Coaching with live observation and immediate performance feedback is an effective means to train paraprofessionals, but might not always be feasible. We used a multiple baseline across participants design with six paraprofessionals who taught elementary students with severe disabilities to test the efficacy of two innovations designed to improve…

Over the past six years, the authors have been project leaders for three distance education initiatives in Cape Verde and Mozambique: (1) a blended learning master's degree in multimedia in education for faculty in Cape Verdean public higher education institutions (2005-2008); (2) a teacher training programme for 1375 elementary teachers provided…

Classroom teachers play an important role in the success of gifted programs. During the past two decades, researchers (Bigelow, 1993; Bransky, 1987; Milligan, 2001; Tomlinson, 2001) consistently reported more support from classroom teachers for gifted programming when the teachers had a greater understanding of giftedness. On the other hand, when…

Presents interviews of six prominent researchers (Ira Aaron, Harold Herber, Wayne Otto, Robert Ruddell, Roselmina Indrisano, and Olive Niles), which focused on the dynamics constituting effective staff development experiences. (HOD)

This article describes an annual program, for teachers and nurses of elementary school cancer patients, that: (1) facilitates understanding of the educational and social needs of such students; (2) provides updated information about childhood malignancy; and (3) addresses the concerns of teachers and nurses. (Author/CJB)

Outlines how to develop productive staff meetings that foster professional staff development. Three steps to follow include developing a staff development committee, designing a long-range staff development plan, and planning staff meetings that become a lesson in themselves. (MD)

The Adaptive Learning Environments Program can provide appropriate individualized instruction to students of all ability levels. The program has undergone more than a decade of development and data-based testing. (MLF)

Research conducted with a sample of 86 classroom teachers concerning the teaching of reading suggests that the needs they report must be analyzed by objective means to determine the underlying conditions that result in expression of the symptoms. (Author/MLF)

To reduce teacher isolation and encourage sharing of expertise, schools should consider brief workshops or 15-minute "micro-shops" on various topics ranging from making electrical circuit boards to setting up a salt-water aquarium. This article and accompanying sidebar discuss benefits and set-up strategies. (MLH)

Shares the results of a yearlong project of staff development where teachers kept a personal inquiry journal and participated in group activities. Finds the teachers grew together as a cohesive staff in learning to appreciate the inquiry process, to value the interests of their colleagues, to develop meaningful curriculum, and to enjoy the beauty…

A rationale for staff development in the elementary school is given along with methods and means by which staff development may occur. It also suggests ways elementary counselors can be the principal initiators in the infusion of career education concepts into the existing curriculum. (CT)

Discusses two training programs and five books designed to facilitate teachers' efforts to integrate the curriculum. (SR)

Describes the New Augusta Public Academy South Elementary School (Indianapolis, Indiana) efforts to integrate technology across the curriculum, highlighting the technology team analysis of staff learning needs, development of a staff training model, and testing of the model. (PEN)

The multiplier strategy involves training selected teachers or supervisors, who subsequently act as turnkey trainers in their own schools or districts. Project SITE, which uses the turnkey strategy to train trainers in elementary mathematics and has been adopted by more than 250 schools, is described and evaluated. (MT)

When New York State's standardized tests for third graders were scheduled to include questions on probability and statistics, the White Plains school system developed a model to improve mathematics instruction. A staff developer, a teacher with special training who works with other teachers, is vital to the implementation of the math curriculum.…