In this month's interview, Kappan's editor talks with high school English teacher and researcher Lisa Scherff about the ongoing struggle over who gets to define the English language arts curriculum. Dating back to the creation of the subject area, more than a century ago, classroom teachers have advocated for a varied course of study that helps…

Kappan editor Rafael Heller interviews Annette Lareau about her research into different experiences of childhood and family life. In her observations of families of different social classes, she learned that upper-middle-class families approach parenting as an act of "concerted cultivation" requiring ongoing attention, making them more…

Formal mentoring is the cornerstone of most teacher induction programs, but teachers receive support from informal mentors as well. The authors report on findings from a study of 57 first-year mathematics teachers in 11 school districts to describe who teachers' formal and informal mentors are, how teachers work with them, and how the functions of…

The author interviewed hundreds of adolescents about what makes them interested in learning, in and out of school. The result is a formula hinging on creating eight conditions that spur kids to take active, motivated roles in their own learning.

Thirty exemplary 4th-grade teachers in six states were interviewed to determine the factors that influenced their development. The teachers cited three influences on their development: specific kinds of professional development, collegial support, and a sense of engaged autonomy. They valued professional development that provided a systematic way…

Three leading corporations, the Ritz-Carlton, Accenture, and Healthcare Corporation of America, were examined to see how they handled problems that also were faced by school districts. Their strategies for recruiting and retaining employees, measuring performance, and providing professional development differed significantly from those of most…

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 this interview Harold G. Shane reminisces about the changes in education since the 1930s. He also speculates about developments that may influence the direction of education in the next century. (MD)

Because professional teaching portfolios serve as visual representations of teachers, their contents should be determined by individual teachers and should vary significantly. Portfolios might contain a table of contents, resume, statement of philosophy, official documents, letters of recommendation, evaluations, photographs, self-goals, goals for…

The newly appointed director of the National Institute of Education responds to questions about the institute's objectives. (JN)

The Gallup Organization offers the Urban Teachers Perceiver Interview as a systematic, focused, and organized approach to the staff selection and development process. Outstanding teachers rate high on commitment, dedication, individualized perception, caring, involvement with students, empathy, positivity, student advocacy, student stimulation…

Answering question relating to the future of society, the influence of religion, and the role of education, two theologians agree that schools should develop in students a sense of wonder, empathy, and civility. (DW)

An interview with Jack A. Culbertson, retiring director of the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA), focuses on the field of educational administration and the future of education. (Author/WD)

Despite touted "best" scores, Singapore's education ministry goals are child-centered. A worldwide survey of 182 experts reached consensus on 20 global trends, including need for a multinational curriculum. A Center of Education Policy report finds that highly subsidized foreign private schools are subject to high regulation. (MLH)