In this paper I examine how individual performance in a real work place is affected by the gender mix of the competitive group. The competition is among math, English and Language (Hebrew or Arabic) teachers who participated in a rank-order tournament that rewarded teachers with large cash bonuses based on the test performance of their classes. Teachers were awarded bonuses according to their r...

Knowledge of mathematics has become increasingly important in this era of high-technology. Being mathematically literate no longer means being able to multiply two three-digit numbers without the use of pencil and paper. It requires the ability to solve complex problems, work in isolation or cooperatively, and use tools such as calculators and computers. Unfortunately, fewer people are willing ...

The development of English language learners (ELLs) was explored from kindergarten through eighth grade within a nationally representative sample of first-time kindergartners (N = 19,890). Growth curve analyses indicated that, compared to native English speakers, ELLs were rated by teachers more favorably on approaches to learning, self control, and externalizing behaviors in kindergarten and g...

A cost-effectiveness analysis of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) program suggests that Board certification is less cost-effective than a range of alternative approaches for raising student achievement, including comprehensive school reform, class size reduction, a 10% increase in per pupil expenditure, the use of value-added statistical methods to identify effecti...

This paper describes the Bricklayer Ecosystem – a freely-available online educational ecosystem created for people of all ages and coding backgrounds. Bricklayer is designed in accordance with a “low-threshold infinite ceiling” philosophy and has been successfully used to teach coding to primary school students, middle school students, university freshmen, and in-service secondary math teachers...

The prevailing vision for undergraduate science education includes increased collaboration among teachers of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and an overhaul of introductory courses [1–4]. But by staying within the borders of STEM, are we overlooking connections between the arts and innovative science? Likewise, are we missing an important opportunity to inspire and inform nonsc...