This book provides instructional leaders with guidance and insight to help them work successfully with teachers to improve classroom teaching and learning. It goes beyond the basics of supervision to place the work of instructional leadership within the context of whole-school improvement. The book offers scenarios describing interactions with…

Teachers ought to be doers as well as teachers. A government teacher discusses how participating in the political process helped his teaching. Learning activities are suggested. (RM)

Administrators seeking the cooperation of teachers in the classroom observation phase of teacher evaluations should establish well-defined criteria in the areas of planning, technical skills, instructional skills, and classroom management so that teachers can recognize the evaluation process as an objective attempt to encourage their professional…

Nine recommended guidelines for teacher performance appraisal are offered as a basis for evaluating an appraisal system. Guidelines, involving a reward system, evaluation training, teacher involvement, classroom improvement, peer observation, alternative-data collection, paperwork, and supervisors, emphasize the positive qualities of teacher…

To ensure due process in teacher evaluations, administrators should follow 13 guidelines, including making teachers aware of the school district's expectations and its evaluation plan, obeying requirements in contracts and state and local laws, and helping teachers correct their deficiencies. (RW)

After criticizing traditional inservice programs that rely on hastily prepared presentations by outside experts, the author proposes a two-part plan for a comprehensive ongoing inservice program based on needs assessment and close cooperation with a local university. Part II will appear in the November 1981 issue. (SJL)

Inservice training is essential for science teachers to keep abreast of changes in their field in subject matter, curriculum development, and instructional techniques. Training methods could include computer assisted instruction, microteaching films, university course work, on-site instruction, home study, and instruction from special interest…

The author considers ways that an incompetent teacher's colleagues and the school administration can deal with the problems such a teacher poses. The positions taken by professional associations on incompetent teachers are cited. (SJL)

To improve instruction, a cadre of assisting professionals, trained in clinical supervision techniques and philosophy, must be developed in each school system to work with teachers as colleagues in a nonevaluative, supportive role. (Author/MLF)

Responsible administrators are obligated to confront poor teacher performance. Guides principals through 12 steps to take in the confrontation process that include the following: gathering information, waiting for a specific incident, developing a file, meeting with the teacher, helping the teacher to improve, and working with the teacher union.…

This article uses a "bomb" analogy to offer teachers guidelines for evaluating failed lessons. Suggested factors to consider include pre-lesson planning and preparation, introduction of the lesson, appropriateness of objectives for student levels, lesson time, teacher presentation, and behavioral aspects. (DB)

Assessment can assist key steps in the development of effective school improvement planning (SIP) programs. The article refers to an SIP Action Guide, highlighting four occasions during use of the Action Guide when assessment processes are key (assessment within action plans and assessment to identify strengths, concerns, and possible causes). (SM)

Discusses research on the tensions in becoming a better mathematics teacher, including perspectives on the nature of mathematics, conceptual and procedural knowledge, and managing competing responsibilities. Implications for teachers and teacher preparation include revision of undergraduate mathematics courses, collaboration among mathematics…

In order for teachers to use cooperative-learning strategies effectively, they must become sensitized to the many complexities of the technique. Explains how a mathematics teacher-education class can engage pre-service and in-service teachers in a cooperative-learning activity that can be used both as a model and as a subject for reflection and…

Describes the first year of an ongoing professional-development project that engaged 37 middle school teachers in roles that promoted them as active learners and decision makers. (ASK)