In this article, Brian Coppola begins with the single key concept of Boyer, in "Scholarship Reconsidered." The statement appears as follows: "We believe the time has come to move beyond the tired old "teaching versus research" debate and give the familiar and honorable term "scholarship" a broader, more capacious…

This National Institute for Learning Outcomes Assessment (NILOA) policy statement outlines the warrant for multiple, systematic approaches to obtain evidence of authentic student achievement. The importance of assessing student learning in college has yet to capture the attention of policy makers or the public. Indeed, few outside the academy know…

This report examines teachers' perceptions about Professional Development Units (PDUs), an optional component of the REACH program, as well as the effects of participation on instructional practice and student growth.

A principal's most important role is instructional leader. There is a growing recognition of the importance of working with teachers, serving as a mentor and coach. Coaching has emerged as one of the more effective professional development options for adult learners. It is an important tool because it is an investment in human capital and in the…

In order to best prepare the U.S. workforce, schools need to focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. However, given the current educational climate of reduced school funding, high teacher turnover, and increasing student diversity, the public school system simply cannot do this alone. This is where businesses…

An adjunct turned writing program administrator reflects on her professional journey and describes efforts to improve the teaching environment amongst composition faculty--primarily part-time--within her department. Based on a local program review, a pilot faculty relations plan was implemented that addressed two major areas: offering more…

Data from a recent study show that investing in science teachers' professional growth and teaching ability is a wise choice. However, the professional development must have the right content (the science discipline that teachers are actually teaching), at the right time (when they are assigned to teach that science discipline), and in a stable…

Recently, much attention has been focused on the importance of intentionality when working with and teaching young children. Intentional teachers "act purposefully with a goal in mind and a plan to accomplish it" (Epstein, 2007, p.4). In the intentional classroom, there is a synergistic partnership between the children and teacher. Although the…

Professional learning communities (PLCs)--teams of educators who get together regularly to exchange ideas--have sprung up to meet school districts' growing interest in promoting professional development that engages teachers and administrators. PLCs meet to develop lesson plans, monitor student progress, assess instructional effectiveness, and…

Mike Carbone has been the principal of Kickemuit Middle School in Warren, Rhode Island, since 1990. He's seen some bad times there before a dramatic turnaround. When asked what finally got his school's engine revved and moving the school forward, he said without hesitation: "Learning walks." In this article, the author describes how…

High-quality professional development is not only a mandate of the No Child Left Behind Act, but also a necessity if there is going to be real change in how teachers conduct lessons and collect data. Quality professional development is more than a training, workshop, or listserv; teachers need continual support as they work with their students to…

A two-year study of professional development recommended that schools build professional development into school life via flexible scheduling and extended time blocks; help teachers assume responsibility for their own professional development; find common ground with the community via resource sharing; and find revenues to support professional…

After replacing its basal readers with a literature series, Tucson (Arizona) schools piloted a study group approach supporting long-term, innovative changes in reading instruction. Study groups gave teachers the chance to consider their beliefs, share ideas, challenge current practices, blend theory and practice, identify professional and personal…

Defines quality technology support for teachers as consisting of access to one-on-one personal guidance and help; teacher participation in technology-oriented professional support among peers; professional development; and access to resources. Suggests the instructional aspects of technology support are important for successful technology…

In Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis at East Tennessee State University, faculty members feel open, honest discussion of departmental issues helps create a healthy learning atmosphere. A graduate student can be found at most meetings and is often consulted regarding pertinent issues. Seminars for principals involve real-life…