In Dade County (Florida) the Executive Training Program and its Educational Leadership Appraisal seminar help aspiring and practicing educational leaders develop reflection, self-analysis, and growth. Participants learn to view the work setting as an arena for their own growth and a place to perform the work of helping others grow. (SM)

Current educational-reform documents recommend that teachers shift from using traditional practices toward practices that foster students' development of mathematical understanding. This article examines a new model of professional development and explains a pizza activity that helps teachers learn more about how children perceive math and develop…

In this age of accountability, evaluation must become an integral part of staff development. This paper describes what evaluation is; the three types of evaluation (planning, formative, and summative); and the five critical stages of staff development evaluation. It presents 12 guidelines for improving the quality of professional-development…

It is important to dispel myths that pervade current professional-development planning and establish and follow specific guidelines for effectively using additional professional-development time. The paper dispels three major myths that diminish the effectiveness of professional-development planning and offers four guidelines for ensuring wise use…

Discusses advantages to the whole-faculty study-group process, which involves small groups that meet regularly to focus on some area of educational improvement. The paper presents 15 whole-faculty study-group process guidelines, and it concludes that study groups can help teachers accomplish together what they are already expected to do. (SM)

To influence school boards, staff developers must remember their rules, which include: demonstrate through ideals and actions that students come first; spend taxpayer money in thrifty, creative ways; explain things in simple, incisive ways; be independent-minded in accepting or rejecting advice; find early indications of success for money spent;…

Describes how New York City's District Two prioritizes school principals by having veteran principals mentor newer principals, sharing advice and experiences on everything from supervision and instruction to budgeting. This team effort helps principals deal with the significant daily stress of working in city schools. (SM)

As principals' responsibilities increase, helping them learn to use and enjoy their daily managerial and symbolic challenges can increase their energy and make them more effective leaders. This includes learning to: change gears quickly; map their work; find tools for handling interruptions; become analysts; refine communication; and resolve…

Presents suggestions for principals who want to maximize the benefits of their beginning teacher mentoring programs. This includes: highlighting the mentoring program; selecting mentors; making appropriate teaching assignments; orienting faculty and staff; informing parents and students about the mentoring program; respecting confidentiality;…

Highlights an award-winning school superintendent whose leadership and vision helped create a system of high-performing schools. He established a culture that embraces respect, collaboration, and commitment to lifelong learning for students and staff. Student test scores are high, and the achievement gap between middle- and lower-income students…

This paper discusses the importance of evaluating state assessment data in order to improve learning. The Glens Falls City School District in upstate New York began in-depth analyses of state assessment data and Terra Nova scores over the last three years. Teachers and administrators work together in a new way to highlight strengths and weaknesses…

This article describes the peer review process in Vermont. Teachers across the state learned lessons of their own in creating standards-based units based on a checklist of criteria and a scorecard. Developing and critiquing lessons helped teachers make connections, internalize, and apply the tenets of high-quality, standards-based classroom…

A teacher shares her experience with the Napa County Follow Through Project, describing effects on her as a professional and as a person, effects on her peers, school, and students. (MT)

Public attention generated by recent educational reports can substantiate the need for staff development. When comtemplating recommendations from these reports it is important to consider basic educational equity issues. (DF)

Educators and the public must study recommendations from national educational reports to discover strengths and weaknesses and then select those that match their needs. An example of this process is provided. (DF)