No one stakeholder group can realize lasting change on their own; nor can any reform initiative focusing on just one type of strategy create the workplace conditions needed to truly build capacity within the education profession. Rather, stakeholders must focus on collaborating, reaching common understanding, and prioritizing for ultimate impact…

IMPACT is the District of Columbia Public Schools' (DCPS) system for assessing and rewarding the performance of teachers and other school-based staff. This system is called IMPACT because the adults serving in the DCPS have the ability to make a dramatic, positive impact on students' lives. The system is designed to help staff become more…

The primary objective of a school district's teacher evaluation system is to improve teachers' performance so they can become successful and contribute to the objectives of the district. If the evaluation does not produce this positive result, the teacher must be replaced, either by resignation or termination. The district's evaluation system thus…

Here's an indispensable resource for everyone who uses Charlotte Danielson's acclaimed book "Enhancing Professional Practice" to support teacher education, evaluation, and professional learning. Drawing from the thousands of programs that rely on this research-based teaching framework, this handbook provides guidance in applying the 22 components…

Find out how to keep your best teachers on staff, and make sure your new teachers stay motivated beyond their first years on the job. In this book, leading educational consultant Franklin Schargel offers 162 easy-to-apply tips and strategies for principals and administrators looking to hire quality teachers, raise faculty job satisfaction, and…

In this practical guide, early intervention professionals will find a groundbreaking model for supporting those who support families with young children in natural settings--coaching. Beginning with a thorough introduction to the concept of coaching, the book shows professionals how to: help colleagues acquire new knowledge and skills; and support…

Examines the sabbatical year as portrayed in the Hebrew scriptures. Outlines definitions and practices of the sabbatical year in academia. Analyzes connections between two forms of sabbaticals and draws conclusions about the role the Leviticus sabbatical can play in understanding and execution of academic leave. (SG)

This book serves as a reference to help prepare and support effective math content coaches. It provides insight into the leadership skills necessary to mentor other teachers, establish collaborative teacher teams, influence school culture positively, and improve student achievement. Contents include: (1) Examining the Role of a Math Content Coach;…

Recognizing that student achievement is intrinsically linked to high-quality teaching, Jodi Peine offers an invaluable guide that helps educational leaders strengthen teachers' instructional practice with an individualized and robust professional development process. The author provides administrators and staff developers with step-by-step…

Effective communication is the key to holding successful administrator-teacher conferences. To improve the communication process and make conferences more effective, administrators should recognize teacher strengths and capitalize on them. Includes 11 references. (Author/MD)

The authors outline a process model for self-studies of teaching and examine the use of audiotapes, one of several self-evaluation methods. (SK)

Notes that the small group of educators who put together this theme issue stemmed from work done through a grant, the purpose of which was to provide a bridge between private and public schools, with a focus on writing. Reflects one "basic truth": teachers who want to improve student writing are most effective when they are also readers and…

Describes how eight English teachers' hobbies enrich their teaching. (RS)

Comprehensive school reform (CSR) requires quality professional development to succeed. This paper looks at how schools can make time for professional development while keeping the CSR initiative on track, explaining how to overcome challenges to implementing CSR and noting the need for district support. Steps that districts can take to build…

Addresses an underlying assumption that teaching is a skill that can be acquired by the proper training, rather than intellectual work deserving of study. Suggests an alternative basis for teacher development by promoting and demonstrating a process of pedagogical inquiry. (SG)