Journal of Education and Social Policy_Shifting the Learning Paradigm of Pres...Antwuan Stinson
Seven preservice teachers participated in a study examining their reflections on 30 hours of required classroom observations at two urban, predominantly African American schools with high rates of poverty. The preservice teachers observed instruction across various subject areas and provided feedback in response to questions about their observations. Their responses indicated that conducting observations as a group facilitated richer reflection compared to individual observations. Key themes that emerged from their reflections included classroom management, student engagement, and pedagogical practices.
Building the culture of cooperation among uae university female studentsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on implementing cooperative learning strategies with female students at UAE University. The researcher observed and interviewed students to understand the positive and negative impacts of cooperative learning. Key findings included: students developed strong friendships and were willing to help each other; but some faced challenges like uneven work distribution, dependency on others, and lack of communication. While cooperative learning helped share ideas and save time, it also led to delays for some groups. Overall, the study found cooperative learning had mostly positive effects on student attitudes and learning when implemented systematically.
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief, NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982). Dr. Kritsonis has served as an elementary school teacher, elementary and middle school principal, superintendent of schools, director of student teaching and field experiences, professor, author, consultant, and journal editor. Dr. Kritsonis has considerable experience in chairing PhD dissertations and master thesis and has supervised practicums for teacher candidates, curriculum supervisors, central office personnel, principals, and superintendents. He also has experience in teaching in doctoral and masters programs in elementary and secondary education as well as educational leadership and supervision. He has earned the rank as professor at three universities in two states, including successful post-tenure reviews.
Curriculum implementation in religious education in nigeriaAlexander Decker
This document discusses curriculum implementation in religious education in Nigeria. It begins by defining curriculum as a guiding program for teaching and learning that outlines what is taught, how it is taught, and to whom. While curriculum construction is important, effective implementation is key. The paper examines factors that enhance and hinder curriculum implementation in religious education, which requires special attention compared to other subjects. It also discusses the important role of teachers in the implementation process. Recommendations are made to improve curriculum implementation in religious education.
Collaborative Learning for Educational Achievementiosrjce
Collaboration is a way of interaction and personal attitude where individuals are responsible for
their actions, learning , their abilities and contributions of their peers as well. This paper clarifies the concept
of collaborative learning by presenting and analyzing the educational benefits of Collaborative learning
techniques. Collaborative learning is more students centered. The collaborative tradition takes a more
qualitative approach, analyzing student talk in response to a piece of literature. This paper clarifies the
differences between collaborative and individual learning. . The paper also highlights teacher’s perspective for
individual and collaborative learning. The paper concludes with a discussion about the implications of these
issues with respect to achievement of undergraduate students in English. T-test is used to study the difference in
means in achievement in English by using collaborative learning and individual learning. The sample comprises
of 40 students (males 30, females 10) of undergraduate program. Purposive sampling has been used .The final
achievement scores in English have been used for the purpose of the study.
The document presents an analysis and action plan created by a PLC at Carver Heights Elementary School to promote teacher empowerment and leadership. The PLC researched best practices from authors like Robert Marzano, Todd Whitaker, Linda Darling-Hammond, Richard DuFour, and Diane Heacox. Based on their findings and an analysis of classroom data, the PLC developed a plan to train teachers in strategies like Marzano's nine instructional strategies and differentiated instruction to improve student achievement. Their goals were to increase proficiency rates on end-of-grade tests from 34.2% to 44.2% over two years.
This document discusses perspectives on defining and enhancing teacher quality. It examines common terms used like "highly qualified teacher", "effective teacher", and "good teacher" and notes limitations with each. It also reviews how different stakeholders locate the teacher quality problem, whether in issues with the supply of teachers, the preparation of teachers, or teacher development after entering the classroom. The document argues a more systemic perspective is needed that considers teacher quality from recruitment through the entire career.
Journal of Education and Social Policy_Shifting the Learning Paradigm of Pres...Antwuan Stinson
Seven preservice teachers participated in a study examining their reflections on 30 hours of required classroom observations at two urban, predominantly African American schools with high rates of poverty. The preservice teachers observed instruction across various subject areas and provided feedback in response to questions about their observations. Their responses indicated that conducting observations as a group facilitated richer reflection compared to individual observations. Key themes that emerged from their reflections included classroom management, student engagement, and pedagogical practices.
Building the culture of cooperation among uae university female studentsAlexander Decker
This document summarizes a study on implementing cooperative learning strategies with female students at UAE University. The researcher observed and interviewed students to understand the positive and negative impacts of cooperative learning. Key findings included: students developed strong friendships and were willing to help each other; but some faced challenges like uneven work distribution, dependency on others, and lack of communication. While cooperative learning helped share ideas and save time, it also led to delays for some groups. Overall, the study found cooperative learning had mostly positive effects on student attitudes and learning when implemented systematically.
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief, NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982). Dr. Kritsonis has served as an elementary school teacher, elementary and middle school principal, superintendent of schools, director of student teaching and field experiences, professor, author, consultant, and journal editor. Dr. Kritsonis has considerable experience in chairing PhD dissertations and master thesis and has supervised practicums for teacher candidates, curriculum supervisors, central office personnel, principals, and superintendents. He also has experience in teaching in doctoral and masters programs in elementary and secondary education as well as educational leadership and supervision. He has earned the rank as professor at three universities in two states, including successful post-tenure reviews.
Curriculum implementation in religious education in nigeriaAlexander Decker
This document discusses curriculum implementation in religious education in Nigeria. It begins by defining curriculum as a guiding program for teaching and learning that outlines what is taught, how it is taught, and to whom. While curriculum construction is important, effective implementation is key. The paper examines factors that enhance and hinder curriculum implementation in religious education, which requires special attention compared to other subjects. It also discusses the important role of teachers in the implementation process. Recommendations are made to improve curriculum implementation in religious education.
Collaborative Learning for Educational Achievementiosrjce
Collaboration is a way of interaction and personal attitude where individuals are responsible for
their actions, learning , their abilities and contributions of their peers as well. This paper clarifies the concept
of collaborative learning by presenting and analyzing the educational benefits of Collaborative learning
techniques. Collaborative learning is more students centered. The collaborative tradition takes a more
qualitative approach, analyzing student talk in response to a piece of literature. This paper clarifies the
differences between collaborative and individual learning. . The paper also highlights teacher’s perspective for
individual and collaborative learning. The paper concludes with a discussion about the implications of these
issues with respect to achievement of undergraduate students in English. T-test is used to study the difference in
means in achievement in English by using collaborative learning and individual learning. The sample comprises
of 40 students (males 30, females 10) of undergraduate program. Purposive sampling has been used .The final
achievement scores in English have been used for the purpose of the study.
The document presents an analysis and action plan created by a PLC at Carver Heights Elementary School to promote teacher empowerment and leadership. The PLC researched best practices from authors like Robert Marzano, Todd Whitaker, Linda Darling-Hammond, Richard DuFour, and Diane Heacox. Based on their findings and an analysis of classroom data, the PLC developed a plan to train teachers in strategies like Marzano's nine instructional strategies and differentiated instruction to improve student achievement. Their goals were to increase proficiency rates on end-of-grade tests from 34.2% to 44.2% over two years.
This document discusses perspectives on defining and enhancing teacher quality. It examines common terms used like "highly qualified teacher", "effective teacher", and "good teacher" and notes limitations with each. It also reviews how different stakeholders locate the teacher quality problem, whether in issues with the supply of teachers, the preparation of teachers, or teacher development after entering the classroom. The document argues a more systemic perspective is needed that considers teacher quality from recruitment through the entire career.
Dr. Douglas S. Hermond published in the National FORUM of Educational Adminis...William Kritsonis
Dr. Douglas S. Hermond published in the National FORUM of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal - See: www.nationalforum.com - National Refereed Article: Determining the Learning Styles of Prospective Educational Leaders - Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief
The aims of this study are firstly to find out whether tasks that are designed based on the students’ learning style specification are compatible with students’ language achievements, and secondly to find out factors that might affect the language achievements and the learning styles. The research was undertaken in 6 private tertiary educations involving first year students who learn English as a compulsory subject at these institutions. A 40-item questionnaire adapted from Yufrizal (2007) was distrubuted to 380 students resulting students with four learning styles: communicative, concrete, authority oriented and analytic. One group repeated measures design was carried out in this research. The students are taught and tested in four different assignment adjusted to their learning styles. The results show that there is a congruency between students’ learning style and their designed tasks. Students with communicative learning style were more dominant in conversation and students with analytic learning style were more dominant in tasks that required language analytical skill. Furthermore, gender seemed to be an important factor that contribute to the students’ language achievement and learning styles.
This document provides an overview of a dissertation proposal that examines principal leadership at a high-performing Title I charter school in South Carolina. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through surveys of teachers and parents on the principal's leadership based on MCREL's 21 leadership responsibilities. Qualitative data will come from an interview with the principal. The purpose is to identify the qualities and competencies essential for successful leadership of a Title I charter school. The literature review covers research on effective charter schools and leadership theories. The methodology outlines plans for participant selection, survey and interview instruments, validity/reliability, and data analysis.
Empowering Teachers in Ghanaian Basic Schools: Prospects and ChallengesAJHSSR Journal
Whilst teacher empowerment is not new in literature, it appears that its practice is novel tomany head teachers of basic schools in Ghana. The study sought to investigate the prospects and challenges of teacher empowerment in Ghanaian Basic Schools. Using the convergent parallel design, a total of 282 teachers were randomly sampled from 32 basic schools in the Central Region of Ghana for the study. Whereas all 282 teachers answered the structured questionnaires, six (6) of them were further sampled to provide responses for the semi-structured interviews. The study revealed that the extent of teacher empowerment in the basic school is high. With regard to the prospects of teacher empowerment, the study established that teacher empowerment makes teachers more effective and helps to create the school‟s vision for students‟ success. The study further found that the main challenges facing teacher empowerment include: the hierarchical school structures, lack of trusts for teachers and favouritism from the part of head teachers. In view of the findings, the study recommended that head teachers of the basic schools should trust and respect teachers, support staff development and teachers‟ decisions. Additionally, head teachers of the basic schools should allocate adequate time for the development of collaborative relationships among teachers.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING COMMUNITIES ON RESEARCH LITERACY AND ...ijejournal
The current study investigates two Problem-Based Learning (PBL) processes that were carried out in two different Online Learning Communities of 62 pre-service teachers who took a Research Literacy course as a part of their academic obligation. The first one was combined with the moderator based learning
scaffoldings (OLC+M), and the other one with the social based learning scaffoldings (OLC+S). The study seeks to map the differences between these two OLCs in terms of Achievement Goal Motivation and Research Literacy skills as a result of the PBL intervention, and the correlation between these aspects as is expressed in each group. The findings indicated that PBL had a significant positive effect on AGM in both groups, while only the OLC+S showed the significant outperforming in some of the Research Literacy skills, as well as the positive correlation between them and the Mastery Approach component of AGM. The discussion raises possible interpretations of theoretical and practical relationships between Research Literacy skills in the educational field and motivational factors among adult students, as they are expressed in online communication environments.
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Beliefs are formed through personal experiences and the interactions that individuals are involved in daily life (Hsieh, 2002). These beliefs can be transformed into attitudes, which in turn affect intentions, and decisions are formed through the intentions that lead to the action (Bauch,1984). The match or mismatch between instructors’ beliefs and practices, between instructors’ cognitions and their authentic practices in the classroom are two main fields of the teaching process (Clark & Peterson, 1986). However, teachers may not always apply what they believe in the classroom. This study aims to reveal the discrepancy between what they believe theoretically and what they do in the classroom. To this end, three instruments were used in this study: (1) classroom observations, (2) semi-structured interviews, and (3) a questionnaire. The
Assessment for the improvement of teaching and learning of christian religiou...Alexander Decker
This document discusses assessment for improving teaching and learning of Christian religious knowledge in secondary schools in Nigeria. It defines assessment as the systematic collection and interpretation of information to evaluate student progress and make judgments about their learning. The principles of quality assessment are that it should be continuous, improve learning, provide effective communication to stakeholders, and reflect all elements of the curriculum. For religious education specifically, assessment should make reliable judgments about student performance and provide guidelines to help students improve their knowledge, understanding, and skills. The document recommends linking assessment methods to curriculum aims, structuring assessment around stated objectives, using assessment to support varied teaching approaches, and ensuring assessment is valid, reliable and equitable.
AN EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF TEACHERC...ijejournal
Just as the educational system in the United States is working to figure out the best ways to reach the developmentally diverse student population found in our public and private institutions; we should be looking how to best prepare our teachers. Over the years, the threat of trickle down curriculum has become a reality and there is increasing pressure on in-coming kindergarteners to be knowledgeable of more and more. Teachers express through honest feedback the lack of quality and/or effective professional
development opportunities available to them. There needs to be some sort of reform when the positive changes in the education system can been seen in the success of the students, which is directly affected by the quality and effectiveness in teacher instruction. A quality feedback through coaching model is the most
effective way to develop educators in order to improve teacher-child interactions that translates into high quality education.
1. Effective use of teacher rating systems requires universities to educate interpreters, students, and faculty on how to use the ratings appropriately and understand their purpose and limitations.
2. While a teacher's effectiveness is tied to student learning, teachers have limited control over factors impacting learning and students share responsibility for their own learning. As a result, defining teacher effectiveness is complex.
3. Research finds that student ratings can provide a valid assessment of teaching effectiveness if they reflect views of many students across courses, especially when used alongside other evaluation methods. However, certain student and instructor factors like course level may minimally impact ratings.
This document summarizes research on successful innovations in educational leadership preparation programs. It identifies six such innovations that were selected based on their fidelity of implementation, positive student outcomes, and adaptability. These innovations include partnerships between universities and school districts, innovative recruitment and selection processes, use of cohort models, new content focuses on instructional leadership and social justice, and active learning pedagogies like discussion and collaboration over lectures.
1) The document discusses self-directed learning (SDL) in the context of higher education. It explores the relationship between SDL, student performance, engagement, and preferences for instructional techniques.
2) The results of a study of 188 college students suggest that SDL is not directly related to academic performance or preferences for instructional techniques. However, increasing levels of SDL may be associated with disengagement from formal higher education structures.
3) The document also discusses theories of SDL and the interaction between student characteristics, instructional methods, and academic motivation. It suggests academic motivation may mediate the relationship between SDL and academic performance.
Kinley Lit Review and Research Write UpShana Kinley
This document provides a literature review for a research project on the effects of grouping on educators. It summarizes research on different classroom grouping strategies such as whole group, small group, and individual instruction. It also reviews literature on personality characteristics and assessments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and True Color Inventory. The study aims to combine research on grouping strategies and personality to improve grouping structures and enhance the classroom environment.
Roney, kathleen relationship between organizational health and student achiev...William Kritsonis
NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982 (www.nationalforum.com) is a group of national and international refereed journals. NFJ publishes articles on colleges, universities and schools; management, business and administration; academic scholarship, multicultural issues; schooling; special education; counseling and addiction, international issues; education; organizational theory and behavior; educational leadership and supervision; action and applied research; teacher education; race, gender, society; public school law; philosophy and history; psychology, and much more. Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief.
Effects of Matching and Mismatching Perceptual and Sociological Learning Styl...guest3c8a16c
Effects of Matching and Mismatching Perceptual and Sociological Learning Style Preferences On Achievement and Attitude of Individuals in a Group Exercise Leadership Instructor Training Program
NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL, Editor-in-Chief, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis
This document presents the background and introduction to a research proposal on examining the impact of school leadership on student academic performance in schools in Rwampala County, Mbarara District, Uganda. It discusses the importance of academic achievement and the government's priority of improving performance in science and mathematics. The study aims to explore the relationship between school leadership and student outcomes in Ugandan secondary schools using a mixed-methods approach. It will examine different leadership styles, their impact on academic performance, and measures to improve performance. The document provides context on leadership theory and the need to understand leadership practices in everyday school settings.
Eunetra Ellison Simpson, PhD Proposal Defense, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, D...William Kritsonis
This document provides an introduction and literature review for a dissertation examining the effectiveness of Title I tutoring programs in elementary schools. It discusses the background of Title I programs and issues with evaluating tutoring effectiveness. The study aims to investigate tutoring program structures and relationships between program ratings and student achievement. Surveys will be used to collect administrator and teacher ratings of tutoring programs at selected elementary schools.
Effective Teachers An Investigation from The Perspectives of .docxSALU18
Effective Teachers: An Investigation from The Perspectives of Elementary School Students
Jludith F. E-vans
Manhattan C'ollege
Abstract
The topic of effective teachers is of significance to the fiei'd of teacher education as well as to the entire
education community While an abundance of research oi this subject identifies findings from adult
viewpoints, this qualitative study uses ethnographic interviews with fijth grade studen7ts to eramine the
characteristics of effective teachersfrom the perspectives qf children, the consumers in education.
Categories of characteristics and themes Jbund in the descriptive data of transcripts reveal the way
children define effective teachers and identify their skills, knowledge, and dispositions. Implications
fir the goals and content of teacher education programs are discu.ssed. Based on findings from this study,
the author argues in support of including the voices of children in the research arena. The article concludes
that in an age of technolog,y, elementary school students ietain a humanistic vision of teaching and learning.
Introduction
The goal of teacher education is to prepare effective teachers who are able to facilitate learning for all students. The
various aspects of becoming an effective teacher are topics intro(duced in the Elementary Education Program at Manhattan
College in Riverdale, NY, when students first begin their teacher preparation. This subject is revisited throughout the
program as understandings are modified as a result of course worlk and field experiences.
Manhattan College, a small LaSallian Catholic liberal arts college, is located in the heart of Community School
District 10, the largest of New York City's 32 school districts. This is a diverse, multicultural district serving 41,000 students,
from 108 countries in 44 schools (Community. 1999-2000). The Program has a commitment to prepare effective teachers
able to work in urban multicultural environments in the 21st Century. Many of our students have come from Catholic schools
and some seek teaching positions in Catholic schools after graduation. However, in recent years. most of the students have
pursued jobs in both urban and suburban public schools. District I 0 and neighboring suburban communities are the contexts
in which students in the Manhattan College Elementary Education Program receive their teacher preparation.
Conceptual Frame/Rationiale for the Study
Teacher effectiveness has become a standard for teacher preparation (Saphier & Gower, 1987; Wonig & Wong, 1998;
Myers & Myers, 1995), a basis for staff development (Danielson, 1996), and a guideline for teacher evaluation (Flores, 1999).
tn fact, the topic has been of such interest to the education community since the middle of the twentieth century that there has
been an abundance of research on teacher effectiveness from different perspectives.
Researchers have studied teacher behaviors in relation to student achievement. They have found that students
a ...
Dissertation Chair Dr. William Allan Kritsonis & Steven Norfleetguestfa49ec
This document provides an outline for a proposed dissertation study examining effective school practices that are important for the achievement of African American learners. The study will use a mixed methods approach, collecting quantitative data through surveys administered to freshman students at a historically black college and qualitative data through focus group interviews. The quantitative research questions examine how former high schools were rated on effective school criteria and the relationship between those ratings and student achievement in developmental math courses. The qualitative questions explore how various effective school practices like instructional leadership and high expectations were implemented. The significance of the study and a review of relevant literature are provided to support examining school leadership strategies that could improve academic achievement, especially among African American students.
Dr. Douglas S. Hermond published in the National FORUM of Educational Adminis...William Kritsonis
Dr. Douglas S. Hermond published in the National FORUM of Educational Administration and Supervision Journal - See: www.nationalforum.com - National Refereed Article: Determining the Learning Styles of Prospective Educational Leaders - Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief
The aims of this study are firstly to find out whether tasks that are designed based on the students’ learning style specification are compatible with students’ language achievements, and secondly to find out factors that might affect the language achievements and the learning styles. The research was undertaken in 6 private tertiary educations involving first year students who learn English as a compulsory subject at these institutions. A 40-item questionnaire adapted from Yufrizal (2007) was distrubuted to 380 students resulting students with four learning styles: communicative, concrete, authority oriented and analytic. One group repeated measures design was carried out in this research. The students are taught and tested in four different assignment adjusted to their learning styles. The results show that there is a congruency between students’ learning style and their designed tasks. Students with communicative learning style were more dominant in conversation and students with analytic learning style were more dominant in tasks that required language analytical skill. Furthermore, gender seemed to be an important factor that contribute to the students’ language achievement and learning styles.
This document provides an overview of a dissertation proposal that examines principal leadership at a high-performing Title I charter school in South Carolina. The study will use a mixed-methods approach, collecting quantitative data through surveys of teachers and parents on the principal's leadership based on MCREL's 21 leadership responsibilities. Qualitative data will come from an interview with the principal. The purpose is to identify the qualities and competencies essential for successful leadership of a Title I charter school. The literature review covers research on effective charter schools and leadership theories. The methodology outlines plans for participant selection, survey and interview instruments, validity/reliability, and data analysis.
Empowering Teachers in Ghanaian Basic Schools: Prospects and ChallengesAJHSSR Journal
Whilst teacher empowerment is not new in literature, it appears that its practice is novel tomany head teachers of basic schools in Ghana. The study sought to investigate the prospects and challenges of teacher empowerment in Ghanaian Basic Schools. Using the convergent parallel design, a total of 282 teachers were randomly sampled from 32 basic schools in the Central Region of Ghana for the study. Whereas all 282 teachers answered the structured questionnaires, six (6) of them were further sampled to provide responses for the semi-structured interviews. The study revealed that the extent of teacher empowerment in the basic school is high. With regard to the prospects of teacher empowerment, the study established that teacher empowerment makes teachers more effective and helps to create the school‟s vision for students‟ success. The study further found that the main challenges facing teacher empowerment include: the hierarchical school structures, lack of trusts for teachers and favouritism from the part of head teachers. In view of the findings, the study recommended that head teachers of the basic schools should trust and respect teachers, support staff development and teachers‟ decisions. Additionally, head teachers of the basic schools should allocate adequate time for the development of collaborative relationships among teachers.
THE INFLUENCE OF PROBLEM-BASED LEARNING COMMUNITIES ON RESEARCH LITERACY AND ...ijejournal
The current study investigates two Problem-Based Learning (PBL) processes that were carried out in two different Online Learning Communities of 62 pre-service teachers who took a Research Literacy course as a part of their academic obligation. The first one was combined with the moderator based learning
scaffoldings (OLC+M), and the other one with the social based learning scaffoldings (OLC+S). The study seeks to map the differences between these two OLCs in terms of Achievement Goal Motivation and Research Literacy skills as a result of the PBL intervention, and the correlation between these aspects as is expressed in each group. The findings indicated that PBL had a significant positive effect on AGM in both groups, while only the OLC+S showed the significant outperforming in some of the Research Literacy skills, as well as the positive correlation between them and the Mastery Approach component of AGM. The discussion raises possible interpretations of theoretical and practical relationships between Research Literacy skills in the educational field and motivational factors among adult students, as they are expressed in online communication environments.
The Mismatch between EAP Teachers’ Beliefs and Classroom Practices toward For...AJHSSR Journal
ABSTRACT: Beliefs are formed through personal experiences and the interactions that individuals are involved in daily life (Hsieh, 2002). These beliefs can be transformed into attitudes, which in turn affect intentions, and decisions are formed through the intentions that lead to the action (Bauch,1984). The match or mismatch between instructors’ beliefs and practices, between instructors’ cognitions and their authentic practices in the classroom are two main fields of the teaching process (Clark & Peterson, 1986). However, teachers may not always apply what they believe in the classroom. This study aims to reveal the discrepancy between what they believe theoretically and what they do in the classroom. To this end, three instruments were used in this study: (1) classroom observations, (2) semi-structured interviews, and (3) a questionnaire. The
Assessment for the improvement of teaching and learning of christian religiou...Alexander Decker
This document discusses assessment for improving teaching and learning of Christian religious knowledge in secondary schools in Nigeria. It defines assessment as the systematic collection and interpretation of information to evaluate student progress and make judgments about their learning. The principles of quality assessment are that it should be continuous, improve learning, provide effective communication to stakeholders, and reflect all elements of the curriculum. For religious education specifically, assessment should make reliable judgments about student performance and provide guidelines to help students improve their knowledge, understanding, and skills. The document recommends linking assessment methods to curriculum aims, structuring assessment around stated objectives, using assessment to support varied teaching approaches, and ensuring assessment is valid, reliable and equitable.
AN EFFECTIVE PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SERIES IMPROVES THE QUALITY OF TEACHERC...ijejournal
Just as the educational system in the United States is working to figure out the best ways to reach the developmentally diverse student population found in our public and private institutions; we should be looking how to best prepare our teachers. Over the years, the threat of trickle down curriculum has become a reality and there is increasing pressure on in-coming kindergarteners to be knowledgeable of more and more. Teachers express through honest feedback the lack of quality and/or effective professional
development opportunities available to them. There needs to be some sort of reform when the positive changes in the education system can been seen in the success of the students, which is directly affected by the quality and effectiveness in teacher instruction. A quality feedback through coaching model is the most
effective way to develop educators in order to improve teacher-child interactions that translates into high quality education.
1. Effective use of teacher rating systems requires universities to educate interpreters, students, and faculty on how to use the ratings appropriately and understand their purpose and limitations.
2. While a teacher's effectiveness is tied to student learning, teachers have limited control over factors impacting learning and students share responsibility for their own learning. As a result, defining teacher effectiveness is complex.
3. Research finds that student ratings can provide a valid assessment of teaching effectiveness if they reflect views of many students across courses, especially when used alongside other evaluation methods. However, certain student and instructor factors like course level may minimally impact ratings.
This document summarizes research on successful innovations in educational leadership preparation programs. It identifies six such innovations that were selected based on their fidelity of implementation, positive student outcomes, and adaptability. These innovations include partnerships between universities and school districts, innovative recruitment and selection processes, use of cohort models, new content focuses on instructional leadership and social justice, and active learning pedagogies like discussion and collaboration over lectures.
1) The document discusses self-directed learning (SDL) in the context of higher education. It explores the relationship between SDL, student performance, engagement, and preferences for instructional techniques.
2) The results of a study of 188 college students suggest that SDL is not directly related to academic performance or preferences for instructional techniques. However, increasing levels of SDL may be associated with disengagement from formal higher education structures.
3) The document also discusses theories of SDL and the interaction between student characteristics, instructional methods, and academic motivation. It suggests academic motivation may mediate the relationship between SDL and academic performance.
Kinley Lit Review and Research Write UpShana Kinley
This document provides a literature review for a research project on the effects of grouping on educators. It summarizes research on different classroom grouping strategies such as whole group, small group, and individual instruction. It also reviews literature on personality characteristics and assessments, including the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator and True Color Inventory. The study aims to combine research on grouping strategies and personality to improve grouping structures and enhance the classroom environment.
Roney, kathleen relationship between organizational health and student achiev...William Kritsonis
NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982 (www.nationalforum.com) is a group of national and international refereed journals. NFJ publishes articles on colleges, universities and schools; management, business and administration; academic scholarship, multicultural issues; schooling; special education; counseling and addiction, international issues; education; organizational theory and behavior; educational leadership and supervision; action and applied research; teacher education; race, gender, society; public school law; philosophy and history; psychology, and much more. Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief.
Effects of Matching and Mismatching Perceptual and Sociological Learning Styl...guest3c8a16c
Effects of Matching and Mismatching Perceptual and Sociological Learning Style Preferences On Achievement and Attitude of Individuals in a Group Exercise Leadership Instructor Training Program
NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL, Editor-in-Chief, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis
This document presents the background and introduction to a research proposal on examining the impact of school leadership on student academic performance in schools in Rwampala County, Mbarara District, Uganda. It discusses the importance of academic achievement and the government's priority of improving performance in science and mathematics. The study aims to explore the relationship between school leadership and student outcomes in Ugandan secondary schools using a mixed-methods approach. It will examine different leadership styles, their impact on academic performance, and measures to improve performance. The document provides context on leadership theory and the need to understand leadership practices in everyday school settings.
Eunetra Ellison Simpson, PhD Proposal Defense, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, D...William Kritsonis
This document provides an introduction and literature review for a dissertation examining the effectiveness of Title I tutoring programs in elementary schools. It discusses the background of Title I programs and issues with evaluating tutoring effectiveness. The study aims to investigate tutoring program structures and relationships between program ratings and student achievement. Surveys will be used to collect administrator and teacher ratings of tutoring programs at selected elementary schools.
Effective Teachers An Investigation from The Perspectives of .docxSALU18
Effective Teachers: An Investigation from The Perspectives of Elementary School Students
Jludith F. E-vans
Manhattan C'ollege
Abstract
The topic of effective teachers is of significance to the fiei'd of teacher education as well as to the entire
education community While an abundance of research oi this subject identifies findings from adult
viewpoints, this qualitative study uses ethnographic interviews with fijth grade studen7ts to eramine the
characteristics of effective teachersfrom the perspectives qf children, the consumers in education.
Categories of characteristics and themes Jbund in the descriptive data of transcripts reveal the way
children define effective teachers and identify their skills, knowledge, and dispositions. Implications
fir the goals and content of teacher education programs are discu.ssed. Based on findings from this study,
the author argues in support of including the voices of children in the research arena. The article concludes
that in an age of technolog,y, elementary school students ietain a humanistic vision of teaching and learning.
Introduction
The goal of teacher education is to prepare effective teachers who are able to facilitate learning for all students. The
various aspects of becoming an effective teacher are topics intro(duced in the Elementary Education Program at Manhattan
College in Riverdale, NY, when students first begin their teacher preparation. This subject is revisited throughout the
program as understandings are modified as a result of course worlk and field experiences.
Manhattan College, a small LaSallian Catholic liberal arts college, is located in the heart of Community School
District 10, the largest of New York City's 32 school districts. This is a diverse, multicultural district serving 41,000 students,
from 108 countries in 44 schools (Community. 1999-2000). The Program has a commitment to prepare effective teachers
able to work in urban multicultural environments in the 21st Century. Many of our students have come from Catholic schools
and some seek teaching positions in Catholic schools after graduation. However, in recent years. most of the students have
pursued jobs in both urban and suburban public schools. District I 0 and neighboring suburban communities are the contexts
in which students in the Manhattan College Elementary Education Program receive their teacher preparation.
Conceptual Frame/Rationiale for the Study
Teacher effectiveness has become a standard for teacher preparation (Saphier & Gower, 1987; Wonig & Wong, 1998;
Myers & Myers, 1995), a basis for staff development (Danielson, 1996), and a guideline for teacher evaluation (Flores, 1999).
tn fact, the topic has been of such interest to the education community since the middle of the twentieth century that there has
been an abundance of research on teacher effectiveness from different perspectives.
Researchers have studied teacher behaviors in relation to student achievement. They have found that students
a ...
Dissertation Chair Dr. William Allan Kritsonis & Steven Norfleetguestfa49ec
This document provides an outline for a proposed dissertation study examining effective school practices that are important for the achievement of African American learners. The study will use a mixed methods approach, collecting quantitative data through surveys administered to freshman students at a historically black college and qualitative data through focus group interviews. The quantitative research questions examine how former high schools were rated on effective school criteria and the relationship between those ratings and student achievement in developmental math courses. The qualitative questions explore how various effective school practices like instructional leadership and high expectations were implemented. The significance of the study and a review of relevant literature are provided to support examining school leadership strategies that could improve academic achievement, especially among African American students.
21st Century Pedagogy: Transformational Approachijtsrd
Pedagogies are constantly evolving and great emphasis has been laid on the teachers to use effective teaching strategies and method to improve students' achievement. That is why pedagogy is one of the important factors that need to revisit in order to maximize the attainment of educational objectives. Based on the data gathered, technology in the classroom, differentiated instruction and student centered approach should be adapted and modeled across the country to elevate and nourish the capability of the students to go beyond limitation. Further, the way students learn and comprehend have change dramatically educators must also evolve from traditional way to 21st century way of teaching. Novelita T. Bornea | Ma. Georgina B. Espa±ol | Ma. May A. Buala | Pedrito S. Ocba Jr "21st Century Pedagogy: Transformational Approach" Published in International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development (ijtsrd), ISSN: 2456-6470, Volume-4 | Issue-1 , December 2019, URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/papers/ijtsrd29806.pdf Paper URL: https://www.ijtsrd.com/humanities-and-the-arts/education/29806/21st-century-pedagogy-transformational-approach/novelita-t-bornea
Jennifer T. Butcher, PhD Proposal Defense, Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Disse...William Kritsonis
Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, PhD Dissertation Chair for Jennifer T. Butcher, PhD Program in Educational Leadership, PVAMU, Member of the Texas A&M University System.
Factors affecting teachers' excellence from the perspective of queen rania aw...Alexander Decker
This document discusses factors affecting teachers' excellence from the perspective of teachers who have won Jordan's Queen Rania Award. It provides background on Jordan's education reform efforts and the establishment of the Queen Rania Award. A literature review covers research on internal factors like teachers' characteristics and training, as well as external factors such as incentives and community expectations. The Queen Rania Award criteria focus on teaching quality, management skills, career development, parental and community involvement, and student outcomes. The study aims to identify the most influential factors for educational excellence according to teachers' views, to inform ongoing efforts to improve teaching quality in Jordan.
Article 2 vivian gunn morris & curtis morris doneWilliam Kritsonis
NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982 (www.nationalforum.com) is a group of national and international refereed journals. NFJ publishes articles on colleges, universities and schools; management, business and administration; academic scholarship, multicultural issues; schooling; special education; teaching and learning; counseling and addiction; alcohol and drugs; crime and criminology; disparities in health; risk behaviors; international issues; education; organizational theory and behavior; educational leadership and supervision; action and applied research; teacher education; race, gender, society; public school law; philosophy and history; psychology, sociology, and much more. Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief.
Vivian Gunn Morris and Curtis Morris, NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS, Dr. William Al...William Kritsonis
This article discusses the responsibility of K-12 principals in improving the academic achievement of African American children through effective teacher induction and mentoring programs. The article reviews literature showing that both school-level factors like segregation and lack of resources, as well as ineffective teachers, contribute to the achievement gap between white and black students. The No Child Left Behind Act aimed to close this gap by providing high-quality teachers and induction support to all schools, but research shows these programs are often lacking or nonexistent in schools with mostly black and low-income students. The article then describes a study that analyzed survey responses from new teachers in a predominantly black school district to identify teaching conditions that could help or hinder academic achievement for black children.
An Inquiry Into Flipped Learning In Fourth Grade Math InstructionSimar Neasy
This document summarizes an action research study that investigated the impact of flipped learning on 4th grade math students from a socioeconomically disadvantaged school district. The study implemented a flipped instruction model where students watched video lectures for homework and engaged in active learning activities in class. Data was collected through observations, teacher reflections, and parent and student surveys. The findings showed that flipped learning shifted the teacher's role to a facilitator and created an engaging environment where students felt more responsible for their own learning. While parents had mixed views, they reported overall positive changes in their children from the new instructional approach. The literature review discussed research showing benefits of flipped learning such as improved achievement and engagement.
Detris Crane and Reginald Leon Green - Published by NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS, ...William Kritsonis
This document summarizes research on principal leadership behaviors and how they influence teacher job satisfaction. It explores 13 core competencies of effective school leaders identified in prior research, including visionary leadership, unity of purpose, and instructional leadership. The literature review finds teacher job satisfaction is enhanced when principals exhibit behaviors from these competencies, such as supporting teacher development, fostering collaboration, and involving teachers in decision-making. Specifically, principal behaviors that create supportive working conditions, opportunities for input, and collegial relationships can increase teacher motivation and job satisfaction.
Assessing Evaluation Fidelity Between Students and Instructors in the Basic C...Yolanda Ivey
This study investigated the impact of speech evaluation training on evaluation fidelity between students and instructors, as well as the type and quality of written feedback provided. The researchers randomly assigned instructors to either provide students with formal speech evaluation training (experimental group) or to inform students that materials were available without formal training (control group). They then analyzed the agreement between student self-evaluations and instructor evaluations (evaluation fidelity) as well as the type of written feedback provided. The results suggested that students who received formal training achieved greater evaluation fidelity with instructors. Additionally, the type of feedback predicted the speech score, and students who received training provided more constructive comments than those without training.
State credentialing agencies are beginning to recognize and respond to the contemporary professional development needs of principals in three key ways:
1) Most states require principals to renew their credentials through ongoing professional development activities like workshops or coursework.
2) About half of states provide mentoring for new principals, but most professional development is embedded with teacher training rather than being tailored specifically for principals.
3) State principal performance standards acknowledge the dual roles of management and instructional leadership, but agencies do not generally prescribe customized professional development to address the plurality of the principal's role.
NATIONAL FORUM JOURNALS (Founded 1982 (www.nationalforum.com) is a group of national and international refereed journals. NFJ publishes articles on colleges, universities and schools; management, business and administration; academic scholarship, multicultural issues; schooling; special education; teaching and learning; counseling and addiction; alcohol and drugs; crime and criminology; disparities in health; risk behaviors; international issues; education; organizational theory and behavior; educational leadership and supervision; action and applied research; teacher education; race, gender, society; public school law; philosophy and history; psychology, sociology, and much more. Dr. William Allan Kritsonis, Editor-in-Chief.
School effectiveness-and-improvement-contribution-of-teacher-qualification-to...oircjournals
School examination results the world over are arguably the most important measure of perceived success or failure
of a candidate. It has been pointed out by the Nyanza Provincial Education Board that the province’s performance in
examinations and the quality of education in general is unsatisfactory and inadequate. The paper sought to determine
the contribution of teacher qualification to students’ scores. The study adopted the Theory of Organisational Climate
which defines organisational climate as the human environment within which an organization’s employees do their
work. A case study and survey design was used. Purposive sampling was used to identify the four schools under study
and form three students. Simple random sampling was used to select the respondents of the study. Data was analyzed
using both qualitative and quantitative using descriptive statistics in particular percentages and means. The study
found that teachers’ qualifications affect teaching ability while knowledge of teachers’ subject was among the major
teacher factors contributing to students’ academic achievements.
Assessing Evaluation Fidelity Between Students And Instructors In The Basic C...Crystal Sanchez
This study investigated the impact of speech evaluation training on evaluation fidelity between students and instructors, as well as the type and quality of written feedback provided. The researchers randomly assigned instructors to either provide students with formal speech evaluation training (experimental group) or to inform students that materials were available without formal training (control group). Students in the experimental group demonstrated higher evaluation fidelity with instructors compared to the control group. The type of feedback, whether positive, negative, or constructive, predicted the scores assigned by both instructors and students. Students who received training provided more constructive comments than those in the control group. The study suggests that formal speech evaluation training improves evaluation fidelity and promotes more effective written feedback.
A Free 200-Page eBook ~ Brain and Mind Exercise.pptxOH TEIK BIN
(A Free eBook comprising 3 Sets of Presentation of a selection of Puzzles, Brain Teasers and Thinking Problems to exercise both the mind and the Right and Left Brain. To help keep the mind and brain fit and healthy. Good for both the young and old alike.
Answers are given for all the puzzles and problems.)
With Metta,
Bro. Oh Teik Bin 🙏🤓🤔🥰
CapTechTalks Webinar Slides June 2024 Donovan Wright.pptxCapitolTechU
Slides from a Capitol Technology University webinar held June 20, 2024. The webinar featured Dr. Donovan Wright, presenting on the Department of Defense Digital Transformation.
Gender and Mental Health - Counselling and Family Therapy Applications and In...PsychoTech Services
A proprietary approach developed by bringing together the best of learning theories from Psychology, design principles from the world of visualization, and pedagogical methods from over a decade of training experience, that enables you to: Learn better, faster!
This document provides an overview of wound healing, its functions, stages, mechanisms, factors affecting it, and complications.
A wound is a break in the integrity of the skin or tissues, which may be associated with disruption of the structure and function.
Healing is the body’s response to injury in an attempt to restore normal structure and functions.
Healing can occur in two ways: Regeneration and Repair
There are 4 phases of wound healing: hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. This document also describes the mechanism of wound healing. Factors that affect healing include infection, uncontrolled diabetes, poor nutrition, age, anemia, the presence of foreign bodies, etc.
Complications of wound healing like infection, hyperpigmentation of scar, contractures, and keloid formation.
A Visual Guide to 1 Samuel | A Tale of Two HeartsSteve Thomason
These slides walk through the story of 1 Samuel. Samuel is the last judge of Israel. The people reject God and want a king. Saul is anointed as the first king, but he is not a good king. David, the shepherd boy is anointed and Saul is envious of him. David shows honor while Saul continues to self destruct.
THE SACRIFICE HOW PRO-PALESTINE PROTESTS STUDENTS ARE SACRIFICING TO CHANGE T...indexPub
The recent surge in pro-Palestine student activism has prompted significant responses from universities, ranging from negotiations and divestment commitments to increased transparency about investments in companies supporting the war on Gaza. This activism has led to the cessation of student encampments but also highlighted the substantial sacrifices made by students, including academic disruptions and personal risks. The primary drivers of these protests are poor university administration, lack of transparency, and inadequate communication between officials and students. This study examines the profound emotional, psychological, and professional impacts on students engaged in pro-Palestine protests, focusing on Generation Z's (Gen-Z) activism dynamics. This paper explores the significant sacrifices made by these students and even the professors supporting the pro-Palestine movement, with a focus on recent global movements. Through an in-depth analysis of printed and electronic media, the study examines the impacts of these sacrifices on the academic and personal lives of those involved. The paper highlights examples from various universities, demonstrating student activism's long-term and short-term effects, including disciplinary actions, social backlash, and career implications. The researchers also explore the broader implications of student sacrifices. The findings reveal that these sacrifices are driven by a profound commitment to justice and human rights, and are influenced by the increasing availability of information, peer interactions, and personal convictions. The study also discusses the broader implications of this activism, comparing it to historical precedents and assessing its potential to influence policy and public opinion. The emotional and psychological toll on student activists is significant, but their sense of purpose and community support mitigates some of these challenges. However, the researchers call for acknowledging the broader Impact of these sacrifices on the future global movement of FreePalestine.
BIOLOGY NATIONAL EXAMINATION COUNCIL (NECO) 2024 PRACTICAL MANUAL.pptx
5 bourke done
1. NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
VOLUME 31, NUMBER 3, 2014
HIRING PERSPECTIVES OF SECONDARY
SCHOOL PRINCIPALS
Katharine Bridget Bourke
Garland Independent School District
Casey Graham Brown
University of Texas at Arlington
ABSTRACT
Federal and state educational accountability mandates and measures have
increased the standards for the hiring of teachers in public schools. Interviews
of public secondary school principals were conducted to determine the
perspectives of public secondary school principals on hiring process and
practices, as well as the perceived impact of those hiring decisions. The
overarching theme throughout this study was the clear desire of public
secondary principals to hire the best teacher candidates available for their job
openings. The process by which the respondents reached that goal included an
application preview; an almost exclusively collaborative interview process; and
a search for the best fit without regard to gender, ethnicity, or major.
Introduction
n an age of high-stakes testing for student achievement, public
school principals are faced with the task of staffing buildings with
certified classroom teachers in order to provide quality instruction
for students (Jensen, 1986; Karp, 2003). Administrators are faced with
a burgeoning accountability system in which hiring decisions may
contribute to a school’s overall success or failure. While hiring has
long been a priority to educational leaders, the No Child Left Behind
Act of 2001 (S. Res. 110) has brought its significance to a new level.
While there is no single, definitive way to ensure successful hiring,
creating a high-performing learning community through teacher
recruitment and selection remains the most important task of an
I
60
2. 61 NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
administrator.
The field of education is approaching a serious crisis in the
form of a teacher shortage. U.S. Secretary of Education Richard Riley
spoke on this very topic, stating that we must follow a new set of three
Rs as we go forward: "recruitment, retention, and respect" (Branch,
2000, p. 13). The first of these Rs is a prominent challenge that school
principals face: hiring the right people for the right positions (Boulton,
1969; Place & Drake, 1994; Young & Prince, 1999). The “challenge is
not simply to place enough adults in front of classrooms, but to recruit
and retain teachers who have a strong positive impact on students’
learning” (Murnane & Steele, 2007, p. 17).
Purpose of the Study
This study sought to offer information related to the hiring of
teachers under an increased level of accountability from both state and
national educational agencies. The purpose of this phenomenological
study was to investigate the views of secondary school principals on
the connection between applicants’ college majors and student
achievement and the applicant qualities that matter most to principals.
Theoretical Framework
While teaching level is of great importance, so too is the
amount and type of educational coursework a teacher has had.
Whether it is within the framework of an undergraduate major, post-
baccalaureate work, a master’s program, or even an alternative
certification program, “One strong predictor of teaching performance
is the amount of coursework in education. Studies have consistently
found positive effects of teachers’ formal education training on
supervisory ratings and student learning” (Stronge, 2002, p. 5).
Stronge (2002) noted that the coursework considered in teacher
effectiveness studies give great heed to the positive correlations
3. Katharine Bridget Bourke & Casey Graham Brown 62
between a teacher’s formal pedagogical preparation and student
achievement, a teacher’s classroom management skills and his/her
preparation from a school of education, and a teacher’s incorporation
of experiential learning techniques for conceptual understanding and
the number of methods classes the teacher completed.
In 1996, the report of the National Commission on Teaching
and America’s Future, What Matters Most: Teaching for America’s
Future showed that “teachers need more than content knowledge and
that a special blend of content and pedagogy is essential for teachers to
be effective” (Thompson & Smith, 2004/2005, p. 74). The
development of “curricular practices that accommodate student
diversity, develop the habits of reflective practitioners, and gain a
fuller understanding of the teacher’s changing roles” was also
highlighted as a crucial need in the 1996 report (p. 74). With the
acknowledged need for highly qualified teachers, and the onerous task
of staffing a faculty, determining a starting point may be daunting.
Little and Miller (2003) communicated the concept of fit as
used within education: “The field of person-organization fit [is]
. . . extending the traditional concept of person-job fit to define fit
broadly as congruence of personality traits, values, and beliefs of the
employee with the needs, norms, and values of the organization” (p.
3). These attributes and aptitudes are rarely seen on university
transcripts or within a candidate’s resume, but instead during an
interview when prospective employers depend upon both verbal and
non-verbal communications (Broadley & Broadley, 2004).
In addition to a strong work ethic (Barrick & Mount, 1991;
Digman, 1990; Peabody & Goldberg, 1989), Trimble (2001) noted that
top administrators sought out such abstract notions as potential, people
skills, and communication skills. Potential, in Trimble’s estimation,
referred to the ability of an applicant to use his or her existing skill set
to “blossom into effective teachers” through training and mentoring (p.
45).
4. 63 NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
The ability to connect with students is paramount to a teacher’s
success in the classroom. Often this is seen through the quality of
compassion, but the key is that the teacher has to be able to establish a
rapport with students that demonstrates that the teacher cares about the
student. Marzano (2011) noted that the keystone to establishing such
positive relationships with students is for teachers to develop positive
perceptions through their actions.
Method of Procedure
Designed to discover the qualities public secondary school
principals consider most important in light of the requirements of
NCLB of 2001, in-depth interviews were conducted of 13 public
secondary school principals. A qualitative research study with a
phenomenological design was used (Rossman & Rallis, 2012).
Participants were selected using snowball sampling from three
convenience-sampled school districts; the number of participants was
finalized once sufficiency and saturation were reached as related to the
responses and emergent themes. Qualitative description was used to
cultivate a rich understanding of the perspectives of principals
(Lincoln & Guba, 1985).
Open coding (Flick, 2006) and axial coding (Strauss & Corbin,
1990) revealed the themes in principals’ responses. The transcribed
interviews were categorized by question; answers were scrutinized for
similarities and trends. Coding occurred when topics appeared across
multiple transcripts. Themes, and their outliers, were documented as
they emerged.
Findings
Public secondary principals indicated their desire to hire the
best applicants for their open teaching positions. This overarching
theme was borne through the inherently similar process by which
participants attained that goal across both districts of varying size and
5. Katharine Bridget Bourke & Casey Graham Brown 64
educational levels: beginning with an application preview; followed by
a largely collaborative interview process; and undergirded by a desire
to find the best fit without regard to major, gender, or ethnicity.
Principals also indicated the characteristics they would like a teaching
candidate to possess.
College Major
In seeking answers to what weight, if any, is placed on an
applicant’s college major to ensure higher achievement, a theme
emerged: people trump prerequisites including, but not limited to,
college major. No matter the litany of mandates placed upon
administrators, principals felt the bottom line requirement was to hire
the best candidate. This overarching theme was fleshed out with
several sub-themes all tethered to the idea that what mattered most to
principals was finding the highest quality candidate with the best fit
for their campuses.
Fit was often determined, in part, by an applicant’s subject area
content knowledge. Principals noted that while a major in education
was nice and would help to meet certification guidelines, their greater
interest was in knowing that the teacher candidate possessed a strong
mastery of the proposed teaching subject along with the ability to
communicate their knowledge to students. Thus, if given the choice
between an education major and a subject specific major, principals
chose the latter.
Mirroring NCLB’s (2001) current requirements regarding
strength of subject area knowledge superseding educational
coursework, hiring principals noted that content knowledge, and
therefore a core major, would be a greater pull for them in an
application than an education major itself. Holding with the research
of Darling-Hammond (2000), two administrators made key points in
their responses when they dissented from the group by favoring a
background in educational pedagogy over a subject area major. One
school leader said, “What I have learned is that knowing is not the
6. 65 NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
key, teaching it is the key.” Another participant echoed the position:
It depends upon their ability to communicate and articulate to
the student the content. I think you can always teach a teacher
to teach the content, to learn some content [but] if they cannot
relate to kids then they don’t need to be in a classroom.
Gender
The school leaders shared a desire for a quality applicant over
an equitable balance of genders. Noting our country’s long history
with a female-dominated teaching profession, dating back to the
innovative and progressive writings and urgings of Catherine Beecher
who espoused not only women obtaining an education but also
becoming educators themselves (Public Broadcasting System, 2001),
principals shared their experiential efforts as well as their real-world
concerns regarding gender equity in secondary schools. Nearly all of
the school leaders indicated that as there are more men at the
secondary school level, gender equity has not been a major emphasis
with a handful of principals, noting one exception being a
predisposition to hiring male coaches for boys’ athletic teams.
However, several administrators remarked that they probably would
hire more male teachers if the pool of male applicants was larger.
While respondents commented on wanting greater gender equity and
more male role models for their students, they were uncompromisingly
consistent in their pursuit of the most qualified teacher over merely
seeking a male.
Ethnicity
While principals noted a desire for role models of
representative races, an overarching sub-theme that unfolded amongst
respondents was once again a desire for competent candidates above
all else. Diversity within the teaching ranks proved to be a strong
desire for hiring administrators. When asked about efforts taken to
advance toward racial balance, two of the districts referenced current
7. Katharine Bridget Bourke & Casey Graham Brown 66
or previous court-ordered hiring requirements related to race. While
one district’s respondents referred to specific hiring percentages
mandated by the district, another referenced its policies and practices
related to recruiting at Historically Black and/or Hispanic colleges to
increase racial balance. The more diverse schools’ leaders indicated,
on the whole, that they sought out role models for their students with
similar backgrounds, although, as a school leader noted, and others
clearly concurred, “competence is number one, above role model and
relationship. . .in the hiring. . .because you don’t want a negative role
model.” One administrator succinctly said, “I do like to hire minority
teachers whenever I can, but by the same token, I’m not willing to
sacrifice the initial vision of hiring the best people I can find.”
Several school leaders similarly noted that finding qualified
minority applicants is sometimes more of a challenge for some
districts either because nearby districts offer stipends to minority or
bilingual applicants while their district does not, or because there are
so many more Anglo prospects in the pool of applicants. A common
thread across all respondents, however, was that they all fervently
wanted to hire the best applicant without regard to race.
Teacher Applicant Traits
While much of what the respondents indicated regarding how
they went about recruiting and interviewing their prospects was
similar, what they desired in those applicants diverged based upon
their individual campus needs, culture, and climate. Perhaps the best
summation of what these public secondary school principals desired
was provided by the administrator with the least experience who stated
that he looked for the “three C’s: character, competence, and
chemistry.” Every response provided by research participants fell into
one or more of these categories. The greatest commonality amongst
their responses had to do with the last C: chemistry. Principals wanted
teaching recruits to have chemistry with their campus, their team, their
grade level, their department, their hall, or their pod. In educational
literature this concept is most often referred to as fit.
8. 67 NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
Intertwined with the concept of fit, in both the areas of
chemistry and competence, was the principals’ desire to hire an
individual who was good with kids. “We live in a culture that is
remarkably unfriendly toward children in general: A ‘good’ child is
one who doesn’t cause us any trouble” (Kohn, 1998, p. 572).
Principals also noted the traits they did not desire. In sharp
contrast to the positive abilities, aptitudes, and attitudes, school leaders
delineated three clear characteristics to avoid in a potential hire:
indifference, ineptitude, and indolence. Such qualities were an
anathema to hiring administrators.
Conclusions
The National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future
(1996) noted, the “first premise is one that virtually every parent
understands and a large body of research confirms: What teachers
know and do is the most important influence on what students learn.
Competent and caring teaching should be a student right” (p. 6). Since
the onset of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, principals
have had to change the complex task of hiring teachers. While they
were once able to hire teachers with the very qualities of competence
and caring as their guide, they must now first be assured of a
prospect’s highly qualified certification status. Although there is much
research on teacher effectiveness, a gap exists in the area of hiring
such effective teachers within the parameters set by NCLB.
While the specific terms used to describe an ideal candidate
varied, the traits principals wanted applicants to exhibit could be
fundamentally summed up by one theme: principals sought character,
competence, and chemistry. Harkening back to Darling-Hammond’s
(1997) thoughts on creating schools that work, we must remember that
schools “should be a source of nurturance for the spirit as well as a
means of reaching understanding” (p. 31). Therefore, we must seek to
hire teachers who are able to nurture students by developing positive
9. Katharine Bridget Bourke & Casey Graham Brown 68
teacher to student rapport and forming educational relationships with
students. Unfortunately, determining an individual’s ability to relate
with kids on such a level is difficult to assess scientifically.
Summary
Although administrators noted a desire for greater gender
equity in the form of additional male role models for secondary
students, their demand for a quality applicant superseded their desire
for an equitable balance of genders on their campuses. Respondents
showed an unwavering stipulation for competent candidates above all
else. The leaders longed for role models of representative races but
were unwilling to compromise competency to gain equality.
Without the traits of character, competence, and chemistry,
students will not be receiving the best instruction. While NCLB of
2001 was designed to ferret out one of these traits, competence, school
leaders maintain and existing literature supports that candidates’
certification credentials do not always reflect their ability to relate and
communicate their knowledge in a way that students comprehend
and/or care to try. Therefore, principals maintain that teacher
certification will remain just one factual facet in the complex task of
hiring the best teachers. What matters most are the people themselves.
10. 69 NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
References
Barrick, M. R., & Mount, M. K. (1991). The big five personality
dimensions and job performance: A meta-analysis. Personnel
Psychology, 44(1), 1-26.
Boulton, D. L. (1969). The effect of various information formats on
teacher selection decision. American Educational Research
Journal, 6(3), 329-347.
Branch, A. (2000, January). Riley calls for a new three 'R's'.
Curriculum Administrator, 36(1), 13.
Broadley, G., & Broadley, K. M. (2004). The employment styles of
school principals recruiting beginning teachers. Educational
Research, 46(3), 250-268.
Darling-Hammond, L. (1997). The right to learn: A blueprint for
creating schools that work. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.
Darling-Hammond, L. (2000). Teacher quality and student
achievement: A review of state policy evidence. Education
Policy Analysis Archives, 8(1). Retrieved from
http://epaa.asu.edu/epaa/v8n1/
Digman, J. M. (1990, January). Personality structure: Emergence of
the five-factor model. Annual Review of Psychology, 41, 417-
440.
Flick, U. (2006). An introduction to qualitative research (3rd ed.).
Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.
Jensen, M. C. (1986). Recruiting and selecting the most capable
teachers. (ERIC Document Reproduction Service No.
ED269885)
Karp, S. (2003). The No Child Left Behind hoax. Rethinking Schools
Online. Retrieved from
http://www.rethinkingschools.org/special_reports/bushplan/hoa
x.shtml
Kohn, A. (1998). Only for my kid: How privileged parents undermine
school reform. Phi Delta Kappan, 79(8), 568-577.
11. Katharine Bridget Bourke & Casey Graham Brown 70
Little, P. S., & Miller, S. K. (2003, April). School district personnel
selection practices: Exploring the effects of demographic
factors on rural values within a person organization fit model.
Paper presented at the annual meeting of the American
Educational Research Association, Chicago, IL.
Lincoln, Y., & Guba, E. (1985). Naturalistic inquiry. Beverly Hills,
CA: Sage Publications.
Marzano, R. (2011, March). Relating to students: It’s what you do that
counts. Educational Leadership, 68(6), 82-83.
Murnane, R. J., & Steele, J. L. (2007). What is the problem? The
challenge of providing effective teachers for all children. The
Future of Children, 17(1), 15-43.
National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future. (1996).
What matters most: Teaching for America’s future. New York,
NY: Author.
No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001, Pub.L.No. 107-110
Stat.1425 (2002).
Peabody, D., & Goldberg, L. R. (1989). Some determinants of factor
structures from personality trait descriptors. Journal of
Personality & Social Psychology, 57(3), 552-567.
Place, A. W., & Drake, T. L. (1994). The priorities of elementary and
secondary principals for the criteria used in the teacher
selection process. Journal of School Leadership, 4(1), 87-93.
Public Broadcasting System. (2001). Innovators: Catherine Beecher.
School: The story of American public education. Retrieved
from
http://www.pbs.org/kcet/publicschool/innovators/beecher.html
Rossman, G. B., & Rallis, S. F. (2012). Learning in the field: An
introduction to qualitative research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks,
CA: Sage Publications.
Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basics of qualitative research:
Grounded theory procedures and techniques. Newbury Park,
CA: Sage Publications.
Stronge, J. H. (2002). Qualities of effective teachers. Alexandria, VA:
Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
12. 71 NATIONAL FORUM OF EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND SUPERVISION JOURNAL
Thompson, S., & Smith, D. L. (2004/2005). Creating highly qualified
teachers for urban schools. The Professional Educator, 27(1 &
2), 73-88.
Trimble, S. (2001). The teacher applicant pool: What top
administrators seek. Principal Leadership, 1(7), 44-47.
Young, P., & Prince, A. (1999). Legal implications for teacher
selection as defined by ADA and ADEA, Journal of Law and
Education, 28(4), 517-530.