Educational coaches--whether math, literacy, instructional, or curriculum coaches--vary in the content of the work they do and in the grade range of the teachers with whom they work. But "good coaching is good coaching," as coaching expert Cathy A. Toll affirms in this, her newest book. All coaches seek to help solve problems and…

When the Model Work Standards were first crafted more than two decades ago, they were built on the premise that quality child care jobs are the cornerstone of high-quality services for children and families. The intent of these standards is to make it possible for those who choose teaching young children as a career to reasonably and responsibly…

Chronic absenteeism is most commonly defined as missing 10 percent or more of school days for any reason. Chronic absenteeism is a proven early warning sign of academic risk and school dropout. While the causes of chronic absenteeism are multifold, research shows that student health and a school's health and wellness environment are key factors…

This guide will help policymakers understand and define the principles behind fusing core subject knowledge and higher-order thinking skills. Recommendations that reflect these principles will help policymakers support 21st century readiness for all students throughout a reauthorized ESEA and other federal legislation.

"Reinventing the Open Door" is designed to serve as a practical guide for community college leaders and practitioners as they work to align their programs, services, structures, and processes to meet the demands of their increasingly diverse student bodies and communities. It is also intended for use by community college boards of trustees and…

This book offers principals hands-on, practical advice on how to develop and use the principal portfolio to improve their performance and assist in transforming their schools. Chapter 1 describes the concept of the principal portfolio and why it is needed. Chapter 2 provides an overview of what should be included in the principal portfolio.…

Suggests teacher resiliency is a critical element in classroom success and teacher retention. Identifies significant adult relationships, a sense of personal responsibility, social and problem-solving skills, a sense of competence, expectations and goals, confidence, a sense of humor, and a sense of accomplishment as resources important in the…

This resource shows how a portfolio can help administrators and principals engage in the reflection and continued growth necessary to create improved schools and learning. It contains hands-on, practical information on how to develop and use the portfolio to document growth, demonstrate the accomplishment of goals, and enhance performance and…

For the staff person responsible for facility planning and management, membership in one or more of the professional organizations is an important part of professional responsibility. (Author)

Provides guidelines to help reading professionals in administrative positions develop an awareness of conflict, become sensitive to situations that typically cause conflict, and begin to learn effective management strategies. (ARH)

Action learning is a process of learning and reflection that happens with the support of a group of colleagues ("set") working with real problems with the intention of getting things done. This guide is for those who want to practice action learning. It can be used to introduce the concepts of action learning to others and as a manual…

An alternative approach to the traditional methods of professional growth is the development of a "reflective practice." The learning process in reflective practice begins with the examination of an individual's own actions and contrasting the actions to the ideal or intent of the practice. The process results in behavioral changes that…

Six strategies for using reflective narratives to promote the professional development of school leaders are briefly described in this paper, which is designed to accompany "School Leadership: Reflections on Practice by California's Instructional Leaders." Narratives are characterized by subjective perceptions that are shaped by personal…

While supervision is recognized as a crucial aspect of organized education, it has received less attention than it deserves. This book treats educational supervision as a cooperative problem-solving process, rather than an aversive inspection for staff deficiencies. Part I describes benefits of the developmental approach. Part II focuses on the…

Provides details of a science teacher inservice model centered around the methodology of problem solving and ownership of outcomes associated with an issue or problem. Describes perceptions of the program by staff and participants. (Author/MKR)