Presents an outline for an inservice teacher training program on computer-assisted instruction that focuses on curriculum goals and identifying student problems. (MD)

Supervision as a field, in the main, remains susceptible and thus vulnerable to various forces, ideological and otherwise, that constrain its ability to play a significant role in instructional improvement and thus in educational leadership. Adherence to inspectional and fault finding supervision under the guise of standards-based and other…

Discusses both ideological and managerial precepts that came into play in the school decentralization struggle that took place in New York City in the 1970s. Describes the impact of decentralization on one poor, predominantly Black district. (GC)

Researchers studied the impact of the Madeline Hunter school improvement approach, following students of teachers who had or had not completed development workshops and received coaching and feedback. There were significant teacher-perceived gains in implementation; student achievement scores rose but were not solely attributable to the Hunter…

Described is the key teacher strategy for inservice compared to an all teacher strategy, in which inservice is given directly to all the target teachers. Student achievement in both situations is considered. (KR)

Presents findings from a British study of nearly 200 teachers who attended in-service education and training (INSET) courses at 4 British universities. Examines perceptions of course effects on teacher abilities. Finds teachers who felt their skills improved also reported improvements in student attainment. States INSET improves teachers'…

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)

Six "silver bullets" that could raise student achievement are (1) set national standards;(2) make sure all students can read; (3) improve the quality of teaching; (4) demand from vendors better textbooks and teaching materials; (5) encourage charter schools; and (6) collaborate, coordinate, and redefine resources. (MLF)

Master teachers working in real urban classrooms have shared their exemplary teaching practices in an After-School Pedagogical Laboratory (L-TAPL), a program for elementary students that aims to improve the achievement of urban students and the competence of their teachers. The L-TAPL enrichment program curriculum includes language arts, math,…

This preliminary analysis is part of the baseline phase of a longitudinal study designed to investigate the professional development of primary and secondary teachers across England. The study addresses four key research areas. The prevailing models of professional development for teachers in England are identified in this baseline phase and the…

Effective professional development requires that the district take charge to develop a comprehensive strategy. Districts must be able to describe the strategy and organize to meet their goals. A balanced strategy includes compensation, planning time, teachers' job structure and responsibilities, and professional learning opportunities. Districts…

Although lesson planning is stressed in teacher training programs as a skill essential to effective teaching, the literature shows low correlation between teacher planning procedures and subsequent classroom efficiency. There exist major discrepancies among definitions of how to devise a comprehensive lesson plan, assumptions on what classroom…

This collection of essays concerning recent research on pupil achievement focuses on the role of teachers. The papers served as the basis of discussions during a day-long conference in February, 1970, at the Office of Education. Topics included models of school effectiveness, teacher quality, teacher attitudes, and policy implications. While the…

To improve American education, there must be improved ongoing professional development for teachers and a national plan for helping teachers fulfill their untapped potential. Research shows that quality professional development can improve student achievement. Teachers report that professional development improves their teaching. Despite this, the…

Argues that reducing teacher certification standards and alternative certification practices harm student academic achievement, particularly in low-income areas, and that bold new experiments in teacher education are needed to enable teachers to cope with the demands of today's classrooms. Actions necessary to improve teacher education are…