Discusses challenges associated with the creation of professional development school (PDS) sites according to goals set by the Holmes Group on excellence in teacher education, and examines assumptions for guiding site development and goals for PDSs to meet. (SM)

This article compares the work of the Holmes Group and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, two reform efforts influencing teacher education. They have different purposes but share goals, such as improving teacher education quality via in-depth specialty studies, instructional evaluation, and strengthened liberal arts. (SM)

Describes the underlying knowledge, skills, and attitudes that transformed school counselors need in order to work effectively in rural schools and communities, discussing the Transforming School Counseling Initiative and providing a snapshot of salient issues facing rural education and communities and examples of how transformed school counselors…

Describes collaborative involvement in a professional development school from the perspective of five people (one university educator and four school teachers) who took on new roles and responsibilities. Discusses tensions and balances, participants' differing states of readiness, and changes that collaboration initiated and supported. (SM)

Questions activities of the Holmes Group, noting that, if the activities do not result in the exemplification of excellence in teaching and teacher education, the group's claim to leadership is questionable. The criticism claims that the group discourages more fundamental and promising changes in teacher education than it advocates. (SM)

Describes themes and actions developing within the Holmes consortium of educational institutions and examines Holmes institutions' progress reports detailing efforts to invigorate the liberal arts, professional, and clinical preparation of students going into teaching. (SM)

Describes one scientist's participation in school/university collaborations for teaching and research in high school science. Examines four issues that have significant implications for the way work is done in university and school communities (the meaning of team teaching, implications of knowledge, student behavior and expectations, and adult…