Lesson study is a form of professional development favored by teachers in Japan that has gained attention in many parts of the United States. Teachers participating in lesson study immerse themselves in a cycle of instructional improvement focused on planning, observing, and revising. The various ways in which teachers work together in a lesson…

In this article, the authors describe how the quest for continual growth has taken its root at Vestal Central School district. Located at the heart of upstate New York, educators at Vestal Central School district have created a spirit of "kaizen," a Japanese word meaning the relentless quest for continual improvement and higher-quality…

The authors describe the premises, processes used, and outcomes of a K-16 simultaneous renewal model, as implemented through the Kansas State University Professional Development School Partnership Project. The goal of this partnership is to improve K-12 teaching and learning while improving a university teacher-preparation program through…

This article aims to increase understanding and knowledge concerning teachers' competence enhancement. Models used in industrial contexts are analysed in order to elaborate a framework relevant to understand teachers' learning. This specifies components of the work environment that are mobilised by teachers in order to achieve their goals. It is…

This paper tries to present a careful analysis of current trends and challenges to importing Japanese model of teachers' professional development. The objective is to examine what "we" can learn from Japanese approach to improving instruction, especially "Jugyou Kenkyu" (Lesson Study) as a collaborative research on the…

This toolkit explains how to get started with a collaborative process of professional development that includes selecting best practices and identifying ways to put them into action. It is a companion to an online resource, "The Knowledge Loom: What Works in Teaching & Learning." The loom as a metaphor suggests a work in progress, a…

Describes lesson study, a Japanese model for intensive, school-based professional development, noting that it is a change and improvement strategy appropriate for a cutural activity such as teaching, embodying many of the principles of effective professional development. The paper discusses: putting students at the center, developing professional…

Uses the authors' experiences with a professional development project to propose a model of teacher community, describing the challenge of negotiating the essential tension of teacher community and the challenge of maintaining diverse perspectives within a social group. A model of the markers of community formation as manifested in participants'…

Increasing numbers of young children with disabilities are receiving services in inclusive settings such as Head Start. It is important to note that positive outcomes for young children with disabilities are due in large part to practitioners' understanding and implementation of both recommended practices in both early care and education and early…

This study identified and described appropriate training activities to help educators develop the skills necessary to participate in a team setting. The qualitative research paradigm allowed researchers to collect data in the contextual setting. Researchers conducted interviews and reviewed documents related to team building activities, noting…

Examines processes and models of professional development that effect change in teachers' practices. Describes the study group process, the role of reflection, goal setting research, and collaborative writing workshop project results. Presents findings that support the research relative to the critical need for collegial collaboration. (SG)

Discusses the role of the principal as staff developer, clarifying some things that principals must do to fulfill their responsibilities as staff development leaders. This includes: emphasizing a context of collaboration in their schools, promoting results-driven learning, and modeling a commitment to their own ongoing professional development in…

Presents an interview about learning communities with Ann Lieberman, known for her work in teacher leadership and development, educational change, collaborative research, and partnerships. The interview addresses characteristics of schools with professional learning communities; how such schools are created; necessary external supports; on-the-job…

This article reports on the results of a mixed method case study investigating the relationship between professional learning community (PLC) activities and teacher improvement in a first-year middle school. Data were collected from core academic sixth, seventh, and eighth grade teachers using a professional development survey, teacher interviews,…

This article discusses the potentially important implications of neuroscience or brain research, the newest "breakthrough" in education, for educators and the importance of sorting out claims on brain-based programs. It is obvious that brain research is not the elusive silver bullet that will answer all education problems. However, the new…