Intends to provide a resource for beginning to learn about picture books. Contains a "start set" of terms often used to talk about picture books and a list of references to further readings that may assist teachers in developing their understanding of the language of picture books in more depth. (SC)

Describes three separate efforts by Australian federal and state governments to improve teaching and the teaching profession. Provides an overview of the Strategic Partnership with Industry Research and Training (SPIRT) as it strives to bring the three reform agendas together. (NH)

Considers how the principal has a leading responsibility in improving the school curriculum. Discusses how the principal has a vital role in assisting teachers to help each pupil become the best reader possible. Presents several ways that principals can help teachers improve reading instruction. (SC)

Describes how the California Professional Development Reform Initiative (CPDRI) developed a framework for professional learning. The final CPDRI document, Designs for Learning, is organized around 10 design elements which comprise a system for ongoing professional learning for teachers. Sidebars present: the California Standards for the Teaching…

This article summarizes literature that examines the use and effect of teacher praise on academic and behavioral outcomes of students with emotional and behavioral disorders. Methods for monitoring and increasing teachers' use of effective praise are provided and include peer coaching, structured observation, training, and self-evaluation.…

A study investigated the effects of providing one type of gifted-education pedagogy, enrichment clusters, to the entire population of two urban elementary schools. The teaching practices of classroom teachers who participated as cluster facilitators were positively affected both in the enrichment clusters and in regular classrooms. (Author/CR)

Proposes a framework for teacher reflection based on a longitudinal study of the development of six experienced second-language teachers who attempted to implement reflection and reflective action into their teaching practice. The resulting framework included several phases in the development of reflective teaching: engaging with reflection,…

Considers how if students' curiosity is dismissed, children can develop passivity and grow into unquestioning adults, the opposite of most educators' goal of helping children develop into lifelong learners. Claims that inquiry: flourishes in highly structured classrooms; involves building personal background knowledge and using materials wisely;…

Describes and analyzes the difficulties experienced by universities in trying to construct a model for teacher evaluation: tension between formative and summative evaluations, and the problems of evidence, the "untrained" appraiser, and criteria and weighting. Asserts that although no solution is perfect, universities must work seriously toward…

Argues for "potential spaces" in which teachers share stories, examine moments of challenge, and articulate revisionary solutions as imperative to the educational process. Suggests that it is through such spaces that teachers form the voices of critique and possibility that they need to address both their classrooms and institutions. (TB)

Introduces a collection of papers that discuss using personal histories to better understand teacher preparation and development. The article explains what personal histories are, why it is important to write about and research them, and how to understand the power of personal histories in the work and lives of teachers. (SM)

Study of teachers' professional knowledge and development examined seven new instructors at a Canadian community college. The paper discusses a range of levels at which teachers' professional knowledge can be discerned, emphasizing the importance of listening to teachers' voices without limiting that listening to personal, practical, or…

An attitude survey was completed by 102 of 150 Iowa vocational-technical administrators and teachers in community colleges; a Delphi panel was conducted with 13 total quality management (TQM) experts and 14 instructional supervision experts. Results shaped a model for high-quality instruction with six components: customer-driven quality, teamwork,…

Identifies five dimensions of professional instructional competencies based on qualitative empirical studies (participant observation, interviews, and data analysis). Discusses the concept of a "professional self" in order to explain professional development. Emphasizes self-reflection and observation as the means for professional educators to…

Pediatrician Mel Levine's goal is to stop schools from giving children labels such as learning disabled and attention deficit. He insists that there is no one way in which all children learn. He has founded a professional development program to equip teachers with the latest research about children's brain development and help them put that…