Inquiry science instruction is especially challenging in elementary grades where teachers are constrained by crowded curricula and time. Professional development (PD) may provide an opportunity to support elementary teacher development of inquiry science instruction. The study examines the inquiry practice of two teachers who participated in an…

We describe the development and initial evaluation of the efficacy of "We Have Skills!" (WHS), a video-based social skills instructional program for early elementary school students. The components of WHS were designed to be scientifically sound, maximally useful to elementary school teachers, and effective in increasing students' social…

The primary purpose of this study is to assess student-level impacts of a problem-based instructional approach to high school economics. The curriculum approach examined here was designed to increase class participation and content knowledge for high school students who are learning economics. This study tests the effectiveness of Problem Based…

Teachers assigned to teach on an emergency credential are severely challenged by inadequate understanding of classroom management techniques and instructional methods. Also, California's Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program is not available to these teachers. This article outlines criteria for principals to include in an inservice…

This is a qualitative study of lesson study implementation and its impact on instructional practice in mathematics in a district in California. Four research questions guided this study: (1) What were the goals of the district and teachers as they relate to the implementation of lesson study in this case? (2) What were the relationships between…

The new kinds of teaching required to implement curriculum reforms like the California Curriculum Frameworks are incompletely defined and impossible to learn in quick-fix workshops. Teachers need to have "instructional conversations" with students that engage their interest, focus on a definite subject, and encourage full participation…

EDUCATIONAL TELEVISION MAY SOLVE THE PROBLEMS OF TEACHER INSERVICE TRAINING. IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, 21 SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAVE COOPERATED IN PRODUCING A TEACHER INSERVICE PROGRAM. THE TELEVISION CENTER OF THE STATE COLLEGE PRODUCES AND DIRECTS THE TELECASTS. A COMMERCIAL TELEVISION STATION DONATES ITS FACILITIES AND AIR TIME. A PERMANENT…

IN A DISCUSSION OF THE RICHMOND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEMONSTRATION PROJECT FOR TRAINING SUBPROFESSIONALS, THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES OF THE PROJECT ARE DISCUSSED--(1) RECRUITMENT AND SELECTION OF PERSONNEL, AND (2) BASIC, INSERVICE, AND OTHER TRAINING PROCEDURES. THE PROJECT TRAINS LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS FOR SUBPROFESSIONAL JOBS IN THE POLICE…

A curriculum developed by the University of California for American Indian natural resource workers blends traditional knowledge of ecology and management with Euro-American scientific principles. The trophic pyramid provides an example for teaching the underlying principles of natural resource management, including reciprocity and interdependence…

This paper describes the signature role played by accomplished, experienced teachers in professional learning communities, and the importance that these practitioners make their teaching public and shared. In so doing, the authors describe how accomplished practices can be shared between classrooms and between practitioners with varying levels of…

A proposal for Project Step-Up, an endeavor to facilitate upward economic mobility, was submitted, based on the results of a feasibility study. These results indicated that 10 employers of the San Diego Area were prepared to participate in a program to provide adult basic education skills to educationally disadvantaged employees. Participating…

In an effort to increase the knowledge about professional development programs that promote strong instructional leaders, the Wallace Foundation recently commissioned a study of innovative principal professional development programs and the policy and funding mechanisms that support them. In fall 2003, the foundation awarded a grant to a team of…

A publication prepared for use by elementary school teachers in Los Angeles offers background information on disadvantaged children. Discussed in three sections are some viewpoints on this population, their characteristics and needs, and some suggested activities. A final section offers " selected annotated bibliography. (NH)

Highlights are presented of a California in-service fair, the "Teacher Teaser Show." Within a vaudevillian format, 15 minute presentations were made of exciting, successful teaching techniques in various subject areas. Interested audience members could join presenters after the show for more detailed information. Several of the…

A TELEVISION SERIES ENTITLED "INTERPRETING MODERN MATHEMATICS" IS SPONSORED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION OF SAN DIEGO COUNTY AS AN INSERVICE EDUCATIONAL SERVICE FOR TEACHERS OF GRADES KINDERGARTEN THROUGH SIX. THE SERIES IS NOT INTENDED TO OFFER A COMPREHENSIVE COURSE IN MODERN MATHEMATICS, BUT RATHER TO DEAL WITH THE CONTENT,…