This narrative case study describes the use of improvement science methods to strengthen the effectiveness of field experiences for teacher candidates. As part of a networked improvement community, we sought to reduce variation in the quality of field experience by providing a cohesive network of high-quality coaching supports. Using design-based…

The purpose of this study was to determine how students in an educational leadership preservice program perceived the effectiveness of solution-focused supervision (SFS) taught in an instructional supervision class. Interviews, observations, and artifacts, and a case study design, were applied to address two primary research questions. Findings…

Instructional leadership efforts are complicated when leaders and teachers do not share areas of expertise. Leaders work to bridge this divide through a number of approaches, such as collaboration with specialist personnel and the development of leadership content knowledge (LCK). The purpose of this study was to explore the organizational factors…

This cross-case synthesis gives voice to evaluators in EC-12 and higher education settings who are enacting a state-mandated system of teacher evaluation and support by examining their perceptions of the Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). Questions addressed included: How do differently situated school administrators and…

As the Texas Education Agency (TEA) rolls out the state-wide implementation of the new teacher evaluation system, thousands of Texas school administrators have completed the required training and have become certified appraisers under the new Texas Teacher Evaluation and Support System (T-TESS). During the state training, participants are…

This study aggregated supervisor's ratings of teachers trained at The Renaissance Group (TRG) and the Teacher Education Council of State Colleges and Universities (TECSCU) institutions. Fourteen studies conducted by 12 universities or states were gathered, and 12 that met inclusion criteria were included in this analysis. The total number of…

This report summarizes how school and district leaders and academic coaches in two Texas school districts used assessment and other types of data to assess the quality of teaching and learning, to coach and supervise teachers, and to guide management decisions. The report also describes how district and school leaders supported teachers' use of…

Responding to Joe Smith's unfavorable comments concerning Texas' alternative certification program in the November 1991 issue of "Educational Leadership," this article claims the Texas program is highly successful, thanks to school-university cooperation and closely supervised teacher interns. New Jersey's failures cannot be likened to…

Surveyed 114 teachers regarding their supervisory needs, wants, and expectations. Writing exercises revealed teachers' perceptions of best and worst experiences and of administrator behaviors. Respondents viewed "best" supervision as validation, empowerment, visible presence, coaching, and professionalism vehicle and "worst"…

This article describes collaborative efforts to frame university teacher preparation program activities within transfer of learning and transformative learning theories to promote teacher leadership. Specifically, we describe (a) a community sponsored, public school, campus-based experience during an introductory teacher preparation course; (b) a…

This study represents the first portion of a two-year program designed to gather baseline data indicating the present state of teacher centering in Texas. The questionnaire designed for the survey focused on three areas: (1) the organization and workings of the teacher center; (2) the communication paths and media within and between teacher…

Reports the results of a 1977 survey of instructional supervision in many bilingual programs in California, Arizona, and Texas. Presents state-by-state profiles revealing common characteristics of the programs and the indadequacies of program supervision, which are corroborated by national study findings. Briefly discusses program evaluation and…

A major criticism leveled at professional education faculty appears to be that their elementary or secondary school experience is often outdated and inadequate. The purpose of this study was to explore the validity of this criticism. A questionnaire designed to investigate the qualifications and elementary secondary teaching experience of teacher…

"Accelerate Online/OPTIONS" is a three component program for certifying secondary mathematics and science teachers in Texas. "Accelerate Online/OPTIONS" provides those possessing or pursuing science degrees with an online program of education that can be completed in 12-18 months. The On-line Curriculum consists of 35 online…

Selected findings from a major investigation of preservice clinical teacher education are presented, focusing on the supervision of 20 student teachers by their cooperating teachers. Participants completed background questionnaires, responded to five evaluation questionnaires, kept journals, audiotaped their supervisory conferences, and…