This study investigated middle school organizational patterns and their impact on teachers' efficacy and perceptions of the working environment. Analysis of survey responses by 81 eighth grade teachers indicated that teachers on interdisciplinary teams with common planning time were significantly more positive than were teachers on…

One of five articles in the second section, "Deepening Relationships through PDS Brings Change in Practice," this article describes a collaborative research project between a middle school mathematics teacher and a university mathematics professor. (SM)

Interviews and observations of an exemplary special education teacher produced a model of effective special education teaching in an inclusive rural elementary school. Using efficacy as a foundation, the special educator begins by promoting teacher collaboration, enabling regular and special educators to mentor and advocate for each other. A…

A Scottish council commissioned a study to inform development of policy concerning ability grouping, timetabling, and other practices related to the transition from primary to secondary schooling. Although the researchers became aware that the council expected a report supportive of their policies, the data supported the view that the key to…

The School Improvement Grants Program is a British Columbia-based action research project to support efforts to raise literacy and math skills in public schools serving low-socioeconomic status neighborhoods. The program--which provides $25,000 in planning and implementation grants for each participating school over 2.5 years--began in 2001 and…

In this study, the authors explore potential relationships between trust and collaboration at both the school and individual levels of analysis. The study design focuses on a set of ostensibly reciprocal relationships between trust and collaboration. The database for the study is composed of self-reports of elementary and middle school teachers in…

The authors examine the developmental process by which a reclaiming environment was created in an alternative program for students designated emotionally disturbed. Efforts to identify the impetus for change, specific actions, and the ongoing evolution of the program's philosophy are discussed. The current environment is examined in the following…

One of the greatest challenges that general education teachers face is how to address the educational needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Perhaps what is most disturbing about this challenge is that many general education teachers seem unprepared to face it. Researchers investigating inclusive classrooms have found that general…

This paper presents a framework for understanding and facilitating teacher self learning in the school organization at the individual and group levels. It focuses on how individual teachers and their groups acquire self learning and self renewal while managing their work. The paper also discusses implications of the framework for teacher…

This paper describes a professional development program for teachers. The Certificate of Teaching and Learning (CTL), developed in Australia for Kindergarten through Year 12 teachers across all subject areas. It outlines the process of conceptualization, the dilemmas faced by the development team, and the final implementation across Australia.…

This book on the educaiton of students with disabilities is organized around an interactive teaming model based on the concepts of consultation and collaboration, and includes key elements of total quality efforts, child and adult learning theories, and recognition of the importance of sensitivity to cultural differences. Part 1 provides a…

This study used a computer-assisted cooperative learning approach to teach mathematics to 20 third-grade students, of whom 4 were classified as learning disabled. The team-assisted individualization (TAI) model was used to heterogeneously group students for instruction into four-student teams. Within teams, students were paired. Each team worked…

The reform of teacher education at The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has proceeded from a collective commitment to developing a unified framework for the preparation of early childhood, primary/middle, and special education teachers for urban schools. The new program, Collaborative Teacher Education for Urban Communities, integrates…

This book presents practical strategies to help secondary teachers succeed in their first year of teaching. The 16 chapters include the following: (1) Learning Your Way Around the School (getting oriented, making friends, learning rules and traditions, meeting others); (2) Organizing Your Room (taking inventory and assessing flow, movement, space,…

Texas Southern University (TSU) is one of five institutions of higher learning involved in a collaborative partnership to redesign its teacher preparation program. Newly revised curriculum reflects best teaching practices supported by the use of technology. The Greater Houston Partnership is a 5-year project involving the five institutions, six…