This book is about educational reform, focusing on the role of teachers. Chapter 1 explores the reasons behind the chronic shortage of good teachers. Chapter 2 presents a brief history of teaching in America to explain the structure and organization of schools, the feminization of teaching, the qualifications of those who choose to go into…

This paper examines collaborative research by a Brazilian public university and public elementary school, highlighting a thematic program of applied research and teaching that addressed improvement in teaching and learning quality through inservice teacher education. The project was designed to build a knowledge base of teacher learning and…

Analyzes data from a questionnaire addressing preservice elementary teachers' negative attitudes toward social studies. Identifies and discusses six categories of concern: negative past experiences; lack of personal interest; confusion over the nature of social studies; conflicting beliefs; topic selection; and traditional teaching styles. (MJP)

This paper synthesizes the results of three case studies that focus on urban and suburban elementary teachers who are engaged in new roles: as learners, as clinical educators, and as leaders. Results of the studies suggest that epistemological issues; workplace contexts; and an ethic of care, which is especially noticeable in collegial…

This paper reports the results of a 2-year longitudinal study of the development of primary teachers' understanding of science concepts (specifically, "force" and "energy") following inservice education, and the extent to which movement towards the scientific view was achieved and maintained. The approach to inservice education…

To assess the impact of the North Carolina Career Development Plan (CDP) on student achievement, results of the California Achievement Tests, administered annually in North Carolina public schools, were analyzed. The focus was on the performance of children in grades 3, 6, and 8 in the school years from 1985-86 through 1988-89 in 16 CDP units.…

The English language arts program in Trinidad and Tobago is handicapped by several conditions. Overcrowding is a problem and reduces the chances for learning. The syllabus in use is outmoded and evidences little understanding of children's language problems. The primary school program is directed toward the Common Entrance Examination.…

Examined whether training teachers in cooperative learning provided them with greater capacity to meet needs of at-risk students. Found that cooperative learning training enhanced professional development and reaffirmed the need to ensure student academic achievement. (SD)

Argues that middle school educators and administrators need professional preparation specific to middle school students' unique social, emotional, and educational needs. Focuses on the importance of the principal to gain appropriate training and foster professional staff preparation and development. Contains recommendations for creating…

Describes an integrated approach to preservice teacher education and faculty/administrator development that is considered essential in creating inclusive classroom practices for students with disabilities. The paper discusses the redesigning of general and special education student teaching experiences, arguing that support is essential for adults…

Presents five articles by teachers who have incorporated stress management concepts into their preschool and elementary curricula. Educators and parents are given information about the stress process and how to help children cope with inevitable stressors. The gymnasium environment is recommended as well suited for teaching children how to handle…

The Berlin-White Action Research Model (BWARM) described here was designed to prepare and support teachers in the development, implementation, and evaluation of innovation within their classroom. The year-long program consists of three interrelated phases over four academic quarters: (1) "Pedagogical Awareness," designed to provide knowledge and…

This publication is a distillation of the most salient, most often repeated observations and recommendations of Maryland teacher-test scorers on their experiences scoring student responses to the Maryland School Performance Assessment (MSPAP) test in 1994. Feedback is organized into perceptions about what would be pertinent to share with other…

This paper describes the experiences of several individuals involved in the initial stages of orchestrating a school-university partnership. A group of elementary teachers, a student teacher, a cooperating teacher, a university faculty member, and a coordinator of school-university partnerships participated in the experience and shared their views…

This report documents the evaluation of Project Unity, a New York City short-term teacher inservice training program designed to improve teacher competence in providing instruction to children of limited English proficiency (LEP). The Project served a total of 119 teachers of LEP students in both special and general education classes in 18…