Discusses research identifying and examining specific "developmental assets": positive building blocks that all children and youth need for success. Discusses the role of these assets in health promotion and risk reduction. Outlines specific actions educators can take to build 12 of these developmental assets. Notes the special place of health…

Recognizing the diversity in experience and training among teacher aides, the Yucaipa School District established a formal inservice program for this employee group. This article describes how the district developed a seminar program to help instructional aides in improving their skills. Reactions to the program were favorable. (Author/SJL)

Discusses four decision-making models and applies them to the evaluation of staff development programs. (SR)

Examines the expectation for teachers to participate in school leadership and, based on results of a recent study, draws conclusions and makes recommendations regarding the kinds of professional development that would engender competent and effective involvement of teachers in the leadership of schools. Considers the extent to which preparation in…

Suggests teacher resiliency is a critical element in classroom success and teacher retention. Identifies significant adult relationships, a sense of personal responsibility, social and problem-solving skills, a sense of competence, expectations and goals, confidence, a sense of humor, and a sense of accomplishment as resources important in the…

Explores the use of faculty book clubs as a means to introduce middle school teachers to acclaimed adolescent literature, including recently published novels, in hopes that they might incorporate the books they read into their language arts and social studies classes. Examines the extent to which the book club participants incorporated the novels.…

In an era of dwindling resources, compelling student needs, burgeoning violence, and escalating performance expectations for students and faculty alike, classroom teachers are confronted with new demands that challenge their traditional roles as educators. The leap from a productive individual contributor, working essentially behind a closed…

The dissemination to 125 schools of a secondary individualized reading program created by P. K. Yonge Laboratory School was accomplished by a workshop and by the formation into implementation teams of persons responsible for different levels of decisions. Evaluations support the use of this team-based change strategy. (SJL)

Reports the results of a 1979 Educational Testing Service (ETS) Study, "The Effects of Special Preparation on S.A.T. Verbal Scores," and considers its implications for educational planning, management by objectives, and instructional methods to improve verbal ability. (SJL)

Examines the effectiveness of a graduate-level mentor program at a small midwestern university. Finds that the four veteran mentor teachers experienced enhanced teacher efficacy and stated they became more aware of their teaching and of the responsibilities they had to their elementary school students. (RS)

simple wedge with its tip made of durable, clear, and appropriate teaching standards forged in the furnace of science and theory widens to bring the materials and processes of art and practice to bear on the work of strengthening and renewing all of teaching by applying the national board's standards and assessment processes. With this model,…

Offers recommendations for curriculum renewal, indicating the major ways each of the four major disciplines (secondary English, social studies, mathematics, and science) can improve by the year 2000, and presenting an incremental strategy for achieving such gains. (SR)