IAE Occasional Papers

Occasional Papers

In 1999, the Academy initiated the publication and dissemination of an Occasional Research Paper Series. Authors present up-to-date research summaries on topics important to the future of preK-14 education in Iowa. The papers are intended to inform Iowa educational scholars, leaders, and policy makers.

Revolutions and Evolutions in Current Educational Testing
Dr. Robert Brennan, University of Iowa -- June 2004

Educational testing is currently undergoing both revolutions and evolutions that will have far-reaching and long-term consequences. This paper treats three major testing topics: accountability in the K-12 arena with a focus on No Child Left Behind, computerization, and litigation/notions of fairness.

If the Underlying Premise For No Child Left Behind Is False, How Can that Act Solve Our Problems?
Dr. David Berliner, Arizona State University -- June 2004

The premise underlying the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 is that America's schools are failing. This premise is examined by looking at several trustworthy indicators.

What Does Research on Constructivist Education Tell Us about Effective Schooling?
Dr. Rheta L. DeVries, University of Northern Iowa -- June 2002

Research on the effectiveness of constructivist education is reviewed. Results indicate better child outcomes for constructivist classrooms when compared to non-constructivist classrooms. Practical implications for schools are discussed.

Achieving the Visions of the National Science Education Standards
Dr. Robert E. Yager, University of Iowa -- March 2002

Current realities of science education in classroom practice and teacher education programs are explored. Recommendations for improving science teaching are delineated and exemplary science education programs are identified.

Children's Motor Behavior: Implications for Teachers, Coaches, and Parents
Dr. Jerry R. Thomas, Iowa State University -- August 2001

The impact of children's growth and gender difference on motor performance is explored. The development of motor control and sports expertise is discussed. Implications of the research findings for teachers, coached, and parents are presented.

Inclusion: Rhetoric and Reality Surrounding the Integration of Students with Disabilities
Dr. Kenneth A. Kavale, University of Iowa -- May 2000

Issues surrounding the integration of students with disabilities into general education are explored. Research related to perceptions and attitudes about inclusion, the tenor of the general education classroom, and the preparation and ability of general education teachers to deal effectively with special education students is summarized.

Community College Effects on Students: A Review of Recent Evidence
Dr. Ernest T. Pascarella, University of Iowa -- August 1999

Findings suggest that community colleges may provide a cost-effective way for substantial numbers of students to obtain the first two years of post-secondary education without sacrificing the intellectual/developmental impact of the college experience or their relative competitiveness in the marketplace.


		Occasional Papers In 1999, the Academy initiated the publication and dissemination of an Occasional Research Paper Series. Authors present up-to-date research summaries on topics important to the future of preK-14 education in Iowa. The papers are intended to inform Iowa educational scholars, leaders, and policy makers. Revolutions and Evolutions in Current Educational Testing Dr. Robert Brennan, University of Iowa -- June 2004 Educational testing is currently undergoing both revolutions and evolutions that will have far-reaching and long-term consequences. This paper treats three major testing topics: accountability in the K-12 arena with a focus on No Child Left Behind, computerization, and litigation/notions of fairness. If the Underlying Premise For No Child Left Behind Is False, How Can that Act Solve Our Problems? Dr. David Berliner, Arizona State University -- June 2004 The premise underlying the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002 is that America's schools are failing. This premise is examined by looking at several trustworthy indicators. What Does Research on Constructivist Education Tell Us about Effective Schooling? Dr. Rheta L. DeVries, University of Northern Iowa -- June 2002 Research on the effectiveness of constructivist education is reviewed. Results indicate better child outcomes for constructivist classrooms when compared to non-constructivist classrooms. Practical implications for schools are discussed. Achieving the Visions of the National Science Education Standards Dr. Robert E. Yager, University of Iowa -- March 2002 Current realities of science education in classroom practice and teacher education programs are explored. Recommendations for improving science teaching are delineated and exemplary science education programs are identified. Children's Motor Behavior: Implications for Teachers, Coaches, and Parents Dr. Jerry R. Thomas, Iowa State University -- August 2001 The impact of children's growth and gender difference on motor performance is explored. The development of motor control and sports expertise is discussed. Implications of the research findings for teachers, coached, and parents are presented. Inclusion: Rhetoric and Reality Surrounding the Integration of Students with Disabilities Dr. Kenneth A. Kavale, University of Iowa -- May 2000 Issues surrounding the integration of students with disabilities into general education are explored. Research related to perceptions and attitudes about inclusion, the tenor of the general education classroom, and the preparation and ability of general education teachers to deal effectively with special education students is summarized. Community College Effects on Students: A Review of Recent Evidence Dr. Ernest T. Pascarella, University of Iowa -- August 1999 Findings suggest that community colleges may provide a cost-effective way for substantial numbers of students to obtain the first two years of post-secondary education without sacrificing the intellectual/developmental impact of the college experience or their relative competitiveness in the marketplace.
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