Explores the origins, characteristics, and objectives of peer coaching in faculty development, looking at its two basic forms (coaching led by experts and reciprocal coaching). The article presents theoretical concepts and proposes directions for future research, indicating points to consider when establishing a peer coaching program. (SM)

Argues that department chairs should be more involved in human resources development. Redefines faculty development in terms of faculty improvement in intellectual, institutional, personal, social, and pedagogical domains. Reviews three studies of department chairs' roles and responsibilities, highlighting role orientations, faculty development…

Investigates the link between staff development and student achievement, examining studies that were published or accessed in ERIC and that used standardized achievement tests to evaluate students. The article reviews studies related to and different from Hunter's model, noting that statistical data do not support the link. (SM)

This paper assesses how French and English elementary school teachers have responded to broad, radical educational policy changes affecting individual teachers and schools. The paper uses findings from two linked studies, the Primary Assessment Curriculum and Experience (PACE) project in England and the Primary Teachers and Policy Change (STEP)…

Multiage grouping and related instructional practices are being implemented with increasing frequency in classrooms across the nation. If implementation is carefully and knowledgeably planned, these innovations offer promising alternatives to traditional graded educational practices. This digest briefly describes issues to be considered before…

This paper examines 23 induction programs, 11 conducted and reported between 1967-1977 and 12 conducted and reported since the onset of the 1980s educational reform movement. Earlier reviewers of pre-1980 (Zeichner, 1979) and post-1980 (Huling-Austin, 1988) induction programs differ in their beliefs about whether or not research data support the…

To maintain credibility, vocational teachers must be exposed to advanced technology in ways consistent with its use in their occupational specialty area, as well as contemporary techniques for using it in the delivery of instruction. The technical and teaching skills and knowledge of Indiana's vocational teachers must be continually upgraded.…

To clarify how writing across the curriculum improves learning across the curriculum, this book provides an overview of the current state of writing instruction at the secondary and college levels as it applies to teaching in the content areas. Each chapter contains practical ideas for using writing in the classroom, along with a discussion of the…

Maryland's School Improvement Through Instructional Process (SITIP) program involved 24 local education agencies (LEAs) in implementing one or more research-based instructional models: Active Teaching, Mastery Learning, Student Team Teaching, and Teaching Variables. A summary is presented of: (1) descriptions of each of the instructional models;…

Fourteen research studies were conducted on exemplary practices in experienced teachers' centers, focusing upon specific interests or concerns of those operating or otherwise supporting the centers. Research was funded through small awards which would allow teacher center practitioners to collaborate with researchers to develop knowledge about…

The literature of recent years reveals a surge in efforts to upgrade inservice programs. Basic to the more promising practices has been the recognition that staff development activities based on identified needs are much more likely to be effective than are prepackaged presentations aimed toward a general audience. The few studies analyzing the…

This monograph is one in a series designed to report, in narrative form, discussions that took place during a series of mini-conferences for local K-12 career education coordinators on the subject of staff development in career education. The monograph covers two broad concerns: the substance of staff development in career education; and how staff…

The past 15 years have witnessed a shift from creative curriculum development to accountability in teacher education. The 1976 "Statement on the Preparation of Teachers of English" developed by the National Council of Teachers of English noted a movement towards performance based or competency based certification of teachers and an increase in…

The reports of four recent reform proposals for American education were analyzed: "A Nation at Risk,""Action for Excellence,""Academic Preparation for College," and "Making the Grade." The authors concluded that the commissions used weak arguments and poor data. Recommendations were made to remedy current…

This literature review assesses where higher education is in relation to faculty development and where faculty development efforts need to go. Literature on faculty development has addressed the nature of faculty development in light of faculty needs at various stages of their professional careers. Results suggest that career stage affects…