A model of the inservice training of classroom teachers for mainstreaming handicapped children is presented. The materials used in the program provide information about handicapping conditions as well as curriculum and behavior management styles. (JN)

A model of inservice training for teachers of mainstreamed students focuses on the development of a multidisciplinary staff support team which provides consultation to the staff members of a school. The establishment of building-based teams, types of assistance, administrative support, and accessibility of service are detailed. (JN)

This article describes a program, designed by the Brighton Central School District (NY), which utilizes recently retired teachers as mentors for newly hired teachers. Selection of retirees, program outcomes, and implications of this program for the school district are also discussed. (IAH)

Project MORE (Motivational Opportunities to Reach Excellence), a joint university-school district effort, trained elementary school teachers in student motivation through an institute program, debriefings, and a summer campus program for students. Part of the data-based staff development effort's success was due to its focus on individual needs…

Principals must create conditions that ensure that professional growth is part of school culture, remembering to create consensus, promote shared values, monitor the effort, ensure systematic collaboration, encourage experimentation, model commitment, provide one-on-one staff development, offer purposeful staff development programs, promote…

Designing staff development activities that incorporate four elements of reflective practice helps develop participants' reflective abilities. The article discusses focusing on real problems and concerns; changing the nature of the problem; process-oriented staff development; and promoting collaborative partnerships. (SM)

Elementary, middle, and high school teachers from several school districts in California and Georgia share their experiences with designing and using study groups. Teachers report that the study groups identified educational and school needs, promoted teacher empowerment, increased collegiality, and kept teachers up on current issues and research…

The metaphoric edubarrier (similar to the sound barrier) lies above the customary rates of learning and impedes education. The article suggests that education is tethered more by social-psychological bonds than by actual limitations of the sciences. A discussion of how the edubarrier hinders collegiality, improvement, and teacher education is…

Profiles Virginia Aguilar, a high school principal who, with her staff, has been exploring and implementing changes and improvements in response to state mandates. The paper describes improvement efforts by the school district and how Aguilar's school makes use of them. Aguilar's encouragement of participative decision making is discussed. (SM)

Describes the methods and results of a major research effort which sought to identify and verify dimensions of educational leadership. Staff development implications are explored that could improve the effectiveness of educational leaders. (GLR)

Study examined the effects of staff development specialists, study group teams, and peer coaching teams on implementation of classroom cooperative learning. Staff development was the most significant influence. The article recommends careful selection of peer coaching partners, adequate time for study group meetings, and set agendas for study…

Budget-conscious Americans are increasingly asking that staff developers provide hard data about program effectiveness. The concept of return on investment (ROI) is useful in documenting the effectiveness of staff development programs. To calculate ROI, baseline data must be compared with results realized by the organization. (SM)

A content-specific staff development summer institute upgraded teachers' knowledge of chemistry concepts, increased familiarity with pedagogical strategies, and facilitated transfer of program initiatives into the classroom. A 2.5-year study indicated that the program was beneficial. Three essential program components were modeling and practicing…

Project 2061 is a nationwide education-reform initiative that is in the forefront of the standards movement in science, mathematics, and technology education. It shows that high academic standards can support good professional development, and vice versa. This article describes the use of standards; explains the layers of standards (national,…

Presents lessons learned from a Minnesota project that used a computerized system to help teachers implement the state's academic-content standards. The project also created new ways of looking at curriculum that have become useful tools for Minnesota teachers. The paper explains the project's vision, early steps, unforeseen obstacles, and…