Among all in-school factors that impact student learning, teachers carry the most weight -- but school leaders are not far behind. Decades of research have proven the positive influence principals can have on student achievement, school climate and teaching quality. New evidence suggests that their impact may be even greater than previously…

Preparation and professional development can help principals be more effective leaders, but little research has examined what specific approaches are most useful. A study of 462 California principals and the teachers and students in their schools shows that high-quality preservice preparation for principals is associated with stronger teacher…

University-agency partnerships funded by Title IV-E encourage students to enter the child welfare field by providing student stipends, thus supporting child welfare agency workforce development. This article examines the literature and historical roots of Title IV-E and other partnerships, identifies common structures and outcomes, and discusses…

The U.S. Department of Education believes it is important that all programs responsible for pre-service teacher training prepare all graduates to effectively select, evaluate, and use appropriate technologies and resources to create experiences that advance student engagement and learning. We call upon leaders of teacher preparation programs to…

The author is grateful that this journal has taken on the production of a special theme issue entitled "Immigration and Teacher Education: The Crisis and the Opportunity." In her estimation, the "crisis" is not so much that the United States may indeed continue to enroll more immigrant children and youth in its schooling system…

This program is a model of individualization in which participants select components based on individual needs. Each component includes a performance criterion test, a statement of learning objectives, various learning options, and a variety of carefully selected resource materials. The major objective of the program is to demonstrate a teacher…

An argument is made that teacher leadership at both the system and school level is an important part of the science systemic process intended in science education reform. This article describes the design of such a professional development program, the challenges addressed, and the impact on teacher leaders.

Because children who are deaf or hard of hearing are being identified at birth, fitted with advanced hearing technology, and enrolled in early intervention programs, families increasingly seek professionals who can provide services that support their choice of listening and spoken language. The increased demand for these services and shortages of…

The Los Angles County Office of Education developed the Educational Communications Network (ETN) to help implement English curriculum reform mandated by the California State Board of Education in 1987. ETN has become an electronic staff development distribution system using satellite-transmitted live and interactive inservice programing. (MLH)

Five model projects for providing continuing education opportunities to teacher educators in special education are presented. Background for the development of Project RETOOL includes a 10 step outline of the process. Implementation was designed in three phases: needs assessment of current special education teacher educators, development of…

This is a summary of the May 2009 EdSource report, "Algebra Policy in California: Great Expectations and Serious Challenges." The report focuses on California's policies regarding mathematics, in particular state standards for when students should take Algebra I. It also provides a comprehensive look at state data related to both student…

A comprehensive school management system plan that includes parent participation and staff development is described. The staff development program is influenced by parents' input through surveys and through their direct involvement on site councils. (JMF)

The new kinds of teaching required to implement curriculum reforms like the California Curriculum Frameworks are incompletely defined and impossible to learn in quick-fix workshops. Teachers need to have "instructional conversations" with students that engage their interest, focus on a definite subject, and encourage full participation…

The Child Development Programs Advisory Committee has completed a 1-year grant from the Department of Health and Human Services to educate day care consumers about guidelines for locating quality day care for infants and children. The project was conducted in three selected areas: urban, rural-migrant, and suburban. Two educational components were…

In 1983, the California State Legislature passed Senate Bill 947 which authorized a statewide Youth Suicide Prevention School Program, including provisions for staff training, parent awareness, and a classroom curriculum. This document contains the four guides of the Youth Suicide Prevention School Program. The first guide, the Implementation and…