Using a communities-of-practice framework, this 2-year qualitative study centered on five elementary teachers the year following their participation in the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process. Focused on teachers' appropriation of the Board's standards and portfolio as conceptual tools related to literacy…

This article examines the conceptions of research held by 505 teachers of English from 13 countries around the world. Questionnaire responses supplemented by follow-up written and interview data were analyzed to understand teachers' views on what research is and how often they read and do it (and why or why not in each case). An understanding of…

What are quality vocational teachers? This article analyzes the different factors exerting an influence on the professional knowledge, practices and performance of teaching staff involved in technical and vocational education and training (TVET). The international variety of vocational teacher education patterns, profiles and recruitment practices…

By using the curriculum, teaching methods, student evaluation processes, human relations skills, and classroom management techniques in addition to verbal praise and token rewards as sources of reinforcement for student behavior and learning in the individual classroom, principals and teachers can enhance the school's educational environment. (PGD)

Teacher stress and job dissatisfaction stem from societal, institutional, and personal factors. Each of these factors is discussed to help educators cope with the problems they face. (DF)

Reports on a study of teachers' attitudes and moral judgment. Finds that teachers who participated in a Just Community Approach Program changed their beliefs about fairness, justice, and responsibility. Suggests that this type of staff development can help teachers deal with situational conflicts. (CFR)

Contends that the Los Angeles riots illustrated how a pluralistic society can come apart when its members lose faith in its moral character. Argues that teachers and administrators must provide students with experience in democratic problem solving within the school structure. Maintains that the Your Educational Success Program (YES) is an…

Describes the school governance and student behavior policies at a private K-12 school in Massachusetts. Maintains that students, faculty, and staff have well-defined responsibilities. Provides recommendations for changes that would lead to enhanced student learning. (CFR)

In this article, the author discusses the importance of educational leadership's sustainability and finding the right leader to fit in the system at the right time. Just as book quality and preferences vary from author to author and critic to critic, the quality of educational leadership and the culture of individual schools or school districts…

Reports on a follow-up study to an evaluation of art museum education practices from nearly a decade ago. That report criticized museum art education as lacking intellectual rigor and training, institutional support, technical training, and vision. The up-to-date data found some significant improvement but many of the same problems. (MJP)

Presents five exercises, based on the "Chilly Climate" papers, designed to enhance faculty and staff sensitivity to the need of providing a comfortable learning environment for women. Covers definition of sexism, pronouns as power, gender differences in experiences with sexism, incorporating feminist scholarship into traditional courses,…

Discusses the isolated and uncertain status of geography departments in most community colleges. Identifies the root of the problem as being a combination of community college growth and the shift from an academic to a remedial/vocational orientation. Finds this disturbing in light of community colleges' massive enrollment. (MJP)