This diploma work is dedicated to problems of textbooks from view of harmony authors of the textbooks and realization education in the class (Fidelity of implementation of teachers guide). At the beginning of the theoretical part is short chapter about history of education system from the view of content of education. After that, the theoretic part deals with the textbook itself, its content and its creating. The work is thinking about difficulty of creating the new textbooks, and that from the view not only of teachers, but also from the view of authors and the publishers. Not less important is chapter dealing with researches of the textbooks. This chapter is divided in the researches before 1989 and after 1989, and using professional literature describes the variety ways of researches of the textbooks not only in Czech Republic, but also in foreign countries. Then the theoretic part is concerning of relation the textbook and its users, so the teacher, the student and also the parent. It tries to explain, how big part play the teacher and his choice of the textbook, due to interaction between him and the student during the education. The last chapter of the theoretical part shortly describes the education sphere of "Člověk a jeho svět", its content and also the opinions of the specialists on its...

The purpose of this dissertation is to investigate how educational research, specifically Research-Based Instructional Strategies (RBIS), is adopted by education practice, specifically within the engineering Statics classroom. Using a systematic approach, changes in classroom teaching practices were investigated from the instructors\' perspective. Both researchers and practitioners are included in the process, combining efforts to improve student learning, which is a critical goal for engineering education. The study is divided into 3 stages and each is discussed in an individual manuscript. Manuscript 1 provides an assessment of current teaching practices; Manuscript 2 explores RBIS use by Statics instructors and perceived barriers of adoption; and Manuscript 3 evaluates adoption using Fidelity of Implementation. <br /><br />A common set of concurrent mixed methods was used for each stage of this study. A quantitative national survey of Statics instructors (n =166) and 18 qualitative interviews were conducted to examine activities used in the Statics classroom and familiarity with nine RBIS. <br /><br />The results of this study show that lecturing is the most common activity throughout Statics classrooms, but is not the only activity. Other common activities included working examples and students working on problems individually and in groups. As discussed by the interview participants, each of Rogers\' characteristics influenced adoption for different reasons. For example, Complexity (level of difficulty with implementation of an RBIS) was most commonly identified as a barrier. His study also evaluated the Fidelity of Implementation for each RBIS and found it to be higher for RBIS that were less complex (in terms of the number of critical components). Many of the critical components (i.e. activities required for implementation, as described in the literature) were found to statistically distinguish RBIS users and non-users. <br /><br />This dissertation offers four contributions: (1) an understanding of current ractices in Statics; (2) the instructor perspective of the barriers to using RBIS in the classroom; (3) the use of Fidelity of Implementation as a unique evaluation of RBIS adoption, which can be used by future engineering education researchers; and (4) a systematic approach of exploring change in the classroom, which offers new perspectives and approaches to accelerate the adoption process.<br /> / Ph. D.

This study was designed to address teachers' difficulties implementing Response-to-Intervention (RtI) program strategies at a low-performing school in south Texas in response to students failing to meet statewide assessment standards in reading. This exploratory case study investigated the perceptions of Grades 3 and 4 teachers to assist in understanding a pathway to increase higher fidelity of RtI implementation and improve student academic performance. Knowles' theory of andragogy and Lewin's change theory provided the framework for the study. The study included interview data from 6 purposefully selected Grades 3 and 4 teachers supplemented by document reviews of professional development (PD) presentations and RtI implementation policies. All data were analyzed using comparative and inductive analysis and coded into 7 emergent themes. The findings included the need for administrative supervision, a lack of RtI fidelity of implementation, and a need for PD focusing on interventions and organizational tools. The project, which was developed based on the findings and literature review, includes opportunities for learning and participating in campus RtI planning to gain support for the program, attending district-approved PD sessions to assist teachers' techniques to improve student performance in reading, and training in specific RtI progress monitor reporting to document use of the various interventions for individuals in the classroom. By ensuring that students receive RtI instruction that is designed to meet their individual academic needs, the project may help the school district decrease referrals to special education and improve students' reading abilities.

The purpose of this study was to make use of indicators of level of implementation collected during the enactment of Oregon Reading First in order to examine whether variation of implementation of the components of the Schoolwide Reading Program predicted better outcomes for students and schools. In particular, the aim of this study was to determine the extent to which each of three different types of measures of implementation fidelity, as well as a combined index of these measures, explained school-level variance in student improvement in 34 schools participating in the Reading First program. Hierarchical linear modeling was utilized to predict reading performance and growth on oral reading fluency and overall measures of reading performance. Mixed results, at best, were found when analyzing this association. In both second and third grades, one of three implementation indices and a composite total of all three measures were statistically significant but small predictors of oral reading fluency growth. However, this relationship was offset with the removal of one outlier school. Implementation threshold effects are discussed as a possible cause of nullification. No statistically significant relationships were found between implementation fidelity measures and overall reading outcomes directed at reading comprehension. Although not a focus of the study, school-level demographic characteristics including special education status and limited English proficiency appeared to explain significant differences between schools despite the use of evidence-based practices and strong support for implementation of these practices.

The purpose of the study aimed at gaining a better understanding of how the intended Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum differs from the enacted curricula and what factors impact this. This understanding is important to make the professional development program more meaningful to the immediate needs of the teacher in the classroom. Identifying the factors that contribute to any emerging differences between the curricula helped fill the gap in research on teacher knowledge and beliefs about the use of science and mathematics content in the PLTW classroom. PLTW is an innovative hands-on pre-engineering curriculum designed for K-12 students based on project-based and problem-based learning. It tries to combine math and science principles to present engineering concepts to students in a way that tries to keep up with the rapid changes associated with technology in their everyday world. Multiple case sampling was used to select four teachers based on their years of teaching experience as well as background in science and math. They were interviewed about their knowledge and beliefs about project and problem-based learning. In addition, non-participant observations and teacher beliefs questionnaires were used to triangulate the data for more credible results. A fidelity of implementation rubric was also used to determine how well the teachers were implementing the curriculum. Findings of the study show that there were differences in the way teachers chose to enact the curriculum that were heavily influenced by the curriculum materials, the professional development training and their own personal beliefs about how the curriculum should be enacted. A conceptual model is developed that aims at improving the professional development experiences for the teachers that considers their beliefs.

For more than two decades, special education teacher shortages and attrition have concerned policymakers and administrators who work to recruit and retain special educators. It is imperative, therefore, to investigate the possible causes underlying the decision of special educators to leave the field. The aim of this current study was to explore teacher commitment to model philosophy and burnout across two well-established preschool treatment models for children with ASD: TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication-Handicapped Children) and LEAP (Learning Experiences and Alternative Program for Preschoolers and their Parents). Additionally, these constructs were explored in Business As Usual (BAU) classroom models. Results indicated that LEAP teachers were significantly more committed to LEAP philosophy and practice relative to the TEACCH and BAU teachers and TEACCH teachers were not significantly more committed to TEACCH philosophy relative to the LEAP and BAU teachers. Additionally, BAU teachers are not significantly more committed to either LEAP or TEACCH, but do share commitment to both classroom approaches. Lastly, post hoc analyses provided support for a quadratic relationship between teacher commitment and aspects of teacher burnout. Implications for school districts and teachers working within the field of special education are discussed.

In this study, we examined the structural validity of the Secondary Transition Fidelity Assessment (STFA), a measure of secondary schools’ use of programs and practices demonstrated by research to lead to meaningful college and career outcomes for all students, including students at-risk for or with disabilities, and students from diverse backgrounds. Drawing from evidence-based practices endorsed by the National Technical Assistance Center for Transition and the Council for Exceptional Children’s Division on Career Development and Transition, the instrument development and refinement process was iterative and involved collecting stakeholder feedback and pilot testing. Responses from a national sample of educators (N = 1,515) were subject to an exploratory factor analysis resulting in five measurable factors: (a) Adolescent Engagement, (b) Inclusive and Tiered Instruction, (c) School-Family Collaboration, (d) District-Community Collaboration, and (e) Professional Capacity. The 5-factor model was subject to a confirmatory factor analysis which resulted in good model fit. Invariance testing on the basis of geographical region strengthened validity evidence and showed a high level of variability with regard to implementing evidence-based transition services. Findings highlight the need for consistent and regular use of a robust, self-assessment fidelity measure of transition service implementation to support all students’ transition to college and career.

This study was designed to address teachers' difficulties implementing Response-to-Intervention (RtI) program strategies at a low-performing school in south Texas in response to students failing to meet statewide assessment standards in reading. This exploratory case study investigated the perceptions of Grades 3 and 4 teachers to assist in understanding a pathway to increase higher fidelity of RtI implementation and improve student academic performance. Knowles's theory of andragogy and Lewin's change theory provided the framework for the study. The study included interview data from 6 purposefully selected Grades 3 and 4 teachers supplemented by document reviews of professional development (PD) presentations and RtI implementation policies. All data were analyzed using comparative and inductive analysis and coded into 7 emergent themes. The findings included the need for administrative supervision, a lack of RtI fidelity of implementation, and a need for PD focusing on interventions and organizational tools. The project, which was developed based on the findings and literature review, includes opportunities for learning and participating in campus RtI planning to gain support for the program, attending district-approved PD sessions to assist teachers' techniques to improve student performance in reading, and training in specific RtI progress monitor reporting to document use of the various interventions for individuals in the classroom. By ensuring that students receive RtI instruction that is designed to meet their individual academic needs, the project may help the school district decrease referrals to special education and improve students' reading abilities.

This study evaluated the predictive and concurrent validity of the Tiered Fidelity Inventory (TFI). Structural equation modeling was applied to test the associations between the TFI and student outcomes. First, a total of 1,691 schools with TFI Tier 1 in 2016-17 and school-wide discipline outcomes in 2015-16 and 2016-17 were targeted, finding a negative association between TFI Tier 1 and differences between African American and non-African American students in major office discipline referrals (ODR) per 100 students per day in elementary schools. A sensitivity test with schools with TFI Tier 1, 2, and 3 was conducted, showing a negative association between TFI Tier 1 and the square root of major ODR rates in elementary schools. Second, TFI Tier 1 was positively related to the proportions of students meeting or exceeding state-wide standards in reading from 1,361 schools with TFI Tier 1 and academic outcomes in 2014-15 and 2015-16. Also, the association between TFI Tier 1 and academic outcomes was found to be stronger when schools implemented SWPBIS for 6 or more years. A sensitivity test with schools with TFI Tier 1, 2, and 3 indicated positive associations between TFI Tier 1 and the proportions of students meeting or exceeding state-wide standards in both subjects. Third, TFI Tier2 was positively associated with the logit of proportions of students with CICO daily points from 570 schools with TFI Tier 2 in 2016-17 and CICO outcomes in 2015-16 and 2016-17. Fourth, correlations between the Evaluation subscale of TFI Tier 1 or 2 and relevant measures in 2016-17 were tested from 2,379 schools. TFI Tier 1 Evaluation was positively correlated with counts of TFI administrations, number of fidelity measures, and counts of viewing SWIS Reports. These correlations were significant except for ODRs by staff. Also, TFI Tier 2 Evaluation was significantly positively correlated with years of SWPBIS implementation, years of CICO-SWIS implementation, and counts of viewing CICO Reports except student period, and negatively with counts of viewing student single period. These findings were discussed by comparing them with previous research findings, suggesting implications for future research and practice, and addressing research limitations.

There is much research conducted on training teachers to use the evidence-based teaching strategies known as system of least prompts. However, there is little research conducted on using a modified system of least prompt. This study examined the fidelity of implementation by two early childhood teachers using a modified system of least prompts with preschool aged children. A multiple-probe design across participants was used to determine the effect of fidelity of implementation of a modified system of least prompts strategy on the level of on-task student engagement. The results showed that early childhood teachers could implement the modified teaching strategy with fidelity while also increasing the level of on-task engagement.