Describes the Reading and Writing for Critical Thinking (RWCT) Project. Provides an illustration of the RWCT framework of evocation, realization of meaning, and reflection, focusing on how literacy activities can develop fundamental ideas about democracy. Considers the implication of "democratic pedagogy" and includes a lesson plan on democratic…

Examines contemporary conditions of English in 3 British secondary schools. Considers (1) what English teachers say about their aims; (2) how these aims are translated into classroom practices; and (3) what external agencies want the subject of English to produce. Concludes teachers "delivered" the cultural products of Standard English…

At Pajaro (California) Unified School District, it is no longer acceptable merely to demonstrate skill. Teachers must also identify the effects they have on students. Pajaro's assessment system is anchored in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and requires self-assessment. (MLH)

Analyzes a ten-year study of Jefferson State Community College (Alabama) faculty senate and governing council. Concludes that shared governance is often an activity in which faculty respond to administrative actions. Argues that true shared governance aids the decision-making process, contributing to overall institutional success. (Contains 10…

In Spring 2007, educators in 63 participating Ohio school districts across the state spoke out on working conditions in their schools by participating in a web-based survey that addressed key teaching and learning conditions related to time, empowerment, school leadership, professional development, and facilities and resources. This is the final…

Teacher leadership is increasingly being seen as a key vehicle for school improvement and renewal. However, research on this phenomenon is limited, especially outside of the US. This article presents findings from an empirical study of teacher leadership in the UK, aimed at exploring both the ways in which teacher leadership can influence school…

England and Wales have undergone dramatic educational reforms during the 1980s and 1990s. This paper presents findings of a study that explored three headteachers' perceptions of leadership in English and Welsh primary schools. Data were obtained through interviews, a staff questionnaire, observation, and document review. Findings indicate that…

Increasingly, many teachers see their roles encompassing not only teaching specific content and mentoring students, but also functioning as front-line social workers. This Digest examines factors that may influence teacher morale and offers suggestions for preserving or restoring morale. Administrative support and leadership, good student…

This paper examines the relationship between various characterizations of the clinical supervision model and teacher job satisfaction. The first part of the paper describes teacher job satisfaction and looks at the history and meaning of clinical supervision. The next part of the paper describes Barbara Pavan's (1993) revised clinical supervision…

Instead of concentrating on improving educational quality for children and adolescents, present reform machinations are centered on school leadership and accountability issues. This article discusses three educational reform paradoxes (equity, teacher empowerment, and school effectiveness) that are ignored in most reform reports. Included are 14…

Meeting the needs specified by accountability measures under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 has provided the importance for schools to create innovative systems for curricular management. To meet adequate yearly progress, schools must be able to address standards and assessment changes in an effective manner. This case study chronicles one…

This paper presents an outline of teacher empowerment issues. Section 1, "Definitions of Terms and Concepts Related to Teacher Empowerment," focuses on "Teacher Empowerment,""Dimensions of Empowerment,""Three Views of Empowerment,""Issues Related to Empowerment,""Terms Frequently Used in the…

Describes school councils in Kentucky as illustrative of decentralization and empowerment; notes the largely disappointing results on teacher job attraction to council positions and on teacher and parent empowerment. Concludes that the teacher-parent-student relationship for poor families, precisely those targeted by the Kentucky reform cycle, is…

Three aspects of the formation and initial development of a professional development school (PDS) are discussed: developing interpersonal and working relationships; developing a common vocabulary and knowledge base; and engaging in genuine problem solving. The PDS is a partnership between Michigan State University and Elliott Elementary School.…

Presents an interactive instructional model of reading instruction, in which teachers have a central role in determining the goals, materials, and methods of instruction. Suggests that this approach would improve students' reading performance. (MM)