Describes a model for exploring the multidimensional relationship between staff development and improvements in student learning. The model is based on the premise that the quality of staff development is influenced by many factors, including content characteristics, process variables, and context characteristics. (SM)

This article places the teaching internship experience in an analytical context, suggesting that the process by which interns become teachers is best understood as a rite of passage into the culture of teaching. Following three interns through the process, the paper examines rites of separation, of transition, and of incorporation. (SM)

Considers what constitutes an effective multicultural teacher. Effective multicultural teachers positively acknowledge cultural diversity and use the necessary instructional strategies to enhance learning for all students. Willingness to promote the development of such teachers must become an integral component of teacher education programs. (SLD)

Reports on data from the three surveys by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education of faculty from 80 institutions. This analysis covers the following topics: demographics, prior experience, field work, scholarship, teaching loads, and likelihood of reform. (SM)

Problems of fit among five streams of educational reform and prevailing configurations of teachers' professional development are identified. It is argued that the dominant training-and-coaching model is not adequate for the requirements of present reform initiatives. Criteria are presented for assessing professional development policies and…

Presents a humorous speech given to high school English teachers on two serious subjects: externally imposed standards and standardized testing, and anti-intellectualism in the classroom and in the culture. Argues that English teachers themselves are responsible for some of the anti-intellectualism they encounter by teaching literature in an…

Sets the context for examining a series of articles that highlight California's work on beginning teacher induction, discussing restructuring to connect teaching and learning, knowledge of student learning, teacher performance expectations, standards of practice, the role of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, implications for…

This paper presents a revised K-12 master's teacher certification program that gives emphasis to training secondary teachers, in response to Alabama's urgent need to have highly trained secondary special education teachers in the area of transition of students with disabilities from school to adult life. The proposed teacher preparation program is…

Research suggests that successful staff development must attend to teachers' affective and humanistic needs. This paper presents strategies for staff development that are based in an affective and humanistic context. The following principles of adult learning are particularly relevant to teacher-staff development: Adults perceive themselves as…

This policy paper summarizes the research on change and effective staff development to drive an outcomes-based, results oriented approach to increase student success. The paper provides a discussion of the following ideas necessary for practice: (1) participants must be involved in planning and developing training; (2) training must be relevant,…

Schools have fostered a strong tradition of separatism in services, personnel, and settings between regular and special education. This tradition of separatism cannot easily or quickly be displaced, nor can one of shared professional responsibility be easily established. This volume contains papers dealing with the problem of building such a…

An interview with the chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) covers the relevance of his college education to his work, problems and processes of administering the NEH in a time of limited resources, peer-review, opportunities for teachers seeking NEH support, a successful summer seminar program for secondary school teachers,…

Presents a position statement on preparation of middle/junior high school science teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences and student teaching; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. Recommended standards (intended to provide a…

Being an effective teacher is the result of many circumstances. Teachers are expected to teach according to society's expectations, which includes promoting moral values. Teaching style combines what individual teachers believe about teaching and learning and how they apply the philosophy in the classroom. The paper examines good teacher…

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article examines challenges that arise when preservice teacher education occurs mainly within professional development schools (PDS). Suggests that for PDS to promote reform, partners must set aside preconceived notions and share in decision…