Describes the problem with many professional development workshops and seminars intended to enhance teachers' understanding of how to educate diverse students, explaining that professional development which will make a difference for minority students must deepen teachers' knowledge of the curriculum, help them create effective lessons, and enable…

Describes the Organizing for Diversity Project, which developed professional development modules to prepare teachers for working effectively with diverse students. The modules help teachers become more aware of cultural influences and value diversity, change their views about their role as teachers, express fewer stereotypes, and give greater…

Getting answers to questions about schools and student learning requires that educators know how to collect, analyze, and interpret data. Six critical steps in this process include: posing questions, establishing judgment criteria, making a plan, gathering data, analyzing data, and interpreting results. These steps can serve as a beginning guide…

Discusses how reform affects students and how teachers can help them adapt to change. After explaining the principles of change and how they affect students, the paper examines the stages of change (comfortable dependence, anxiety, and comfortable independence); discusses students and the process of change; explains the supports that students need…

Teachers and administrators have opportunities, via e- learning, to participate in multiple professional and personal learning experience. This paper examines what to consider before investing in e-learning products or related services (e.g., research results, content quality, content flexibility, flexible time, learner readiness, follow-up…

Examines the experiences of three school districts that provide effective, district-wide staff development on teaching with technology, embracing three major concepts: delivering staff development in a variety of ways, having teachers teach teachers, and using technology-based lesson plans, instructional units, and other teaching tools (often…

Applying literacy research in the classroom begins with understanding the meaning of scientifically based research and other "lab" terms. From the terminology through key questions to ask yourself when reading research reports, learn how to scrutinize studies to determine their validity--and how applicable they are for your school or district.…

Coaching took a different form in this South Dakota school when teachers' own classes were the setting for their professional learning. Teachers had the chance to watch what others could do with their classes, as well as to be watched. The chance to observe led to greater reflection and self-generated change.

A district-level change in staff development helped renew teachers' interest in professional learning--and improve student learning. The Rockwood School District in Eureka, Mo., found a districtwide plan, rather than personal goals, set the tone for change, but involved teachers in planning.

A study group from a Wyoming school and nearby university delve into the Japanese process of lesson study, learning the differences between the Japanese and U.S. education systems and how the process can work--and does not work--in an American context. The group's understandings highlight ways that lesson study can be adapted for use in the United…

Differentiation holds great potential for improving student achievement. To clarify what true differentiation looks like in the classroom and how best to prepare teachers to differentiate, "JSD" discussed the practice with leaders at two schools noted for their exemplary use of differentiated education.

Methods and curriculum used to train teachers at the Irvine (California) Unified School District in computer literacy are described. A cadre of teachers already familiar with computers conducted training for colleagues. (PP)

To help explain the role and purpose of staff development in the schools, information was solicited from professionals in the field about their job-related concerns and needs, and their continuing education interests. Their responses are summarized, and recommendations for the field are suggested. (PP)

A Macomb County, Michigan, school district trained a cadre of local teachers to lead stress reduction workshops at individual schools. The program's effects at several schools are described, along with suggestions for using the "training of trainers" approach with other topics in education. (PP)

A study of beginning teachers (N=391) in North Dakota led to a group mentoring program to deal with the unique induction needs of new teachers in rural districts. (Author/IAH)