The PK-12 education system in the United States suffers from anti-democratic and authoritarian ideologies, policies, and power structures, leading to limited educational access and oppressive disciplinary practices for marginalized communities. PK-12 Professionals’ Narratives of Working as Advocates Impacting Today’s Schools offer a powerful solution to these challenges. This book comprises a collection of counter-narratives that empower educators, counselors, and stakeholders to challenge and disrupt the anti-democratic and authoritarian forces prevalent in schools. By sharing personal experiences, strategies, and recommendations, the book inspires academic scholars to reflect, (re)learn, and take action to support students, communities, and personal growth. It serves as a critical teaching tool, encouraging professionals to reimagine their practices and collaborate with others in creating inclusive, equitable, and transformative educational environments. PK-12 Professionals’ Narratives of Working as Advocates Impacting Today’s Schools present a path toward dismantling oppressive structures, ultimately advocating for an education system that prioritizes the needs and voices of all learners.

In the world of education, technology has revolutionized teaching and learning practices globally. However, the widespread adoption of technology, especially in response to Covid-19, has led to a deluge of data from students' digital footprints. The challenge lies in effectively using this data through learning analytics (LA) to optimize K-12 classroom practices. Emergent Practices of Learning Analytics in K-12 Classrooms, edited by Dr. Nurdan Kavakl? Uluta? and Dr. Devrim Höl offers a comprehensive solution to these challenges. This book gathers academic scholars to explore practical perspectives on applying learning analytics in K-12 classrooms, combining qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Addressing topics such as predictive analytics, ethical considerations, and future directions, it empowers educators to make data-driven decisions, creating engaging learning experiences for improved student outcomes. By embracing the insights and recommendations presented in this book, academic scholars can confidently navigate the realm of learning analytics and shape the future of K-12 education.

The role of literacy instruction extends far beyond traditional English language arts classrooms. Cultivating Literate Citizenry Through Interdisciplinary Instruction delves into the necessary concepts within the realm of literacy across and within various academic disciplines. From the foundational core courses of English language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies to enriching extracurricular pursuits like agriculture, theater arts, visual arts, and kinesiology, this book encapsulates the essence of fostering literacy competencies in all domains. This comprehensive resource caters to a diverse audience, spanning preservice and in-service teachers, teacher educators, district and school leaders, and educational researchers. It is a versatile tool, ideal for integrating literacy methods courses focusing on content-area and disciplinary literacy instruction across all age groups. Practicing teachers will find it an invaluable resource for their ongoing professional development, while educational leaders will gain profound insights to inform their instructional support strategies.

Early childhood education is the decisive period of a student’s life experience where the foundations for lifelong learning are laid. A dynamic interplay of individual and collective experiences unfolds within its organized environment, fostering holistic growth, development, and the safeguarding of young minds. The significance of these formative years cannot be overstated; they are a cornerstone of education, shaping more than half of an individual’s future learning trajectory. In a world driven by international imperatives and national priorities, the establishment of robust early education policies has emerged as a pressing need within the broader Early Childhood Development program. Modern Early Childhood Teacher Education: Theories and Practice delves into the multifaceted tapestry of early school education, dissecting its historical underpinnings while navigating the complexities of contemporary educational paradigms. The book unfurls a comprehensive exploration of diverse global early schooling systems, dissecting their historical trajectories and contemporary challenges. It assumes the role of a scholarly guide, not only for practicing early education teachers but also for aspiring educators preparing to embark on their journey into the realm of pre-school and primary education. Additionally, it stands as a forum for the global exchange of pedagogical insights, fostering a community of academics, researchers, and practitioners committed to advancing the field of early education. The pages of this book resonate with the echoes of critical topics such as contemporary challenges in early schooling systems, innovative teaching resources tailored for young learners, the intricate nuances of digital education in the formative years, and the pivotal role of early education as a catalyst for broader educational and cultural policies.

There has been an increasing issue in STEM education as many students lack interest and knowledge in STEM disciplines and fields. Given the high demand for STEM workers, and the projected growth of STEM fields, it is important to expose students to STEM education beginning as early as elementary school. Some K-6 programs are not preparing teacher candidates adequately for STEM content or skills, especially in engineering. Integrating these disciplines and practices throughout elementary education programs could result in more exposure for K-6 students. Using STEM-Focused Teacher Preparation Programs to Reimagine Elementary Education presents anecdotal stories of how elementary education programs have altered their content offerings, field experiences, and curricula to expand their teacher candidates’ knowledge and exposure to STEM disciplines and fields. Covering key topics such as diversity, teacher education, and technology integration, this premier reference source is ideal for industry professionals, policymakers, administrators of K-12 education, pre-service teachers, teacher educators, researchers, scholars, academicians, practitioners, instructors, and students.

Within parenting, a complex dynamic emerges as empirical research intersects with practical applications. Parental Influence on Educational Success and Wellbeing navigates uncharted territories in parenting research, tackling pivotal issues like culture, minority experiences, lifespan perspectives, disabilities, and the convergence of medical and legal dimensions. Its uniqueness lies in theoretical exploration and in providing tangible solutions—offering parents concrete best practices and strategies. This book is an indispensable resource for parents seeking to navigate the multifaceted challenges of nurturing their children in diverse contexts. By integrating insights from various dimensions of parenting research, the book equips parents with a nuanced understanding of how their actions reverberate through their child's life, influencing academic achievement and emotional well-being.

Strengthen programs of family and community engagement to promote equity and increase student success! When schools, families, and communities collaborate and share responsibility for students′ education, more students succeed in school. Based on 30 years of research and fieldwork, the fourth edition of the bestseller School, Family, and Community Partnerships: Your Handbook for Action, presents tools and guidelines to help develop more effective and more equitable programs of family and community engagement. Written by a team of well-known experts, it provides a theory and framework of six types of involvement for action; up-to-date research on school, family, and community collaboration; and new materials for professional development and on-going technical assistance. Readers also will find: Examples of best practices on the six types of involvement from preschools, and elementary, middle, and high schools Checklists, templates, and evaluations to plan goal-linked partnership programs and assess progress CD-ROM with slides and notes for two presentations: A new awareness session to orient colleagues on the major components of a research-based partnership program, and a full One-Day Team Training Workshop to prepare school teams to develop their partnership programs. As a foundational text, this handbook demonstrates a proven approach to implement and sustain inclusive, goal-linked programs of partnership. It shows how a good partnership program is an essential component of good school organization and school improvement for student success. This book will help every district and all schools strengthen and continually improve their programs of family and community engagement.