If school leaders are to bring about successful reform, they must thwart the forces that have conspired against it since the 19th century. In this article, the author identifies six "conspirators" against thoughtful school practice and offers practical suggestions for rooting them out. The six conspirators are: (1) The tendency to view schools as…

A veteran writer of teaching cases for use in teacher education classes walks readers through the process. Basic ingredients include a friendly colleague to serve as sounding board, viable case material, an interview subject, interview notes, case design, a writing and rewriting process, formal release, study questions, and a teaching note that…

In a Lilly endowment study, field notes and interviews with two elementary teachers reveal that caring relationships between teachers and students played a large role in encouraging students' academic and social development. Teachers can promote caring by helping their students in ways they value and by using stories, symbols, rituals, and…

Case study of professional development linked to the teaching of reading and writing at a small elementary school in Harlem. Draws following implications for school, district, and state policymakers: Make time for teachers to collaborate, provide instructional demonstrations, provide literacy training focused on the "Big Ideas," and hire…

Provides a curriculum design to take advantage of the high levels of motivation generated by contemporary events in Iran and the Middle East. (Author/IRT)

Compares two first-grade teachers' hands-on approaches to teach measurement concepts. One, a constructivist, allowed students to figure out the dimensions of a Mayflower ship outline; the other immediately showed kids how to use a yardstick to estimate a whale's dimensions. Although initially more confused, the first class got more out of their…

Summarizes the status of assessment reform, based on visits to 14 schools. Documents key characteristics of various performance assessments (portfolios, on-demand tasks, projects, exhibitions, and teachers' structured observations); determines which factors influence their development, implementation, and effectiveness; and analyzes interactions…

A survey of 28 teachers who participated in the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification process showed that most felt they had undergone a strong professional development experience. Unfortunately, teacher participation remains low. Many educators are unfamiliar with the process, lack access to support services, view board…

Examines effects of the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act from a caring, innovative elementary teacher's viewpoint. A court required KERA, the legislature created it, state officials regulate it, but teachers are directly responsible for working together to make reforms work. Unfortunately, the state has not provided enough direction to…

Data from four case studies of schools committed to educational reform point to four attributes characterizing school leaders who are effective change agents. Such leaders are child-centered, collaborate with multiple constituencies, process a wide variety of information, and are expert communicators. Suggestions on transforming present-day…

Discusses case studies that assessed the effectiveness of a performance-based teacher education curriculum on vocational teacher education programs. (WD)