There is considerable concern regarding our nation's literacy skills. Research has repeatedly shown that the literacy trajectory is well established very early in the school career. Early childhood educators (ECEs) have the ability to influence a child's literacy skills provided they have the required knowledge and tools. Professional development…

In an increasingly interconnected world, intercultural competency has become an essential skill for many. It is important for students to learn this skill, but are teachers equipped to instill such knowledge not just adequately, but also objectively and without prejudice? In light of the recent explosion in telecommunications-assisted teaching and…

In this article we discuss teacher resilience and the critical role it plays in preventing attrition and burnout in schools. Using a bioecological model, we examine protective and risk factors that promote or inhibit teacher resilience at the levels of the "person," "microsystem," "mesosystem," and…

This research involved the conduct of a conceptual review of 28 refereed journal articles and a survey of campus centers for community engagement staff to identify salient features and trends of existing faculty development programming designed to advance service-learning and community engagement in higher education. Results of this investigation…

Although higher education has spent millions of dollars on instructional technologies, often higher education administration complains that instructors are not adopting them. Without a full understanding of possible barriers, higher education institutes are hard-pressed to develop either appropriate goals or sound strategies for the adoption of…

I summarize multidisciplinary paradigms and best practices' recommendations for professional learning by higher education faculty members. This review leads to an innovative narrative model for academic life that synthesizes current personality and vocational psychology theory and positive psychology's emphasis on virtues and character…

In the literature of faculty development, mentoring is usually mentioned as a vital contribution to a successful academic career, particularly for women and faculty of color. Mentoring has traditionally been defined as a top-down, one-to-one relationship in which an experienced faculty member guides and supports the career development of a new or…

Emerging skepticism about released time from teaching or service stems from a lack of evidence supporting its usefulness and from the mixed messages it gives about the value of teaching. Four demonstrational experiments confirm that skepticism. An alternative to traditional released-time programs is described. (Author/MLW)

Traces trends in faculty development at community colleges. Examines the definitions and purposes of faculty development and the rationales put forth for conducting these programs. Considers the scope of faculty development programs at a sample of two-year colleges. (DMM)

This paper reviews the literature on college faculty sabbatical leave and sabbatical leave programs often described as 'paid vacations' with no accountability. The literature indicates that sabbatical leave was an important part of any faculty development program. Those who took sabbatical leaves overwhelmingly reported the experience as a…

Designed for staff development personnel, this paper reviews information and resources on technical upgrading for vocational education faculty, and offers recommendations for the implementation of a staff development program. The paper offers an update on materials published between 1982 and 1984, highlighting a major survey of staff development…

Presents examples of successful faculty development and revitalization programs in use at community colleges nationwide. Reviews characteristics of exemplary faculty development efforts, and describes specific projects and programs in the areas of instructional improvement, subject-area knowledge, and faculty renewal. (PAA)

This monograph describes Supplemental Instruction, a student assistance program designed to improve the academic success of college freshmen based on the idea that if students are not being successful in courses then perhaps colleges should change the way courses are taught. Supplemental Instruction (SI) utilizes regularly scheduled, out-of-class,…

This paper provides an overview of the Exemplary Center for Reading Instruction (ECRI), a research-based instructional program designed to improve students' ability to read, understand, and communicate in English. The program focuses on pre- and inservice professional development for teachers who are trained in a highly structured,…

Teachers are finding a new kind of excitement in teaching undergraduates, especially in programs in general and liberal education. Discusses some of these programs and faculty attitudes toward these programs. (Author/RC)