An intensive study of innovative projects in five elementary and secondary schools provided an opportunity to examine teacher participation in pre-implementation activities. Particular attention was paid to the motivation and roles of participants. It was found that participation is complex and varied. There were three major findings: (1)…

This paper provides background information from the professional literature related to teacher mentoring programs. It is organized into four sections. The first section, "Mentoring Rationale" discusses the need for new teacher support, the success of mentoring as a useful induction strategy, and benefits to participants. Section two,…

This report analyzes the first year of the Federal Alternative Financing Program (AFP), a program designed to help individuals with disabilities who need to purchase assistive technology (AT) find a way to pay for the equipment. The program receives funding under Title III of the Assistive Technology Act of 1998 and provides low-cost financing for…

This report presents a model for single school staff development projects or programs within a large urban-suburban central system. Characteristics of such a system are identified as: rapid changes in the nature of the student population; active community interest; active teacher participation; the use of annual school plans and school board goals…