A blueprint for structuring the school environment around teacher learning and collaboration as a foundation for equitable learning and student engagement. In "Learning Together," Elham Kazemi, Jessica Calabrese, Teresa Lind, Becca Lewis, Alison Fox Resnick, and Lynsey K. Gibbons share findings from their decade of experience in…

In "Applied Research for Sustainable Change," Sharon M. Ravitch and Nicole Mittenfelner Carl draw on twenty years of teaching and research to offer an incisive guide to practitioner-led qualitative research. They make the case for "local knowledge generation"--inquiry-based, school-level research that can contextualize…

In this book, eCoaching pioneer Marcie Rock draws on best-practice research and decades of experience to offer a blueprint for professional development that maximizes teacher and student growth. "The eCoaching Continuum for Educators" provides teachers, administrators, and other school professionals a step-by-step guide to the four…

High-quality early elementary years offer a critical opportunity for child development and academic learning for all children, regardless of their race, family-income level, or culture and home language. All students deserve access to high-quality teachers and leaders trained in how to effectively support their learning. They deserve to attend…

Beginning with an abridged history of administrative and clinical supervision, "The Principal's Guide to Instructional Improvement" offers principals both background information, as well as comprehensive models and examples, to analyze and improve teacher instruction. Based on the principle of teacher growth, rather than teacher evaluation, this…

The article discusses the use of action research as a means of professional development. After describing action research and its benefits, the article explains the cyclical, collaborative process of action research, notes its possible applications, and presents implications for school reform. (SM)

Puts the National Research Council's (1998) technical report, "Preventing Reading Difficulties in Young Children," into a quick reference, summary format so that it will be more accessible to teachers. The summary highlights information on the development of reading and factors that relate to reading outcomes and preparation and…

A central theme in this book is that there are many paths to literacy. The materials in this guidebook are intended to encourage those involved in teaching reading and writing to engage in dialogue and reflection with colleagues, to know their students well, to examine their own experiences and beliefs, and to generate and seek answers to their…

A three-step framework to help teachers examine and modify teaching practice based on data analysis includes: specify current levels of student performance, create action plans, and evaluate and communicate progress. A case study of a teacher who used the framework to pinpoint one student's writing problems, create change in practice, and assess…

This handbook shows how the curriculum can be improved through action research and that teachers and other practitioners are best placed to conduct such research. Chapter 1 explores that historical and philosophical foundations of the action research movement. Chapter 2 discusses the teacher as researcher and professional, and offers criteria for…

This comprehensive set of materials is designed to facilitate the development of skills and knowledge needed to be a successful learner and a successful teacher. The materials include: two videotapes, each featuring four 15-minute programs; viewer guides for each program segment which contain a summary of the program, goals, expected outcomes, key…

This guide for college faculty attempts to balance assessment theory and practical advice on grading. Grading is viewed as a complex process that serves multiple roles: evaluation, motivation, communication, and organization, and this work provides examples from classrooms in many disciplines, sample assessment plans for departments and general…

This guide presents current research and thinking about teacher evaluation and combines that research with practice. Chapters contain illustrations and examples to make a research-practice connection and present a comprehensive approach to designing, implementing, and monitoring quality teacher-evaluation systems. Chapters include: (1) "Improving…

Discusses ways in which child care administrators can effectively plan in-service staff training to insure quality child care. (BB)

The competencies in this professional development guide are considered important to successful vocational teaching at the secondary and postsecondary levels. Each instructional unit provides learning experiences that integrate theory and application. Eight units are included: (1) planning for competency-based education; (2) aligning curriculum;…