The Common Core State Standards have been adopted by 46 states and the District of Columbia. They enjoy a huge following of well-wishers and supporters who are optimistic that the standards will boost achievement in U.S. schools. Setting aside the cheerleading and fond hopes, what are the real chances of success? The most reasonable prediction is…

Describes professional-development class based on teachers' use of video to help each other implement new curriculum. Class encourages teacher reflection and collegial support. (PKP)

Outlines how educational reform could be enhanced by using teachers as private practitioners working in groups to contract their services as professionals to schools. In Minnesota the idea is being explored in a small project, Teachers in Private Practice. (MD)

Cooperative professional development is a process by which teams of teachers work together for their own professional development. Types of cooperative development described include the following: (1) professional dialogue; (2) curriculum development; (3) peer supervision; (4) peer coaching; and (5) action research. (MLF)

Describes a Saint Louis elementary school's successful application of Howard Gardner's multiple intelligences theory. What began as a discussion of the nature of intelligence has resulted in a revised curriculum, varied instructional techniques, alternative assessment (using a combination of portfolios, progress reports, profiles, demonstrations…

A comparison of the 12 most widely implemented education programs for at-risk students can help educators choose a direction while responding to increasing demands for school improvement. Comprehensive models include Accelerated Schools, Coalition of Essential Schools, Community for Learning, and School Development. Eight programs focusing on…

A 2-year demonstration project funded by the Carnegie Corporation investigated combined effects of interventions involving teachers, students, and parents in a small northeastern district with an increasingly diverse population. Teachers examined racial identities and attitudes toward other groups, and designed effective antiracist curricula…

Describes a California high school's collaborative teacher observation model. The Teacher-Guided Observation/Curriculum Analysis is a continuously evolving instructional and curricular development program that recognizes teachers' need to be treated like professionals, have nonthreatening growth opportunities, assume primary responsibility for…