The Individuals With Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA, 2004) now includes language that permits local education agencies to use a process that determines if a child responds to scientific, research based interventions as part of their evaluation procedures. This reauthorization of IDEA 2004 has led to an increase demand for rigorous research on the outcomes of various models of response to intervention (RTI). Many of the components of RTI have a thorough base of empirical support. However, little empirical work has gone into understanding the standardization of service delivery and implementation of RTI in schools. There are two purposes to this study. First, this evaluation aims to provide formative evaluation data which will aid in the improvement of the processes and functions associated with the Clark County (Las Vegas) RTI Model in their critical role of supporting student achievement. Additionally, observations are then placed into a broader context in how they might contribute to the research base regarding implementation and service delivery standardization. Program evaluation data were collected from ten designated RTI schools in the Clark County School District in Las Vegas, NV that included structured interviews, surveys, direct observation of meetings, and a review of student intervention cases. Overall, results indicated evidence of an effective use of assessment and intervention tools across schools in a prevention oriented model. Unique examples of intervention service delivery models are discussed along with future directions for research.

<p> Research indicates that teachers feel intimidated into fully implementing prescribed literacy curriculum at the expense of their own praxis which may indeed be effective in boosting student literacy achievement. This perceived intimidation may serve to compromise students&rsquo; literacy outcomes. The objective of the study was to recognize the different forms of resistance teachers demonstrate in order to take responsibility of their own pedagogical practices as it helps develop students&rsquo; literacy skills. This paper analyzes teachers&rsquo; praxis and use of integrated methods of prescribed literacy curriculum in relation to teacher resistance. It answers four key questions: 1) What forms of resistance to the prescribed literacy curriculum do teachers at this elementary school use? 2) Why do teachers use resistance? 3) What do teachers say are the implications of their resistance? 4) What are teachers&rsquo; pedagogical choices in relation to resistance? </p><p> The study gathered qualitative and qualitative data in order to detail the frequency with which teachers favor their praxis over prescribed literacy curriculum, and to address concepts such as culturally responsive teaching and social participation. The limitations inherent in the research are the lack of diversity among the 18 respondents interviewed (all of them white female teachers from a northeastern U.S. suburban school); and the possibility that respondents might be less than candid in their responses due to concerns about anonymity. </p><p> Most of the teachers reported that they felt teachers resist prescribed literacy curriculum by developing their own pedagogical practices within their classroom in order to feel responsible for developing students&rsquo; literacy skills. At the same time, participants reported that they tended to completely follow prescribed literacy curriculum consistent with their professional development training. Teachers have strategically adjusted controlled academic environments to serve students, which implies a strategy of politicizing education within their classrooms. The long standing educational systems which were believed to promote education for the sake of preparing students for service jobs and consumerism are adjustable in classrooms where teachers promote students&rsquo; social capital instead.</p><p>

<p> Students with special needs are required by law to have an individualized education plan based on their unique educational needs. Special education teachers understand these needs and provide students with instructional strategies that allow them to succeed. Music has often been used to provide students with disabilities alternative ways to learn new content; however, the use of music integration therapy in the special education setting as well as its impact on the engagement behaviors on students with special needs is not widely documented in current educational research. A collective case study was used to explore how special education teachers use music integration therapy as an instructional tool for students with special needs. Four special education teachers in a large school district in a western state who have used music therapy in their interactions with students with special needs participated in the study. Each had different motivations for their use of music therapy in the classroom. The data gathered from interviews and observations revealed that each educator viewed progress for students on an individualized basis. The implications of the results of the study and their relationship to the literature are discussed. In addition, recommendations for future research are presented.</p><p>

This study will attempt to clarify behavior modification practices as related to the timeout procedure generally and specifically in a program for emotionally and behaviorally troubled children grades 3-5 and to propose a new concept which may improve the efficiency and effectiveness of behavior management. This study took place in a self-contained classroom in a public school that is located in a semi-rural community. It is understood that teachers need to be in control of their classrooms in order to maintain an effective learning environment. The way they achieve that control may be dependent upon imposed control in contrast to students managing themselves. This study will attempt to provide an understanding of children's ability to control their own behaviors and the role of the teacher as a facilitator of tools for modifying behavior.

This case study documented the process of designing, implementing, and accessing a low-cost, school-based staff development project. The principal objective of the study was to help a group of elementary school teachers serving African-American students seek alternative means of instructing those students not reached through traditional channels. In addition, it sought to expand teaching repertories; build stronger ties between the regular classroom and Chapter I programs; incorporate the tenets of action research in conjunction with sound staff development procedures; and to keep restructuring to a minimum. To facilitate and achieve these aims, the Chapter I curriculum was redesigned and linked to the regular classroom program. This case study also demonstrated a comprehensive collection of school improvement activities. The Chapter I staff, in concert with the classroom teachers, designed, implemented, and evaluated student activity modules. The modules focused on building positive self-image, cultural diversity, congruence, cultural heritage, and cooperative learning. Lessons learned from the activity modules promoted teacher interaction and feedback. In addition, the modules provided the Chapter I staff and teacher participants an avenue for connecting two disparate entities through planned staff development. The project succeeded as a result of the support garnered from administrators, the building principal, auxiliary staff, and community volunteers. Sound staff development processes permitted (1) the involvement of those persons most directly affected by the restructuring, (2) teachers to expand their repertoire of teaching strategies, (3) an increase in the level of optimism and resolve among teachers, administrators, and Chapter I staff, (4) time for teachers to explore new concepts and curriculum, (5) flexibility within the parameters of the project, (6) the undertaking of activities that permitted the linkage of the Chapter I curriculum to the regular classroom program, (7) opportunities for teachers/staff to plan collaboratively, and (8) teachers to grow professionally.