Abstract/Notes: During the 1990s, there was considerable emphasis on promoting particular kinds of pupil grouping as a means of raising educational standards. This survey of 2000 primary schools explored the extent to which schools had changed their grouping practices in response to this, the nature of the changes made and the reasons for those changes. Forty-eight per cent of responding schools reported that they had made no change. Twenty-two per cent reported changes because of the literacy hour, two per cent because of the numeracy hour, seven per cent because of a combination of these and twenty-one per cent for other reasons. Important influences on decisions about the types of grouping adopted were related to pupil learning and differentiation, teaching, the implementation of the National Literacy Strategy, practical issues and school self-evaluation.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1080/01411920310001629992

ISSN: 0141-1926, 1469-3518

Language: English

DOI: 10.1007/BF01559367

ISSN: 0045-6632, 2377-0767

Abstract/Notes: In this paper, we report the results of a qualitative study examining the development of leadership competencies as Montessori school leaders gain experience using a coaching protocol with their teachers. Extending previous work, the emphasis is on the school leaders’ specific roles as instructional supervisors leading reflective practices. National standards, both traditional and Montessori, are a foundation to investigate a group of Montessori school leaders’ development in reference to articulated competencies, specifically for the school leader to tend to their own learning and effectiveness through reflection, study, and improvement, and to empower teachers to the highest levels of professional practice and to continuous learning and improvement. After the use of a prescribed coaching protocol, 12 Montessori school leaders from 6 schools across the United States were interviewed using a set of semistructured questions. The study results support that reflective practices lead to both improvement of practice with this group of Montessori school leaders and their respective teachers. We conclude that self-reflection is critical to a Montessori leader’s success, empowering them to model and influence reflective practices, with direct impacts on teacher reflection and school improvement. This conclusion becomes relevant as we observe our Montessori school leaders assuming numerous and complicated administrative roles, from management and teacher evaluation to instructional supervision, mentoring, and coaching teachers.

Language: English

DOI: 10.17161/jomr.v7i1.14832

ISSN: 2378-3923

Abstract/Notes: Recent research indicates that children develop the emergent knowledge and skills that lead to formal literacies in their homes and early childhood settings long before school entry. The research evidence is clear that emergent literacy needs to be actively encouraged in the early years, if children are to have optimum chances of learning to read at school. In New Zealand, there are only a few studies of how literacy is promoted and practised in early childhood settings. This paper examines how 107 teachers in a range of early childhood settings believe that they promote literacy and their reflections on the ways in which Te Whāriki (the national curriculum) influences that practice. The implications for promoting literacy in early childhood settings are explored.

Language: English

DOI: 10.1177/183693910603100206

ISSN: 1836-9391, 1839-5961

Abstract/Notes: National concerns about kindergarten focus on the developmental appropriateness of what is being taught and how it is being taught as well as on the increasing use of transition kindergarten classes and retention. One hundred and three randomly selected kindergarten classrooms across one state were observed to document the extent of developmentally appropriate practices, and the teachers and principals of those classes were surveyed to determine predictors of classroom quality. Two observational measures and two questionnaires were used. Only 20% of the classes met or exceeded the criterion of developmental appropriateness. Quality of the classes was predicted by teachers' and principals' scores on a measure of knowledge and belief in developmentally appropriate practices. Quality was not related to geographic location, school size, per pupil expenditure, or teacher or principal education or experience.

Language: English

DOI: 10.3102/00028312028004783

ISSN: 0002-8312, 1935-1011

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: Includes NCME open letter to the Montessori community

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246

Abstract/Notes: Paper read at the 4th Annual Conference of the Indian Association for Pre-School Education, Hyderabad, December 1968

Language: English

ISSN: 0571-1142

Language: English

ISSN: 1071-6246