Three approaches an assistant superintendent might take to correct discipline problems at an elementary school characterized by weak administrative leadership are discussed. The approaches focus on: (1) professional development for the principal; (2) teacher improvement; and (3) cooperation among parents and school personnel. (PP)

As part of an effort to improve the quality of work life, an Employees Communication and Development Council was formed at the West Bloomfield School District of Orchard Lake, Michigan. The council concentrates on improving the district's internal communications and planning for staff development activities. (PP)

The Koan technique was originated by Zen masters to help students open up to new possibilities and to help the individual realize his/her full potential. The staff developer should be engaged in the same process. Important factors in the evaluation process of staff development are listed. (JN)

Ways to monitor staff development programs include: (1) counting the number of participants; (2) obtaining participant reactions to programs; and (3) tracking participants by needs, objectives, and inservice topics. A needs assessment model of staff development focuses on information utilization, program impact, and evaluation approaches. (JN)

This paper profiles Anna Steffin, principal of a Canadian elementary school, who has built a community of learners among her teachers and encourages quality staff development, collegiality, parent participation, and parent teacher cooperation. She promotes her beliefs by being an active participant in all activities. (SM)

Three learning concepts important for adult learners are that learning is accelerated by making connections to prior information, people learn best when actively constructing knowledge, and instruments are important in supporting knowledge retrieval and construction. The paper explains how index cards can be useful instruments in learning. (SM)

Empathic e-mailing is one way of bringing new teachers together with their mentors without changing established schedules. This article notes the basic elements of effective and poor e-mail communication and describes how one public school system augments its mentor training staff development program with empathic writing, both during summer…

Michael Kirst argues that staff developers need to develop a clear set of policy positions and specific strategies to influence policymakers, noting that policymakers have traditionally held staff development in low esteem. The paper presents suggestions for what staff developers can do to further their cause. (SM)

Four educators respond to the article in this issue which suggests that statistical data do not support a link between student achievement and staff development. The responses revisit the research used in the original article, suggesting that the link exists and discussing how future research could be improved. (SM)

Syracuse University models effective adult learning and professional development practices in its leadership program for K-12 educators. Its newly redesigned graduate program helps break down longstanding barriers between teacher and administrator preparation, emphasizing core functions of schools (teaching and learning). This paper examines key…

A California program makes science real for elementary teachers by linking them with retired scientists who share their experience and knowledge of science. Teaching Opportunities for Partners in Science (TOPS) recruits, trains, and supports the scientists, and the scientists plan and deliver lessons to students and staff. The paper notes six…

The National Writing Project and the National Geographic Society's Geography Education Program are two highly acclaimed staff development networks that are models for other organizations. Both programs feature intensive summer workshops and numerous followups during the subsequent school year. This paper describes the networks and presents six…

This interview with Linda Darling-Hammond examines recommendations in the new national report, "What Matters Most: Teaching and America's Future," which focuses attention on improving teaching as a way to improve student achievement. The interview examines such issues as characteristics of good faculty development; the effect of national teaching…

Better student learning means making more time for teacher learning. If schools are to be structured for success, professional development must be an ongoing, integral part of teaching. This paper provides examples from different schools and countries of organizing teacher time and rethinking school structures and practices, noting strategies for…

Improving school leadership quality must start with leadership standards. The Interstate School Leaders Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) developed standards for use in all school leadership positions. This paper describes: how to use the standards for principals' professional development; how to ensure quality preservice administrator preparation; how…