This book explains how to use whole-faculty study groups to get the entire teaching staff working together on one set of organizational goals. Chapter 1 discusses the school reform environment and the potential of whole-faculty study groups to serve as a major change process for improving schools and student learning. Chapter 2 describes the…

Research reports show that in many schools, teachers are isolated and have little chance for professional collaboration with fellow teachers. However, research also demonstrates that when teachers collaborate, instruction improves. Seven examples of teacher collaboration throughout the United States show how collaboration can be implemented and…

A practicum intervention designed to enable primary grade teachers to integrate the components of the curriculum by using a thematic approach was implemented and evaluated. Teacher inservice training in developing a theme unit was provided, along with a list of professional references on curriculum integration. Additionally, teachers (n=18) were…

To provide students with the literacy strategies necessary to function successfully in a technologically supported society, teachers must realize how the multilayered grammars of computers continue to affect their definition of literacy. Computer-supported writing centers are an excellent site for teachers to share ideas about this changing…

This report explores issues surrounding the present governance structure of teacher credentialing in California and considers alternative structures to improve governance in the teaching profession. The study discusses the present credentialing structure, credentialing problems, and criticisms of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, a body…

There are thousands of different inservice education programs. The purposes of this study were to identify the elements of effective teacher inservice education; to measure to what degree these elements actually exist in inservice education programs reported by Texas teachers; and to develop a strategy for effective teacher inservice. A modified…

A series of five modules is designed to provide content and structure for staff development in classroom management techniques. Each module contains preview questions, module objectives, a number of instructional activities keyed to stated objectives, and a number of follow-up/review questions and activities. The five module topics are: teacher…

Dismissing incompetent tenured teachers is a difficult and time-consuming task. Contrary to popular opinion, however, that task is not impossible. Effective dismissal of incompetent teachers requires thorough, valid, and well-documented evaluation procedures, appropriate remediation efforts, and a fair hearing prior to dismissal. (TE)

The staff development interview, as conducted at British colleges of further and higher education, is an exchange of information and views between the department head and the lecturer, with the goal of assisting the lecturer's professional growth. The interviews are part of an ongoing process of staff development which includes recruitment and…

The author advises teachers on ways to alter their own attitudes and behavior that will improve classroom discipline and prevent students from taking advantage of them. (SJL)

An annotated bibliography for teachers of recently published titles in the following areas: working with young children; meeting special needs of young children (such as dyslexia, child abuse, learning disabilities,); teaching; schools and educational quality; emotional development of young children; reading, writing, and language arts; and…

Cites the lack of students' understanding and practicing of science processes as evidenced in science fair projects. Major contributors to the decline in science achievement are discussed. Author suggests teachers need experience with "sciencing" in the form of original investigative projects. Coursework designed to meet this goal is described.…

Outlines the Intern-Intervention Program of Toledo, Ohio, that uses experienced teachers to train and evaluate both beginning teachers and experienced teachers with problems. (MD)

Although the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has been certifying teachers since 1993, a mere 16,035 U.S. teachers out of approximately 3,000,000 have achieved National Board certification as of November 2001. The NBPTS is at the cutting edge of standards-based teacher assessment and is a process administrators should…

A professional library for inservice education of teachers can be useful in founding a Teaching of Reading Book Club. The Teaching of Reading Book Club, in time and sequentially, needs to become a community of learners in studying, assessing, and trying out new, recommended approaches in reading instruction. Knowing how these trial runs in new…