Discusses the advantages of the clinical supervision of teachers, emphasizing the role of the principal in the observation itself. The advantages to both teacher and students of acknowledging the principal's presence and including him/her in the lesson are indicated. (SM)

Describes Indiana State University's baseline day program, which helps establish a strong beginning upon which student teachers can build. Student teachers take full responsibility of the classroom for 1 day within the first 4-10 days of their assignment. Evaluations of student and cooperating teachers indicate the program benefits all involved.…

Describes the results of an ongoing peer observation project at two Washington-state schools (one primary and one high school). Pretesting and posttesting of teachers involved in peer observation indicated that teachers liked the feedback and felt more comfortable with peer rather than administrator observation. Participants considered this a good…

Schools must provide teachers with access to technology if they are to use it often and well. The article discusses integrated learning systems, noting teachers must be included in technology adoption and staff development processes. It recommends teachers have plenty of time to learn the systems at their own pace. (SM)

Describes a practicum that occurred at one of Indiana State University's elementary school professional development sites. The practicum involved 10 site visits over two weeks for participating preservice teachers. The paper examines benefits of the practicum for preservice teachers and the advantages of conducting it at a PDS site. (SM)

Presents a first-person account of one teacher's experiences with computer hardware and software. The article discusses various programs and applications, such as integrated learning systems, database searching via CD-ROM, desktop publishing, authoring programs, and indicates future changes in instruction with increasing use of technology. (SM)

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article examines essential purposes of PDS and presents recommendations for action (start small, adopt a developmental approach, co-construct and monitor relationships, redefine school/university roles, re-educate and support…

Attitudes largely explain why teachers of similar ability often obtain dissimilar results in the same situations. When teachers demonstrate willingness to make self-changes to improve the learning environment, they provide role models for students. By assessing their own influence first, teachers can better address needed changes in student…

Examines the ways roles and responsibilities change when schools include students with disabilities in general education classrooms. Because there is considerable overlap in effort between inclusion and restructuring when schools commit to democratic change, improving educational practices for students with special needs implies improvements for…

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article examines the six propositions originally put forth for professional development schools (PDS) by the Holmes Group (1990) in "Tomorrow's School." The paper recommends revisiting the six propositions in terms of…

One of five articles in the second section, "Deepening Relationships through PDS Brings Change in Practice," this article discusses a course on portfolios for middle school teachers at a professional development school given by an Indiana State University professor. Presents teachers' insights and feelings about the course. (SM)

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article examines the interwoven pieces of professional development schools. It focuses on prioritizing the partnerships through collaborative planning, displaying a distinctive difference in teacher education and school reform, and…