First, when it comes to articulated beliefs about what constitutes appropriate instruction for early adolescents, both groups are proponents of instruction that: (1) is theme based, (2) is
interdisciplinary, (3) fosters student self - direction and independence, (4) promotes self - understanding, (5) incorporates basic skills, (6) is relevant to the learner and thus based on
study of significant problems, (7) is student - centered, (
8) promotes student discovery, (9) values group interaction, (10) is built upon student interest, (11) encourages critical and creative exploration of ideas, and (12) promotes student self - evaluation (e.g., Currier, 19
86; Kaplan, 1979; Maker & Nielson, 1995; Stevenson, 1992).
In the context of several school - university partnerships and university
interdisciplinary collaborations she has developed, Dr. Heaton is leading efforts to build the capacities of preK -
8 teachers and
studying their learning.
Tennessee stated that the new Educator Licensure Policy shifts middle - grades licensure from an
interdisciplinary 4 -
8 to a single discipline endorsement area (6 -
8) in either English, mathematics, science or social
studies.