The School of Technical and Applied Arts at Ferris State College has developed a series of activities that have proven to be successful in maintaining an up-to-date faculty, thereby insuring quality instruction. Recognizing that the problem of keeping faculty current in both teaching skills and technical knowledge was multi-faceted and could not…

Instead of employing a wide variety of teaching methods in the classroom, teachers should use only a few compatible methods. To choose these methods, teachers must clarify their own beliefs about basic elements of education and must assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of various methods in particular settings. (IW)

Defines and gives examples of remediation as a process prior to dismissal proceedings, in which a teacher is evaluated by administrators, who identify deficiencies and provide the teacher an opportunity to correct them. Identifies what constitutes remediable conduct, how requirements for remediation are imposed, and how courts review dismissal…

Five questions relating to the management of incompetent teachers are answered: (1) What is incompetence? (2) How can the administrator help the incompetent teacher? (3) How can principals prove incompetence during dismissal hearings? (4) What kinds of resources are needed? and (5) Why is managing incompetent teachers worth the effort? (PGD)

This book illustrates how to ask the right questions to effectively measure professional development; understand the dynamic nature of professional development; identify what contributes to improved student learning; and demonstrate results and accountability. The evaluation processes and tools recommended in this book acknowledge that if staff…

This book provides school leaders with nonconfrontational and guilt-free strategies for handling difficult teachers who undermine efforts toward school improvement, negatively influence other staff members, and behave in ways that create problems for students and staff. It looks at what difficult teachers are and compares them to the teacher…

This monograph describes a professional development model that supports educators and families in learning and growing together. It offers a theoretical framework and practical guidance for renewing the capacity of schools to produce positive results for all children. It embraces principles of collegiality, inquiry, learning, and community. Part…

This book offers a plan for improved classroom practice through the supervisory process. It includes hands-on practices for developing a personalized supervision strategy, research-based and empirically tested strategies, field-tested tools and techniques for qualitative and quantitative observation, a comprehensive resource of traditional and…

Argues for a comprehensive overhaul, in both classroom use and philosophical approach, in the role of technology in the Hong Kong educational system. Maintains that technology will, and must, redefine traditional concepts of education. Calls on administrators to support this change. (MJP)

Argues that Australian inservice education policies have unintentionally controlled and deskilled teachers. Focuses on Queensland, Australia, from 1973 to 1986. Claims teacher managerial skills are emphasized over curricular and instructional skills. Contends that teachers' professional development consequently suffers. Premises arguments on…

To translate the concept of a conflict resolution curriculum into everyday practice, teachers can identify their own filters and agendas in conflicts; examine the classroom environment; and refine their interaction skills. (LB)

Discusses the possibility that class size might affect student evaluations of teachers. Reviews existing studies of the relationship between class size and student evaluations. Concludes that student ratings are reasonably valid and that class size does not bias student evaluations. (CFR)

This occasional paper describes the National Council for History Education's program of professional development for history teachers along with the principles that were used to institute the program. The manual is intended as a guide for educators to establish their own history colloquium programs. The 10 sections are: (1)…

This comprehensive guide discusses how to design staff development in science and math. It is tailored specifically to the needs of individual schools or departments. Vignettes from real schools illustrate concepts within the book. The book provides 15 strategies for professional development and describes each one with its underlying assumptions…

Reports from the National Commission on Excellence in Education, the Carnegie Commission, and recent survey responses from colleges and universities across the United States have verified suspicions about student inabilities to demonstrate acceptable levels of literacy skills. The first step toward achieving excellence is structuring, demanding,…