Education researchers frequently seek out districts, schools, and teachers as partners for professional learning projects. They share their ambitious vision--a new model of professional learning that will support an empowered community, instructional improvement, and student achievement. The authors, along with other members of their research…

Never before has the need been so great for classroom teachers to become agents of change and position themselves as problem solvers at the school building level. Teachers are uniquely positioned to assume leadership roles on a variety of tasks that could transform schools from more traditional workplaces into professional learning communities.…

In the past, if a question is asked of a student, and that student needed a few minutes to think, that student's thinking would be interrupted by somebody else who'd be shouting out. Now, teachers at St. Johnsbury School in Vermont are really focusing on think time for students and really working with other students in the classroom to be…

Three sets of relationships between evaluation and staff development are identified: (1) evaluation for staff development in which data from evaluations suggest the program content; (2) evaluation of staff development in which evaluative activities become opportunities for problem solving; and (3) evaluation of staff development in which…

Traditionally, the professional growth and development of school administrators has been left up to the individual. A model for alternative administrator training has five basic operational criteria: collaboration; peer leadership; a sound cognitive base; experiential activities; and an ongoing support system. (JN)

Describes a computer simulation which enables principals to understand how to implement instructional leadership practices. The article recommends that staff developers view instructional leadership from the perspective of problem solving and strategic thinking. Six suggestions for leadership development are provided. (SM)

Examines staff development in light of performance technology, a systematic and pervasive approach to professional development. Performance technology can be used by staff developers to investigate the cause and context of a problem before selecting solutions. The article discusses the use of performance technology in public education. (SM)

In Colorado, a project was developed to teach participants a collaborative planning process for staff development and to assist in the design of a system of personnel development. Areas covered included: (1) selection of cadre members; (2) participation; (3) program design; and (4) consultants' reflections. (JN)

As principals' responsibilities increase, helping them learn to use and enjoy their daily managerial and symbolic challenges can increase their energy and make them more effective leaders. This includes learning to: change gears quickly; map their work; find tools for handling interruptions; become analysts; refine communication; and resolve…

The goals and benefits of a Quality Circles program (voluntary, regular, problem solving meetings held by groups of employees) are explored in this article. Practical guidelines for implementing this program in a school environment are also shared. (DF)

A model of the inservice training of classroom teachers for mainstreaming handicapped children is presented. The materials used in the program provide information about handicapping conditions as well as curriculum and behavior management styles. (JN)

Designing staff development activities that incorporate four elements of reflective practice helps develop participants' reflective abilities. The article discusses focusing on real problems and concerns; changing the nature of the problem; process-oriented staff development; and promoting collaborative partnerships. (SM)

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)

Staff developers training teachers to use computers should design learning experiences that encourage teachers to reflect on the learning process itself. These reflections will help them understand how their students learn new material and solve problems. LOGO is a particularly appropriate tool for this purpose. (PP)

Explains the complexities of promoting school change and how they can be minimized through the effective use of facilitators. Six complexities of school change are examined based on the experiences of Georgia's League of Professional Schools. Also discussed is the question of who should facilitate. (GLR)