We discuss teachers' perception of the use of group work in the Information Technology (IT) classroom. We describe the current situation regarding the implementation of group work in IT classrooms in South Africa as well as the challenges that IT teachers face when implementing group work. This information will be used in further research to…

This study examined perceived advantages and disadvantages of teacher-paraeducator teams, discussing how to enhance the effectiveness of such teams. Focus groups were held with three groups of paraeducators and three groups of teachers from rural and urban schools in Idaho and Utah. Participants shared their views on using a team approach to their…

Followup and tie in between regular classrooms and gifted programs are essential for quality programing. "Ownership" of the program by the entire school community, including counselors, librarians, and administrators, is also important. (CL)

Twenty-five preservice and nine inservice educational technologists who were surveyed about their roles in the education of handicapped children expressed willingness to be involved in teamwork with special educators. Special educators are largely unfamiliar with the contemporary functions of the educational technologists. (CL)

Suggests many quick, easy and inexpensive ways to help make staff members of student publications feel valued and keep staff motivation levels high. Includes additional articles that describe how an editor can support efforts to motivate, suggest that staff retreats lead to success, note how banquets serve as reward, and suggest some favorite…

Describes different types of team teaching, explaining the following: why it is popular, what teachers like about team teaching, the down side to team teaching, how to handle grading, and what parents say about team teaching. The paper presents advice from experienced team teachers and offers a resource for further information. (SM)

This study examines how adding strength-based data to traditional data for a student with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD) impacts multidisciplinary team (MDT) members' perceptions. The participants received either a mock Traditional Report, which included only traditional data, or a mock Combined Report, which included traditional and…

Professional development in Rockwood School District, a suburban school district outside St. Louis, Missouri, in 1997 was focused on individual teacher development rather than organizational development. Staff learning activities were fragmented. Teachers participated in a variety of unrelated topics the district offered from month to month. An…

An identification of several factors which influence the instructional role of the media specialist who serves on the teaching team. (Author)

This study examined collaborative planning and decision making in a grade level team of elementary teachers during team meetings. Fourteen teachers in a suburban district participated over 3 years. Participants were predominantly white and female and ranged from first-year to experienced teachers. Teachers were observed during regular weekly team…

Summarizes a 5-year study examining the implementation of interdisciplinary teaching teams in middle-level settings and teachers' attitudes toward teaming practices. Although teachers' attitudes fluctuated, the agreement level never fell below 72%. Teachers are attracted to interdisciplinary teaming and seem to retain their positive views as they…

Ralph Parish and Frank Aquila's article in the same "Kappan" issue has admirable equity concerns but offers little advice for inner-city principals trying to convince their staffs that all children can and should learn at high levels. Getting more and more students to a solid competency level is a challenge that will involve expert teamwork and…

A survey of 23 rehabilitation teachers and 23 orientation/mobility instructors determined that subjects in each group had generally positive attitudes toward the other group. However, substantial percentages of each group felt they encroached on the other's professional territory; and both groups felt themselves and the other group to be…

A philosophy professor who supports college athletics battles to maintain credibility among his academic peers. His interest is in adding balance to criticism of college sports and calling attention to positive aspects such as teamwork and discipline. The professor also teaches a seminar in ethics for first-year athletes. (MSE)

Discusses ways to assess how well team organizations are functioning and contributing to the total operation of the middle schools that use team structures. Considers whether teaching teams determine course content, and school support for teams; also considers teacher training in team operations and the level of understanding and commitment…