Recent studies have shown that strengths in spatial skills are a key to success in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) careers. However, these skills are undervalued in our educational system and thus seldom incorporated in classroom teaching. As a first step towards changing the current practices, we worked with a group of…

Discusses some principles, considerations, and cautions for those creating staff development programs in whole language. Discusses factors necessary for effective implementation of whole-language programs. (RS)

The Portal School Program at Arizona State University is described as one method of promoting health education in elementary schools. Teachers are directly involved in curriculum decision making through inservice training. Elements of the program are explored. (Author/DF)

Nationwide dissemination of the Iowa Chautauqua Model for inservice professional development of K-12 science teachers has led to new professional development programs in many states. Discusses a formative evaluation of the implementation of the Collier Chautauqua Program (CCP) which focuses on teacher enhancement resulting from participation in…

Describes how two university instructors implemented the staff development component of a competitive U.S. federal literacy initiative in two elementary schools. Notes that Reading Excellence Act (REA) was enacted to give schools direct financial assistance to improve reading instruction. Suggests the greatest lesson the authors learned was…

A study examined the degree to which eight teachers would faithfully implement an early literacy intervention plan. Teachers implemented the intervention with a high degree of fidelity and benefited from the community approach to intervention for struggling readers. Most children made substantial gains in phonemic blending and segmenting…

The Alliance of Quality Schools is a research-based, learner-verified, academic, and behavioral intervention model involving reading, spelling, writing, and mathematics. The alliance provides coordination and support to students and fosters academic success as well as social skills, self-esteem, and positive attitudes toward school. This report…

This practicum addressed the problem of developing and implementing a school-based in-service model that would be facilitated and presented by the elementary school teachers who were to be instructed. A literature review led to the conclusion that successful implementation could be achieved by faculty and staff ownership of the in-service model…

Describes a long-term inservice program aimed at restructuring one elementary school's literacy program. Focuses on observed changes that occurred as teachers became active participants in staff development sessions designed around effective change principles. (SR)

In 1977, 13 staff development projects were initiated in California under ESEA Title IV-C. The task of each project was to design and implement a unique system for developing a comprehensive staff development program. The materials in this book describe one of the 13 staff development projects: a "Service Center" for staff development that was…

Evaluation of concerns data collected from elementary school physical education teachers during implementation of an innovation revealed three participation styles among the teachers: actualizers, conceptualizers, and resisters. (Author/CB)

Describes how Washington Elementary School District in Phoenix, Arizona is managing its minimum competency instructional system on PET microcomputers using Evans Newton Inc.'s PROJECT BASIC software. Program implementation considerations, such as timelines and inservice, are discussed. Journal availability: Educational Computer, P.O. Box 535,…

Discusses the use of the seminar approach in elementary classrooms. Makes practical suggestions for implementation and outlines areas in which teachers need administrative support. Includes an interview with a sixth-grade teacher who has been using the method for two years. (FMW)

As part of a research project on "Patterns of Successful Assistance in Urban School Programs," this paper presents a case study of an assister's work in a Teacher Growth Program (TGP) at an elementary school in Staten Island, New York. The school has an experienced teaching staff, a supportive principal, a cross-sectional student…

This guide outlines a program to familiarize elementary students with microcomputer operations, the widespread use of computers, and the computer's capabilities and limitations. The first section presents objectives, learning activities, and evaluation methods for six content areas: (1) What is a computer? (2) How do computers work? (3) Student…