Presents observations concerning teachers as researchers organized around such issues as the roots of teacher research, the new interest in the topic, how teacher researchers are viewed by researchers, how they conduct research, what conditions support such research, and the value of such research. (RS)

Describes how a bilingual school explores an innovative professional development approach that is shaped by teachers' needs and inquiries. Presents an account in process of one school's work with the National Council of Teachers of English Reading Initiative, that organization's first professional development program for elementary teachers. (SG)

Discusses how one teacher used writing--her own writing as well as that of her graduate students--to learn, about student interests, their writing attitudes, and what a writer really is. Describes the use of dialogue journals, use of excerpted entries for class handouts, and the use of writing for more constructive student assessment. (HTH)

Among the techniques used by successful teacher-writers such as Herbert Kohl, Phillip Lopate, and James Herndon in teaching writing are the use of extensive speaking activities, the accommodation of different writing habits, the admission that writing is difficult, and the use of varied media. (ET)

Suggests that teaching multiculturally must begin with self-inquiry--teachers must first examine the relationships among their fundamental values, attitudes, dispositions, belief systems, their teaching, and their students' diverse literacy learning. Describes a summer course designed to allow such self-reflection, and explores the course's impact…

Discusses problems related to using basal readers for reading instruction. Recommends actions for local administrators and policymakers. (MG)