Productive learning occurs when educators work together to create new visions, analyze important issues, and evaluate outcomes. This book explores how educators can effectively engage in peer problem solving, focusing on three aspects of the process: (1) models for consulting with colleagues in problem solving; (2) communication skills necessary…

Guidelines which explain five phases of the consulting process are offered to educators contemplating the employment of consultants. Discussion of the first phase, "contact/entry," contains seven tips to consider before hiring a consultant and six tips on forming the base of the working relationship with the consultant. The second phase,…

The following considerations are of major importance to the persons who act as technical assisters for the Long Range Plan for School Improvement (LRPSI) in Pennsylvania: (1) long-range planning should be viewed as a deliberative and participative process; its steps should not be considered in isolation from each other; (2) comprehensive needs…