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For K-12 teachers to improve effective teaching skills, cognitive presence (CP) integration into teaching and learning process is of utmost value. CP strategy training can serve as a facilitating component in supporting K-12 teachers' instructional capacity. This study presents findings of a teacher professional development training aiming CP strategy implementation at K-12 level. Following a mixed-method methodology, the present research was carried out with 53 teachers from four different campuses and grade levels, who were guided to implement CP strategies in their teaching context. The data sources were CP-integrated lesson plans, trainers' feedback on these lesson plans, teacher responses on a questionnaire. The data collection methods were utilizing an end-of-the-training questionnaire directed to teachers, lesson plan evaluation through a CP rubric, content analysis of trainer feedback on lesson plans and revised lesson plans. Results unveiled that this professional development training designed and implemented for K-12 teachers led to significantly positive changes in teachers' CP strategy integration into lesson plans regardless of levels, subjects or topics. This study could also provide important contributions to designing teacher professional development training for researchers, practitioners and teacher trainers, particularly in CP dimension.

This study explores the characteristics of after-school program activities at a charter school in the Southeast US highlighting students' experiences with and gains from these after-school program activities. A qualitative case study design was employed to understand students' views and opinions regarding the activities and their learning trajectories. Study data were collected through formal and informal observations, one-on-one semistructured interviews, and field notes. The study's findings indicated that such activities emphasize open-ended and collaborative scientific investigations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields and provided an arena for students to demonstrate various uses of 21st century skills. We have described and explained: (a) the importance of collaborative learning groups, (b) the popularity of after-school program activities, (c) interest in STEM fields, and (d) activities' contribution to developing 21st century skills. These findings show that STEM related activities have the potential to promote collaborative learning and inquiry as well as to contribute to the development of 21st century skills. These findings have also been discussed in light of how STEM related after-school program activities support students' learning.

Because there is, currently, no education system for primary school students in grades 1-3 who have specific learning disabilities in Turkey and because such students do not receive sufficient support from face-to-face counseling, a needs analysis was conducted in order to prepare an adaptive, web-assisted learning system according to variables determined by the extent of learning disabilities. The scope of this study was limited to dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia. Data were collected from five subject area experts (psychologist and special education specialists) using semi-structured interview forms including open-ended questions, 15 parents, at least one of whose children has a specific learning disability and six classroom teachers via surveys including open-ended questions in the 2011-2012 academic year. A matrix diagram was prepared in order to analyze the data with a holistic approach and to show dependability and credibility of the study. The study revealed three main findings: a lack of information / interest about specific learning disabilities, the inadequacy of the Turkish Ministry of Education Specific Learning Disabilities Support Education Program, and the inadequacy of applications, both within and outside the classroom. The findings also showed that the students with specific learning disabilities need a web-assisted system that should be adaptive and which can be used both in school and at home. (Contains 5 tables.)

The purposes of this study were to examine the utilization of audio modification in vocabulary assessment in school subject areas, specifically in elementary science, and to present a web-based key vocabulary assessment tool for the elementary school level. Audio-recorded readings were used to replace independent student readings as the task demand for progress monitoring science vocabulary for 162 fifth grade students in 14 schools. Scores on vocabulary tests obtained by students who used the audio texts for readings were compared with scores obtained by the same students who did not use the audio texts. A statistically significant difference between the two scores in favor of the students who used the audio texts was found. Benefits for at-risk students of school failure, and the trend between the amount of audio use and test scores were also investigated. Results suggest that, if appropriately conducted, the use of this type of modification together with written text may enable students feel confident about their science vocabulary knowledge. (Contains 1 table and 2 figures.)

Finding appropriate instructional settings in science for students with disabilities is challenging, and the range of services or placements used is currently unknown. This study identifies administrative structures, instructional settings, and special/general education teacher roles in teaching science to students with disabilities. A phone survey was conducted with special education coordinators of fifth graders in 137 districts in Texas. Survey data indicated that while nearly all districts reported special education settings for the instruction of science for students with disabilities, some districts provided only general education settings. Theoretical and practical implications for teacher preparation are discussed.