Notes that in teacher study groups (TSG), teachers meet to converse and to study teaching and learning. Discusses key features of TSGs, TSGs in action, and benefits of TSGs. Suggests that it is important that each teacher begin exploring the topic of interest through his or her best learning mode. (SG)

Highlights lessons learned from a small, grant-funded teacher improvement project in Guinea that went nationwide, including: it is possible to make such a system work on a national scale in a resource-scarce country; effective initial and continued training is critical for all participants; it is difficult to provide close-to-school assistance…

Discusses nine texts that describe the persistence and dedication that are so often the attributes of a good teacher and texts that discuss studies of classroom practices. (PRA)

Reviews some of the benefits of the whole-language philosophy. Discusses the importance of systematic direct instruction, defining it and presenting arguments for including it in the classroom. Urges building bridges between whole-language and more traditional approaches. (PRA)

Before deciding to recommend nonrenewal of a teacher's contract, the principal must be prepared to identify specific areas where significant improvement is critical and to provide maximum possible assistance. Some tips are provided to help principals prepare the formal evaluation, lend assistance, make the final decision, and live with it. (MLH)

Discusses the authors' respective journeys as learners striving to become literacy teachers able to make a difference in the lives of children. Tells their stories of working together as a small community of learners in a year to explore effective literacy teaching and learning. Concludes that each individual teacher is the key to effective…

Numerous studies indicate that student learning is directly linked to the quality of teaching that occurs in the classroom. School boards can play a vital role in staff development. They should adopt standards for student learning, teaching, leadership, and staff development. Adequate funding and an incentive system that rewards improvements in…

Discusses staff development using the scenario as a strategic tool within one teacher education program. The scenario tool provided a way to look at future developments in teacher education and reflect on the learning processes of staff members. This method drew upon the zone of proximal development to create new knowledge about the future. Staff…

Concludes that today's teacher needs to update her reading, listening, speaking, and writing skills in some language other than the native language to be an effective reading teacher. (RB)

Outcomes of peer coaching in two Ann Arbor, Michigan, schools show that the 41 teachers became comfortable with the process and found it useful in improving collegiality, experimentation, and student learning. (MLF)

Interviews Ralph Peterson of Arizona State University about S.M.I.L.E., a group of teachers taking control of their own learning. The group was formed to Support, Maintain, and Implement Language Experience in teaching. (HTH)

It is commonly argued that teachers need ongoing engagement with ideas about using student reasoning, pedagogy, and subject matter if they are to make sense of the complex demands of current reforms in mathematics education. Drawing on similar arguments about the potential benefits of using student work to organize professional development, this…

To avoid the problems associated with treating elementary school art as an endeavor without standards, the Department of Defense Dependent Schools adopted an art and visual literacy program called "Another Look." Elementary teachers were introduced to the program through workshops. Workshops' content and teacher reactions are discussed.…

Reviews ERIC materials dealing with the factors that influence interaction between teachers and students in the classroom. (HTH)

Considers that in order to be successful offering visual art lessons in the classroom, pre- and inservice teachers must develop a deeper more conceptual understanding of the power of art to communicate meanings, beliefs, ideologies, and experiences. Suggests teacher enroll in a high-quality arts course, create some authentic works of art, use…