Examines the experience of participants in the 25 British Columbia teacher research groups involved in a primary education restructuring initiative. Characterizes teacher research as a striving for authenticity involving participants in five different struggles: engaging in professional discourse; providing mutual support, stability, and…

This paper focuses on Alberta, Canada's 1998 "Teacher Growth, Supervision and Evaluation" policy, examining its origins and adoption along with the significant shift in images of teaching and supervision that it conveys. Both the process and substance of the policy are analyzed within the context of Alberta's larger plan to restructure…

Discusses the need for more formalized orientation procedures for beginning teachers in Ontario, Canada. Reviews the literature on the goals of induction programs, provision of financial and human resources, program content and management, and commitments required of participants, manager, and policymakers. Contains 32 references. (SV)

Presents a case study in which an experienced teacher was terminated for incompetence following a forced transfer, assignment to a class with serious behavior problems, and conflicts with colleagues and superiors. Suggests that the development of teacher incompetence is a process exacerbated by organizational conditions. (SV)

Describes collaborative teacher and administrator training in cognitive coaching, a form of teacher supervision in which the administrator acts as a facilitator of teacher reflection on teacher's own teaching practices and the thinking behind them. Includes one principal's thoughts on his own professional development as he proceeded through the…

The student teaching experience can be successful if the student teacher, the host teacher, and the student-teacher supervisor share common goals. Because these goals are frequently not shared, a study was undertaken to develop a scale for the observation of student teachers that would both promote student teacher development and improve the…

This paper profiles Anna Steffin, principal of a Canadian elementary school, who has built a community of learners among her teachers and encourages quality staff development, collegiality, parent participation, and parent teacher cooperation. She promotes her beliefs by being an active participant in all activities. (SM)

In order to determine current practices and policies concerning the formal evaluation of certified teaching personnel in Alberta, this survey was conducted by means of a questionnaire (appended) sent to all school districts in the province. The findings were then compared to those of a similar survey conducted in 1977. The comparison revealed that…

Views the first-year teacher induction program as a logical extension of the student teaching experience and the next step in long-term teacher development. Outlines the goals of pre-service practica in Ontario universities and suggests related goals for induction programs. Contains 17 references. (SV)

Reports a study that examined and considered improvements to supervision of Canadian beginning teachers during the three-year transition phase into formal teaching. Existing supervisory practice, as determined by a survey, was compared to that recommended in the literature. Results suggest a need for strong, collaborative supervision efforts…

This study, initiated by the Scarborough (Ontario) Board of Education, examines principals' perceptions of their role in curriculum implementation, the difficulties inherent in this role and the support systems available to assist principals, and the leadership component of the principals' role in curriculum implementation. Interviews, based on a…

Physical education is becoming increasingly popular in elementary schools in Canada. Studies concerning the balancing of physical activities and intellectual subject matter, upgrading skills through inservice education, improving fitness, and project evaluation methods are reviewed. (JN)

Findings of a study that examined the school administrator's role in the induction and support of beginning teachers are presented in this paper. Conducted in a school district in southwestern Ontario, Canada, data were derived from interviews with 4 principals who volunteered to develop school-based induction programs in their schools and from…

This resource booklet attempts to describe the new directions of the department head role. In a recent study by Kenneth Leithwood, "The Secondary School Department Head," 1987, department heads identified democratic decision-making, human relations, planning for program and staff development, and teacher supervision as functions crucial…