Jennifer H. James, an associate professor of elementary and social studies education in the College of Education, has begun a two-year study of third-grade students funded by a $40,000 grant from the Spencer Foundation. The study, “Teaching and Learning 21st Century Skills in the Elementary School: Towards Research-Based Practice,” will help gauge the cognitive, interpersonal and intrapersonal skills needed for full civic participation in the 21st century. James will collaborate with Barrow Elementary teachers Glennda Shealey and Rita Foretich to develop ways to measure students’ understanding across time and space and to identify effective strategies for fostering children’s civic growth within the context of the school day. College of Education graduate students Jessica Kobe and Chang Liu will assist.
