Research interests
Amid the current backdrop of university-school partnerships and the educational accountability movement, Akmal's research focuses on 1) how to improve pre- and in-service teacher quality in order to improve the learning experiences of all students, particularly at the middle level; and 2) how the educational reform and accountability movement affects middle schools. Akmal is especially interested in the practices of middle schools in relation to the issues surrounding grade level retention of students and other effects of educational “accountability.”
Teaching/professional interests
Tariq Akmal teaches general instructional methods courses for secondary (middle and high school) pre-service teachers, Introduction to Middle School, and graduate Middle School Seminar. He is also teaching graduate level curriculum and instruction courses in the Ed.M. + Certification Program. Akmal has experience teaching middle school, as well as high school English and social Studies.
Recent accomplishments
- Co-Principal Investigator with Helmstetter, E., Maring, G., Oaks, M., Pavel, M., and Shinew, D. (1999-2004). Collaboration for Teacher Education Accountable for Children with High-Needs (CO-TEACH), Title II Teacher Quality Enhancement grant. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Education. $9.67 million. Awarded August 1999, funded in February 2000.
- Larsen, D.E. & Akmal, T.T. (In-press). Intentional planning in the age of accountability: Explorer middle school's approach. In Parkay, F.W. and Anctil, E. (Eds.), Curriculum Planning: A Contemporary Approach, (7th Ed.). Boston: Allyn & Bacon.
- Akmal, T. T. & Maring, G.H. (2004, Autumn). Bridging the gap: Using cyber partnerships to connect with distant schools. The Teacher Educator, 40(2), 69-87.
- Akmal T.T. & Larsen, D.E. (2004). Keeping history from repeating itself: Involving parents about retention decisions to support student achievement. Research in Middle Level Education Online, 27(2). http://nmsa.org
Educational background
- Ph.D. Curriculum and Instruction, Washington State University, 1997
- M.A. Curriculum and Instruction, Washington State University, 1996
- B.A. English/Social Studies Education, Washington State University, 1988
