The article examines four basic elements of staff development needed to manage the changes in educational systems today and in the future: multidimensional professional development for all staff, decentralized performance-based systems, understanding and implementing the change process, and the changing role of the staff developer. (SM)

This article profiles Bena Kallick, a renowned consultant on thinking, assessment, and school restructuring. The constant thread throughout Kallick's staff development career has been her focus on helping educators and parents examine what they want for their schools, how to achieve their vision, and what their children are learning. (SM)

Represents a rethinking about professional staff who exhibit characteristics of being burnt out and offers an unusual approach to their renewal. The approach described requires that supervisors, administrators, or staff developes recognize that low self-esteem is at the core of the burned-out behaviors. (GLR)

Outlines some of the ways urban conditions affect urban schools and the implications for urban focused staff development. It is argued that these conditions limit the effectiveness of traditional models and approaches to staff development, requiring staff developers to include in their focus broad, systematic changes. (GLR)

Distinguishes between training and facilitation, examines the belief system of a facilitator, and shares a process for moving from the familiar mind-set of the trainer to the zen (the practice of seeking the truth) of facilitation. (GLR)

Explains how the role of staff developer is shifting from setting the agenda for professional growth to helping individuals and schools set their own agenda, advising them on how to carry out their plans, and encouraging them to move forward. (GLR)

Presents results from a two-year study that evaluated an instruction staff development project in the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Schools. Findings are presented from classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student tests. The study reveals teacher improvement in their instructional decision making resulting in positive changes in…

Discusses the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders who help other teachers implement new curricula, noting the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding teacher leaders. Teacher leaders provide building-level staff development plus individual support. The article looks at changing teacher roles, then presents six elements of…

Describes a five-week summer program for elementary teachers designed to develop content knowledge in physics through immersion in the subject and cooperative learning. Teachers indicated they changed their science teaching orientation toward process and content and increased their awareness of the power of demonstrations and student-generated…

Study synthesized the practical wisdom of 25 staff developers nationwide who worked with high school teachers in the area of thinking to determine whether they had an informal knowledge base. Though they offered diverse perspectives, they agreed on several key goals, activities, and organizational changes. (SM)

Several educators highlight aspects of effective staff development programs that have resulted in improved student outcomes, agreeing that staff development is an important ingredient in the elusive formula of success. The article includes a list of eight examples of what experts say about staff development. (SM)

Action science is a communication technique that staff developers can use to increase interpersonal competence and problem-solving skills in schools engaged in the process of school transformation. An example of the action science intervention at a Maryland elementary school is presented. (SM)

Describes a high school staff development project that successfully improved student communication skills. In the project, teacher reflection was critical in changing classroom practice, and it led to improved student outcomes. The article describes the project, vehicles for supporting teacher reflection, and lessons learned in using reflective…

Teacher knowledge and skills make a significant difference in student achievement. This paper discusses recommendations by the National Commission on Teaching on how to ensure that every child has access to high quality teaching; superior teaching in other industrialized countries; unqualified U.S. teachers; variations among states; states and…

A nationwide survey of teachers and administrators showed how central administration can facilitate school-based improvement. Results revealed eight practices that respondents believed helped facilitate the implementation of school-based improvement. Practices related to goals and planning, policy and procedures, staff development, recognition and…