Research and practice have shown that staff development is the key to the successful implementation of any effective schools project. Staff development is defined as the ongoing, job-related, research-based activity provided for employees to maintain and improve their competencies. Part 1 of this paper outlines components (such as district-level…

This paper discusses a career ladder plan developed by the Clayton (Missouri) School District and the teacher assessment procedure developed to implement that plan. The basics of the plan include (1) a 20-step basic salary schedule, (2) a system of incentives and rewards available to each teacher at each stage of the career ladder, and (3) an…

This guide, written for teachers and administrators wishing to introduce evaluation systems that promote continued teacher growth and enhance school effectiveness, suggests that meaningful change requires a clear understanding of what is already in operation, substantial skill development, and adequate resources for the duration of the change…

Issues related to the improvement of science teaching are examined in this collection of proposals and papers from the 1985 National Forum for School Science. Generalized comments are offered on strategies for strengthening science teaching and on selected proposals concerned with the recruitment and retention of science teachers. Topic areas…

This collection contains a series of papers each of which deals with a key issue in vocational teacher education today. Included in the volume are the following papers: "Introduction and Colloquium Purposes," by John Pucciano; "Recruitment and Retention of Vocational Education Teachers," by Richard L. Lynch;…

A survey was conducted to determine the needs of elementary teachers with respect to the teaching of science. Areas addressed in the survey included: biological, physical, and earth science topics taught at various grade levels; criteria used to select sequencing and content of the science curriculum; most common methods of instruction used in the…

The Biological Science Curriculum Study with support from others conducted a three-year project (ENLIST Micros II) to develop and test a model for implementing educational computing in science courses. Descriptive data on background characteristics, prior experience with microcomputers, and educational level of the leaders and new participants was…

This document, the fourth in a series on diversity in the classroom, supports the belief that challenges faced by teachers working with diverse students can only be met through teacher practices that increase levels of positive teacher-student interaction and that create, in each student, effective social and problem solving skills. Section 1,…

Analyzes data from a questionnaire addressing preservice elementary teachers' negative attitudes toward social studies. Identifies and discusses six categories of concern: negative past experiences; lack of personal interest; confusion over the nature of social studies; conflicting beliefs; topic selection; and traditional teaching styles. (MJP)

Discusses the use of teaching portfolios and portfolio-based conversations with colleagues to enhance teacher effectiveness, presenting a portfolio conversation guide that highlights the importance of conducting the sessions properly, organizing an appropriate group, and focusing on specific portfolio contents. Implications for teacher education…

This practical guide for new teachers is written by teachers and offers strategies for the early years of teaching that cover classroom practice and professional development. Seven chapters address teaching practice and cover the following topics: getting to know students at the beginning of the year; strategic planning for the whole year;…

A needs assessment instrument was developed to aid rural (upstate New York) school officials in implementing staff development programs and determining special staff development needs for serving handicapped students in the mainstream. Survey responses were gathered from 85 elementary and secondary teachers in 3 school districts over 2 counties.…

In early 1984, Connecticut's state board of education adopted an agenda of seven major initiatives for improving the quality of education in the state. Each initiative was further broken down into one or more specific issues. This document examines the background of each issue, presents recommendations for addressing the issue, discusses…

Teachers are exposed to many varieties of inservice education throughout their careers. It is critical to evaluate the success of such programs. One criterion of success must be the degree to which teachers effectively implement what they have learned. This study examined the effects of an inservice education program emphasizing problem solving on…

Increased enrollments combined with teacher retirements and resignations are creating a strain on the current supply of qualified teachers. As the demand for new teachers is increasing, the number of new teaching graduates is decreasing proportionally. A national teacher shortage is imminent and already exists is some locations and in some…