Traditional systems of teacher evaluation are often ineffective because they rely on outmoded evaluative criteria, usually in the form of checklists; simplistic assessments, such as "needs improvement"; procedures that fail to differentiate between new and veteran teachers' experience and expertise; lack of consistency among evaluators;…

Senior year of high school doesn't have to be a time of student disengagement, Dreis and Rehage claim. At New Trier High School in Winetka, Illinois, educators recognize seniors' readiness to contribute as instructional leaders in the classroom. The Senior Instructional Leadership Corps puts any interested senior into a working relationship…

In 1995, a racially and socioeconomically diverse school in suburban Illinois opened with new curriculum and instructional approaches and supportive technology. Change occurred rapidly, leadership was crucial, vision directed staff efforts, and negativities were minimized. Staff made important decisions, everyone learned and taught, and teachers…