Probing is a communication skill that provides the psychological safety teachers need to share their perspectives, inquire into those of others, and reconsider what they have been doing and how they have been thinking about it. In their book, "The Collaborative Analysis of Student Learning: Professional Learning That Promotes Success for…

For middle and high school teachers facing the challenge of implementing the Common Core State Standards, disciplinary literacy instruction is a critical element--and one for which many are unprepared. Disciplinary literacy focuses attention on the reading, writing, and communication skills unique to each discipline (Moje, 2008; Shanahan &…

Consider for a moment how launching a professional learning community is similar to starting a race. Athletes know the danger of false starts--moving before the starting signal. Until recently, a false start meant that all racers returned to the blocks to begin again, their adrenalin gone, their concentration broken. Because these effects could…

Guidelines are presented for staff developers in preparing the content and planning for delivery of presentations. The basic planning techniques that are described are based upon learning theory and regard for the audience. (JD)

Procedures used by the Eugene (Oregon) Public Schools to train staff members as organizational development specialists are described. School employees volunteer time to work as internal consultants, using organizational management concepts to help colleagues in the school system improve their organizational capabilities, interact effectively,…

Nonverbal communication--how we use our voices, breathing, bodies, and eyes--is as powerful as our words. As much as 82% of our message is conveyed through nonverbal strategies. Learning to use these cues can be key to improving our ability to facilitate or lead meetings.

Action science is a communication technique that staff developers can use to increase interpersonal competence and problem-solving skills in schools engaged in the process of school transformation. An example of the action science intervention at a Maryland elementary school is presented. (SM)

Describes a high school staff development project that successfully improved student communication skills. In the project, teacher reflection was critical in changing classroom practice, and it led to improved student outcomes. The article describes the project, vehicles for supporting teacher reflection, and lessons learned in using reflective…

A nationwide survey of teachers and administrators showed how central administration can facilitate school-based improvement. Results revealed eight practices that respondents believed helped facilitate the implementation of school-based improvement. Practices related to goals and planning, policy and procedures, staff development, recognition and…

The Johari Window is a communications tool to help school staff effectively explore who they are and who others are. Using the Johari Window with the core issues of diversity provides a framework to help assess how successfully staff development providers address diversity issues. A diversity-sensitive framework can be incorporated into a variety…