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At the Arizona K-12 Center, finding and supporting the most
effective practices in education is imperative to the accomplishment
of our goals. This has led us to focus on the identification
of Best Practices. Best Practices are research-based instructional
or staff development practices that are most effective and equitable
in generating improved student learning outcomes.
In an effort to disseminate the information gathered, the Center
has established the Best Practices Clearinghouse, a compilation
of recognized programs, and additional resources and links, which
provides educators and the community with research-based criteria
and programs on "what works" in K-12 Education.
The clearinghouse includes a database with information to ease
decision-making on school reform initiatives, resources, and
curriculum research documentation. Evaluating educational practices
and disseminating that information has led to the emergence of
six areas as the foundation of the clearinghouse:
- Reviews of Education Programs: Provides links to
reports of successful education programs that have been widely implemented,
such as the Education Commission of the States at http://www.ecs.org/.
- Examples of Excellence in Arizona: Provides information
and links to various programs in Arizona that recognize excellence in
education such as Arizona Teacher of the Year.
- Effective Instructional Practices: Provides references
and links to research evaluating the effectiveness of various educational
practices such as the Review of Educational Research.
- Instructional Strategies and Commercial Programs:
Lists instructional strategies and programs that have been reviewed
and recommended as best practices, and provides the rubric used for
the review.
- Video Cases of Best Practice Teaching: Provides videos
of award-winning teachers demonstrating Best Practices, lesson plans,
expert commentary, and opportunities for interactive response.
- Best Practices in Induction: Showcased schools and
districts that have instituted high-intensity Induction and Mentoring
programs.
- Regional Centers and Laboratories: Across the country
Regional Centers and Laboratories provide resources on Best Practices in instruction,
teacher quality, professional development, technology in education, and other topics.
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