonstrate a solid understanding of disability legislation, variations in knowledge and confidence exist based on demographic factors, particularly years of experience. Accommodations like extended time and distraction-free testing environments are more likely to be received positively by instructors and granted easily, while there needs to be more inclination to offer resource-intensive options like note-takers. The study also recommends future research and practical strategies for higher education institutions to …

Powerpoint Slide Hierarchy Template, Kimberly S. Ervin

All Faculty Scholarship

This PowerPoint template is designed to enhance content organization and learner accessibility through a clear visual hierarchy of information. The template features four distinct slide layouts that work together to create an intuitive learning structure:

1. Major topics 1 (H1) slides establish main topics with distinct visual formatting, serving as clear section markers that learners can easily locate when reviewing materials.

2. Subtopics (H2) slides (when needed) use related but differentiated styling from H1 slides to show relationships between concepts while maintaining visual distinction.

3. Sub–Subtopics (H3) slides (when needed) use related but differentiated styling from H1 and H2 slides to show relationships …

The Masters Program: A Model For Teaching Adolescents Soft Skills For Career Readiness, Jewrell Rivers

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

This workshop will introduce conference participants to the MASTERS Program, a model for teaching adolescents soft skills for career readiness. Participants will engage in small group discussions, simulation activities and interactive exercises to fulfill learning objectives. Participants will be provided with guidance on how to implement the MASTERS Program at their school for preparing students for success in the workplace.

Non-Aversive Social And Academic Interventions For Youth With Challenging Behavior, Tom Clees

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Differential reinforcement procedures (DR) will be the focus of this presentation, including differential reinforcement of appropriate behavior that is alternative to (DRA), or incompatible with (DRI), targeted challenging behavior, and differential reinforcement of the absence of challenging behavior for specified intervals (DRO). In addition, combined strategies (DR with changing criteria and/or social skills instruction) will be presented. Novel applications will also be highlighted.

Importance Of Principal-School Counselor Relationship, Moya A. Pope Ed.S, Monica Y. Pace Ed.S

National Youth Advocacy & Resilience Conference

Principals and School Counselors - y'all alright?!? What's your relationship like: Good? Bad? Ugly? The relationship between the school counselor and principal can affect the school as a whole - and when they have a strong relationship, the school community is stronger. This presentation will give you tips on how to strengthen your relationship, become better leaders and positively affect student achievement and school climate.

Guardians Or Bystanders? Examining School Shooting Responses In The Southern United States, Andre L. Tompkins Ed.D.

Journal of Educational Research and Practice

School shootings challenge educational safety, demanding effective leadership strategies. The Robb Elementary School shooting in Uvalde, Texas, which claimed the lives of 19 children and 2 teachers, heightened concerns about campus vulnerabilities, urging administrators to prioritize student protection. I performed a qualitative study interviewing principals, teachers, parents, and community leaders to examine their experiences addressing campus threats. The findings revealed three themes: (1) ineffective leadership affects campus safety, (2) prompt actions enhance trust in leadership, and (3) connecting with others enhances safety. In this study, I spotlight the crucial role that proactive leadership plays in building the coalitions needed to …

Oer Learning In Disguise Toolkit, Alessandra Early, Nicole Mckenna

Open Educational Resources

The OER Learning in Disguise Toolkit, created by Doctors Alessandra Early and Nicole McKenna, is a series of learning materials that ask students to apply key criminal justice concepts to arenas like social media or popular culture, emphasizing media literacy, active reading, and creative thinking. The toolkit includes an introduction; five assignment descriptions (each divided into an instructor-facing section with notes on how to explain the assignment, and a student-facing section with the sample assignment description); one in-class activity; and an appendix with additional readings and materials.

Nature For All: Addressing Inequities In Access To Green Spaces, Steph Dean

Publications

No abstract provided.

Gatekeeper Perspectives On Suicide Prevention, Anne Woolston

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Suicide is a profound public health problem across the United States that has lasting effects on individuals, families, and their communities (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], n.d.b). Suicide affects all ages and is a serious concern across the life span. However, rates of suicidality are higher among youth. Suicide is the eighth leading cause of death among people 55 to 64 years of age, the fourth leading cause of death for people 35 to 54 years of age, and the second leading cause of death for people 10 to 34 years of age (CDC, n.d.a). Recently, more attention …

Bridging The Knowledge Gap: Professional Development Connecting Educators And Caregivers Of Multilingual Learners, Mihaela Gazioglu, Emily Howell, Rebecca Kaminski, Victoria Pennington, Nicole Ferguson-Sams, Kavita Mittapalli, Amlan Banerjee

Publications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the professional growth of a cohort of teachers working with multilingual learners (MLs) during an MEd program and their recommendations for the development of a literacy course for ML caregivers. In addition, this study explores whether the school district capacity supports teacher growth, as reflected through district representatives’ feedback.

Design/methodology/approach – This design-based research study, informed by the culturally relevant pedagogy and dual capacity building frameworks, explores 30 in-service K-12 teachers and 11 district representatives. Data were collected through semestrial surveys and research logs over two years using mixed methods. …

From Awareness To Action: Caregivers’ Roles In Multilingual Learners’ Literacy Development, Mihaela Gazioglu, Lindsey W. Rowe, Emily Howell, Victoria Pennington, Nicole Ferguson-Sams, Kavita Mittapalli, Amlan Banerjee

Publications

This design-based research study, grounded in the theoretical framework of dual capacity building, explored the impact of a literacy course on multilingual learners’ caregivers, focusing on their knowledge and self-efficacy in supporting their children’s literacy development. Findings revealed a collaborative process between caregivers and researchers, where caregivers contributed insights into their learning needs and influenced the course’s development and implementation. At the end of the course, caregivers’ average self-efficacy score showed a statistically significant 21% increase, while their knowledge ratings increased by 15%. Beyond academic support, the course significantly increased caregivers’ confidence in navigating school systems, understanding school procedures, and …

Brief Insights, March 2025: Expanding Educational Opportunity: Highlights From A Multilingual/English Learner-Focused Research, Practice, Policy Partnership, Magaly Lavadenz Ph.D., Elvira G. Armas Ed.D., Linda R. G. Kaminski Ed.D.

Education and Policy Briefs

The Center for Equity for English Learners (CEEL) at Loyola Marymount University collaborated with Camino Nuevo Charter Academy (CNCA) in a Research, Practice, Policy Partnership to investigate problems of practice and enhance literacy leaders’ focus on supporting classroom teachers to meet the needs of multilingual/English learners (ML/EL). The research question for this study focused on literacy leaders’ perceptions about how the revised Planning-Observation-Debrief (POD) cycle tools support teachers’ focus on scaffolding ML/ELs’ access to reading and writing complex text. Emerging findings emphasize the valued partnership between literacy leaders and the teachers they coach, as well as the importance of building …

March 2025 Cafe Newsleter, Center For Advancing Faculty Excellence

CAFE Faculty Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Learning Lessons From Hard Truths: School Shootings, Devin Watson

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

The American school system is plagued by violent attacks such as school shootings. Unfortunately, these events are incredibly difficult to predict. The security used for these schools is often found lacking and students aren’t getting the help needed. Part of the issue is the internal struggle of students in tough situations and teachers not being trained properly to help them. School security is more than just something at the gate. It’s about creating a safe environment that students can find sanctuary in. The solution is to provide better training for teachers and updating the physical security of the school.

Original Student Artwork, Carmen Holley

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

No abstract provided.

Continuous Improvement: Resources To Support Teachers’ Professional Growth, Victoria Oglan, Lauren Gehr

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Being an effective teacher requires attention to a wide variety of factors. In addition to knowing the content, teachers need to address the following: planning and implementing curriculum, building a welcoming classroom where every student feels safe, developing healthy relationships with students, mastering the many forms of assessment strategies, understanding how to actively engage and motivate students in their learning, growing a repertoire of best practice instructional methods, and being a reflective practitioner to address next steps in their methodology. The books reviewed here will assist in professional development for teachers.

A Review Of Three Verse Novels To Promote Engagement And Critical Thinking, Isaiah Gillian, Michelle Rasheed

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Verse literature is a valuable genre to incorporate into today’s classroom. Verse literature provides various benefits for students and teachers alike, while sparking readers’ interests and aligning with educational standards. The verse style requires writing to be concise, with relatively short lines, condensed thoughts, and depth of emotions. Verse literature delves into underrepresented topics and perspectives, beneficial for student growth and new learning experiences. This article reviews three verse novels—All the Fighting Parts (2023), Good Different (2023), and I Am Kavi (2023)— highlighting their potential to engage diverse student populations. Additionally, the article provides practical recommendations for integrating verse into …

Attendance And Absenteeism: Can We Fix It?, Stephanie J. Bell

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

This research project shows how consistent communication with parents of special education students regarding daily and weekly attendance can make a difference in decreasing absenteeism and increasing attendance in the virtual resource classroom. This study supports promoting access to special education services with parents as partners in the virtual environment. This approach can be adapted to fit various classroom environments.

Don’T Flip Out, Flip Your Class!, Jessica Scott

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

There are many benefits to using a flipped learning method in a middle school classroom. Students are able to take control of their learning in their own time. This alleviates any time constraints on note taking as well as giving them the opportunity to review information. This is especially true in Social Studies classrooms where educators are teaching complex topics using multiple cross curricular standards. Teachers may be hesitant to try this method due to the workload that is required before the lesson begins and uncertainty of whether it is a good instructional model for their particular class. Flipping the …

Villain Or Victor: Advocating For Middle Level Students In The Face Of Systemic Challenges, Dywanna Smith, Kenesha Johnson, Jada Williams, Myles-Anthony Johnson

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

Middle level students often face significant systemic challenges that can hinder their academic and personal development, positioning them in narratives where they are perceived as “villains” instead of “victors.” This paper explores the role of educators as advocates for these students, drawing parallels between the concept of superhero villains— figures who, like many students, are misunderstood or marginalized by society. Preservice educators will examine historical examples of heroes, who were initially viewed as villains for challenging the status quo but later celebrated for their transformative impact. Grounded in the principles of This We Believe (2020) by the Association for Middle …

The Gendering Of Literature In Middle School, Patrick D. Adkins

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

The classification and promotion of books based on gender significantly affect middle education, where reading behaviors and external influences notably shape identity development. This paper examines the impact of gendered literature in middle schools on students’ academic engagement, social development, and self-concept. The article illustrates the repercussions of maintaining gender binaries in educational literature using examples from classroom practices and library systems, while advocating for a more inclusive methodology in book selection and curriculum development.

Beyond The Four Walls: Understanding The Impact Of Inter-Industrial Learning Experiences, Walter Lee, Olivia Bobo, Shaekwon Heard, Nicole Patton, Lauren Thrasher

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

The traditional learning environment for pre-service teachers most commonly reflects the banking concept, coined by Paulo Freire. The instructor teaches in the classroom and students are expected to learn, applying concepts during lesson planning and certification exams as proof of their learning (Freire, 1996). If authentic learning is occurring and skills are transferable, students should be able to identify educational concepts in other industries as validation that these practices are relevant. In this article, we propose a fresh, engaging approach to teaching pre-service teachers: inter-industrial learning experiences. Learn about our experience with Clayton Construction Company and how middle level pre-service …

Helping Future Teachers Do History Through Digitized Primary Sources, Jeremy Rinder

South Carolina Association for Middle Level Education Journal

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of using the National Archives DocsTeach program on preservice teachers enrolled in a social studies methods course. Candidates completed a document-based question and a perception survey about history before completing one activity within the DocsTeach program for four classes. Anecdotal observations focusing on collaboration and engagement were collected during the unit. At the conclusion, participants completed another document-based question, a perception survey about history, and an exit interview. It was determined that the DocsTeach program had a positive impact on the participants’ historical thinking and perceptions of history.