This worksheet is intended to assist adult basic education teachers in organizing personal learning projects. Based on the learning approach advocated by Malcolm Knowles and a teacher training model developed through Project ACT, the worksheet includes information on the attributes of good teachers and development of a contract for self-directed…

This teacher orientation manual has been developed as a comprehensive resource for teachers in Texas to facilitate a greater knowledge and understanding of the Texas Teacher Appraisal System (TTAS), designed as a developmental tool for the improvement of instruction, and the encouragement of professional growth. Through this system, teachers…

The emphasis in community colleges on teaching as a primary faculty responsibility has frequently caused classroom teaching to be divorced from scholarship. Although the teaching role is not a necessary condition for successful scholarship, some form of scholarship appears to be a necessary condition for successful teaching over an extended period…

A kindergarten teacher employed in an elementary school implemented a practicum designed to decrease the number of students referred to the principal's office for disciplinary action. Additional practicum goals were to improve student behavior in the classroom, cafeteria, and school bus; and teachers' classroom management techniques. Teachers were…

Responsible and effective administrative leadership requires confronting those members of the teaching staff who are a negative influence on the institution. Importantly, the absence of expressed appreciation for good work can have a devastating impact on a principal's image if he or she suddenly begins to confront poor performances. Actually, the…

Nineteen school districts will receive awards for exemplary staff development programs. The National Center for the Improvement of Learning selected these programs from among 99 submitted in the award competition. Ten programs are briefly described; the remaining programs will be featured in the March issue of this journal. (MLF)

The Advisory Panel of the National Center for the Improvement of Learning selected 19 exemplary staff development programs from a total of 99 entries. Nine programs are briefly described; the other 10 were featured in the February issue of this journal. (MLF)

Presents a preliminary report of the Quality of Engineering Education Project (QEEP) Task Force on Preparation for Teaching of Engineering. Includes conclusions and recommendations related to expectations, teaching and research, number of doctorate-granting institutions, teaching assistants, relevants, doctorate requirement for faculty, competent…

Faculty growth contracts are a viable way to define faculty ideas, chart the direction of professional growth, and assess teacher performance. Each contract includes a statement of yearly goals, means for accomplishing those goals, and a budget request. Guidelines are provided for implementing a faculty growth contract program. (TE)

The problem of teaching teacher-student communication is seen as a difficult one, since personal experience is vital. Some suggestions are offered for the teacher to follow, including recognition of the complexity and importance of communication, and supportive and flexible attitudes. (LBH)

This book about electronic teacher portfolios presents 14 chapters in six parts. Part 1, "The Evolution of the Portfolio in Teacher Education," includes: (1) "Portfolios: Past to Present." Part 2, "The Emergence of a Professional Portfolio Model," features: (2) "Smart Portfolios for Teachers," (3)…

Because the key agent in mathematics and science reform is the teacher, this issue of the Eisenhower National Clearinghouse for Mathematics and Science Education (ENC) Focus highlights professional development. Whatever curriculum change is adopted in a school district, whatever new textbook series is chosen, it is through the teacher that the…

This book provides educators and administrators with the knowledge and skills needed to engage in peer assistance and review within the context of teacher evaluation, describing how to develop and implement an effective teacher peer assistance and review program. The book offers the following: components of successful peer assistance and review…

The goal of any professional development program is to inform and change teacher behavior as a result of new information. Professional development activities need to be designed in a way that ensures that teachers' time and your investment in time and money pay off in increased student achievement. Getting teacher buy in is important when…

Designed to teach educators how to consciously develop strategies and practices for cultural groups that are at risk for education failure, this book defines and describes diversity; offers a unique process for developing strategies to serve diverse populations; and provides opportunities to practice the approach through questions, exercises, and…