STEM OERs study

This study outlines the significance of studying pressing issues related to use of digital resources in the K–12 environment, and uses the Quadratic Usage Framework of K–12 technology adoption to contextualize the results of a qualitative synthesis of published research. Many traditional issues relating to educators’ access, skill, policy, and motivation to use digital learning resources emerged clearly from the body of literature.

Luetkemeyer, Jennifer, and Marcia Mardis. “Applying the Quadratic Usage Framework to Research on K–12 STEM Digital Learning Resources.” School Libraries Research, 19.
http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol19/SLR_K-12STEMDigitalLearningResources_V19.pdf

Teacher stress study

Teacher burnout is linked to higher levels of stress hormones in their students. When teachers are stressed, so are their student, according to a new study. “Teachers who experience higher levels of burnout report to be more stressed, less effective in teaching and classroom management, less connected to their students, and less satisfied with their work,” the study authors write. Burned out teachers may also have fewer resources and support, which could also contribute to student stress.

Oberle, E., &U Schonert-Reichl, K. (2016). Stress contagion in the classroom? The link between classroom teacher burnout and mornig cortisol in elementary school students.  Social Science & Medicine, 159(June), 30-37.

School library advocacy research

This case study investigated the effectiveness of one advocacy effort in response to a call for support
of a national petition in support of school libraries (i.e., ESEA reauthorization). The study has import for the design and development of successful advocacy efforts.
 Burns, Elizabeth, Sue Kimmel, and Gail Dickinson. “Anatomy of Advocacy: A Case Study of the White House Petition.”  School Library Research Vol. 19 (2016).
http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol19/SLR_AnatomyofAdvocacy_V19.pdf

School library advocacy research

This case study investigated the effectiveness of one advocacy effort in response to a call for support
of a national petition in support of school libraries (i.e., ESEA reauthorization). The study has import for the design and development of successful advocacy efforts.
 Burns, Elizabeth, Sue Kimmel, and Gail Dickinson. “Anatomy of Advocacy: A Case Study of the White House Petition.”  School Library Research Vol. 19 (2016).
http://www.ala.org/aasl/sites/ala.org.aasl/files/content/aaslpubsandjournals/slr/vol19/SLR_AnatomyofAdvocacy_V19.pdf

Teachers and technology survey

Seventy-three percent of teachers participating in a recent survey said they use open educational resources more often than traditional textbooks. The survey also showed that technology has changed how a majority of the teachers manage their time and approach to instruction; most teachers apply tech to classroom lecture time (84%) and differentiated instruction (74%).
TES Global. (2016).  Teachers and technology survey. San Francisco, CA: Author.
http://www.tesglobal.com/teachertech2

Common Core impact study

Test scores vary little between states using Common Core State Standards and those not using the standards, according to a recent report Data show Common Core is changing instruction, with 45% of teachers emphasizing nonfiction in 2015, up from 38% in 2011. Principals are most likely to influence instruction by developing and setting educational goals for their schools.
Brown Center on Education Policy. (2016). Brown Center report on American education. Washington, DC: Brookings Institute.
http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports2/2016/03/24-brown-center-report-loveless

IT leadership survey

Student data privacy and security are among many IT leaders' to-do lists, according to an annual survey. Data show top concerns also include broadband and network capacity issues. Districts are turning to digital learning materials, and 99% intend to incorporate OERs. Furthermore, nearly 80% of IT leaders use online productivity tools.
CoSN. (2016). K-12 IT leadership survey report.  Washington, DC: OcSN.
http://cosn.org/itsurvey