A substantial and growing body of research suggests that strong school leadership is critical for shaping productive learning environments, supporting high-quality teachers and teaching, and influencing student outcomes. But what characteristics contribute to high-quality principal preparation programs and learning experiences? And to what extent…

Describes a prepracticum which creatively incorporates adult learning pedagogy, service-learning, and a semester-long role play to bridge the theory-practice gap in the preparation of students for practicum-internship and professional practice. (Author)

A recommendation is made for a six-year program of initial teacher preparation--five years of campus-based, but field-oriented, preparation followed by a sixth year of supervised internship with provision for follow-up of beginning teachers in their first year of regular employment. The following aspects of this topic are discussed: (1) needs and…

Teachers are critical to the success of school-to-work systems. They play a key role in the effort to prepare students for further education and work. In order to carry out these new tasks, however, teachers need more professional development. Teacher internships are an innovative professional development strategy that can help educators fulfill…

Major changes in the workplace have profound implications for education systems. School-to-work reform, in response to the changing educational and training needs of the work force, emphasizes the importance of an "all aspects of an industry" approach to learning. This approach integrates vocational and academic education for the purpose…

Strategies for designing effective professional development programs for research librarians are discussed, focusing on competencies of librarians and benefits to the organization. An internship model that outlines necessary components in the context of quality management and effectiveness is offered. (26 references) (EA)

Community-based organizations (CBOs) can help students gain a broad understanding of the relationship between education, work, and community. CBOs are frequently able to expand the scope of school-to-work by providing opportunities for young people to address community issues and by incorporating a unique youth perspective into the development of…