This working paper offers considerations to be reviewed by the Faculty of the School of Behavioral and Social Sciences as it examines and reviews curriculum and effects changes for social studies elementary school teacher's improvement within the framework of the 1972 Ryan Act. Abolishing single discipline liberal arts majors, the new law…

This study examined whether New Jersey students of elementary teachers trained in the use of standards-aligned curriculum materials and the nature of standards themselves would submit standards-meeting work after they were taught the standards-aligned activities. Two urban districts received funding to train teachers to meet the new science…

This qualitative study examined the nature of teacher leadership as it was perceived by 12 inservice elementary school teachers. Data collection involved in-depth, semi-structured interviews with the teachers. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed for analysis. Results indicated that half of the respondents were unfamiliar with the term…

Describes a mentoring project involving a university teacher educator and three elementary teachers. Examines what they learned about the power of focused observation, writing, and practice-centered talk to promote teacher learning. Journal excerpts show the project's progress and reflect concerns participants had as they determined how to work…

Preservice teachers' written case analyses were examined to determine how students reasoned about four dilemmas. Examination of the analyses suggested that the developmental nature of learning to teach was reflected in students' analyses of events embedded in cases. The case method provided opportunities to further encourage development of…

Describes Project REACH which provided regular education student teachers intensive summer school training in accommodating students with disabilities in regular education settings. Questionnaires indicated participants had a positive response to the experience with greater awareness of the individual needs of students. (SM)

A multimethod study encouraged teachers, aided by supervisors, to examine their own teaching practices by viewing and discussing videotapes of their interactions with students. Results with four elementary school teachers, eight supervisors, and two observers indicate that the approach may facilitate teacher change and enhance effectiveness. (SLD)

Describes a peer coaching program used during the implementation of an inclusive education program within an elementary school. The peer coaching helped develop/enhance teacher skills necessary for implementing inclusion and monitored and responded to the needs of teachers in the project. Recommendations for staff developers, teachers, and peer…

Describes the first year of a Professional Development School initiative involving an urban university and local elementary school. The partnership began through the principal's efforts to provide professional development for her teachers and extra hands in the classroom. As interested people became involved, they conveyed the message of the power…

Investigated changes over four years for three elementary teachers participating in Cognitively Guided Instruction (CGI), which emphasized students' mathematical thinking and supported teachers through workshops, mentoring, and collaboration. Interviews and observations indicated that CGI allowed teachers to engage in ongoing practical inquiry…

This study examined teachers' use of professional time when not directly with students, describing alternative time use in Germany and Japan. The study involved 21 German, Japanese, and U.S. elementary schools. Researchers collected background information on teachers' professional lives and conducted case studies of teachers' daily work, examining…

A practicum was designed to place the teaching of writing as a high priority in an elementary school; allow children more opportunities to share their writing; and assist teachers in their knowledge of teaching writing, especially through the writing process. Children's writing was given high visibility through the use of monthly "young…

The summer institute phase of the Hartford Effective Schools Initiative is evaluated in this report. Part 1 includes (1) an overview of training content; (2) a section on trainers' methods, assessing strengths and weaknesses; (3) participants' responses to training based on observations by the evaluation staff and informal interviews with…

The problem-solving mode of teaching science implies change for teachers, administrators, state education departments, and other individuals charged with implementing educational innovation. This study provides a descriptive record and interpretation of the words and actions of an elementary school teacher beginning to learn about teaching science…

THE AIMS OF THE MCKINLEY SCHOOL WERE TO INCREASE ACHIEVEMENT IN BASIC SKILLS, TO ENRICH AND ENLARGE THE EXPERIENTIAL BACKGROUND OF THE CHILDREN, TO ESTABLISH A CLOSER LIAISON BETWEEN THE SCHOOL, THE HOME, AND THE COMMUNITY, TO DISCOVER LATENT TALENT, AND TO DEVELOP POTENTIAL IN AN ATTEMPT TO RAISE EACH INDIVIDUAL'S SELF-IMAGE. THE TEACHERS'…