Traditional reading placement tests, determining the level at which students can read without teacher mediation, frequently lead to student underplacement. Diagnostic teaching practices, however, can be used to determine students' emergent reading level, the reading level that can be achieved through instruction. After preteaching part of a…

This monograph, written for beginning teachers, is organized around the list of competencies upon which the assessment phase of the Virginia Beginning Teacher Assistance Program is based. Each chapter contains information about a competency required for certification in Virginia. The chapters follow the same general format. First, the definition…

This report offers materials from a project proposing a conceptual framework for teacher preparation for clothing program instruction. The project reflects contemporary and future concerns of individuals and families as well as the state of the art of clothing and textiles. The data collection procedures are described as well as questions that…

Computer technology may be a powerful support for teaching through guided inquiry, but this process still depends on teachers who often find it difficult to carry it out in classrooms. This article examines the efforts of a group of secondary school geometry teachers to shift their instruction toward guided inquiry with the use of a computer…

The document summarizes results of a project to help design effective in-service training programs for regular and special class teachers dealing with students with learning disabilities (LD). Feedback from participants in inservice programs offered by the Learning Centre in Alberta (Canada) suggests the importance of better identification of…

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)

The teaching approaches and attitudes toward teaching of University of Queensland faculty rated superior under one rating system are examined, including professional and personal skills and attitudes such as subject area competence, ability to communicate knowledge in various classroom contexts, and commitment to facilitating learning in…

This book discusses various pay and compensation initiatives in use nationwide, highlighting: (1) How Are Teachers Compensated?" (current status of teacher compensation and the changing context of teaching); (2) "What Have We Learned from Attempts at Change?" (three approaches to compensating teachers, recent short-lived reform…

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 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…

Suggests techniques and behaviors teachers can use to optimize the flow and pacing of their music lessons. Included are techniques for timing the lesson, keeping students involved, and minimizing interruptions and transitions. (SJL)

In this ethnographic study, four context variables emerged as having importance for teacher behavior: lesson type (new material, continuing topic, review); subject matter; size of instructional group (whole class, small group, individual); and time of day or week. Teacher behavior categories analyzed were: diagnostician, designer, facilitator,…

Because of the focus on student teacher achievement, a product evaluation of instruction (as opposed to a process evaluation) is appropriate for use in performance-based physical education teacher education internship programs. (LH)

Argues that community college development activities which focus exclusively on improving instruction weaken and fragment curricular disciplines and contribute to the disintegration of corporate faculty. Emphasizes the need for models which address the culture of college faculty and provide surrogates for the strong disciplinary culture of…

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…