The purpose of this annotated bibliography is to summarize relevant research to update practitioners and professional development (PD) providers about designing effective and impactful professional development models. Few studies were found specific to transition professional development; therefore, this bibliography includes a wider review of PD…

This issue of the journal, "Seeds of Innovation," focuses on the teacher as learner, on creating successful supportive learning environments for professional growth and development. It draws from experiences of Tennessee adult basic education (ABE) practitioners who participated in the 1993-94 Literacy Trainers Institutes and the 1994-95 Learner…

The evidence from research using expectancy theory is synthesized to develop a contingency model of incentives for involving teachers in professional development. Research findings that focused on the administrative challenge of motivating teachers to engage in curriculum development tasks are used to test the model. (MLF)

The importance of including parents and teachers in the process of therapy for children who stutter is addressed, and viewing intervention along a therapy continuum incorporating both fluency-shaping and stuttering modification philosophies is recommended. Other topics presented include student attitudes and feelings, grouping and scheduling,…

Developed for faculty employed on a part-time basis at Santa Fe Community College (SFCC), this booklet explains the required and optional activities comprising the college's professional development program. Introductory sections reveal that part-time faculty members are required to participate in a number of professional development activities,…

This report presents the methods and findings of a study to compile information regarding professional development practices at institutions in the League for Innovation in the Community College, a consortium of 19 community college districts. Following background information on the League, and introductory information on the purposes of and…

A study was conducted to analyze four dimensions of community college staff development activities (i.e., instructional, personal, professional and organizational) as related to part-time instructors' needs, awareness, and participation. Study findings, based on a telephone survey of staff development officers in Florida, a survey of 262 part-time…

Researchers investigating the improvement of teaching have given little attention to the nature of teaching--the sort of work it is, how it is learned, and its essential skills and knowledge. Research incorporating the teacher's perspective and experience would be useful in any research analysis with the goal of improving teaching. Reported in…

Examines classroom research as a means of professional renewal for language teachers, drawing on experiences in an Australian program to train teachers as action researchers with the support of a research community. Concludes that incorporation of professional renewal processes in formal classroom research projects is a way to maintain teacher…

This document presents descriptions of 11 experimental, descriptive, and naturalistic research designs created by classroom teachers about questions that they had and that they investigated within the context of teaching dynamics unique to their classrooms. An action research approach was utilized, emphasizing immediate application of a method and…

A Teacher Corps project conducted by the Edgewood Independent School District and Trinity University (San Antonio, Texas) is described. A classroom teacher at each participating school is trained to lead professional development activities at his or her school. Teacher involvement in designing professional development at each school is emphasized.…

This volume celebrates teachers as life-long learners of the art of teaching, by presenting 21 action research studies designed and implemented by classroom teachers. A "How To Get Started" section outlines action research steps and offers worksheets. Descriptions of the research studies begin with ethnographic studies, which include "Adopt a…

Effective professional development of teachers is a critical concern that must be viewed holistically, considering equally the needs of the jurisdiction, the school, and the individual. A review of recent literature suggests four distinct types of teacher development: preservice training, curriculum related inservice, jurisdictional issue related…

The purposes of a survey administered to all 60 faculty members at Phillips County Community College in Helena, Arkansas were: (1) to determine the types of incentives and rewards faculty perceive as most likely to encourage their participation in professional development activities; (2) to determine their degree of interest in specific…

This report describes the procedures of a systemwide testing program established by the Ottawa, Ontario, education board to evaluate high school student performance in selected courses. The project was initiated in response to a directive from trustees, who were concerned about variation of academic standards among students in relation to…