Among all in-school factors that impact student learning, teachers carry the most weight -- but school leaders are not far behind. Decades of research have proven the positive influence principals can have on student achievement, school climate and teaching quality. New evidence suggests that their impact may be even greater than previously…

Preparation and professional development can help principals be more effective leaders, but little research has examined what specific approaches are most useful. A study of 462 California principals and the teachers and students in their schools shows that high-quality preservice preparation for principals is associated with stronger teacher…

A growing body of research points to the substantial influence of principals on school conditions and students' learning. But how can principals learn to be good leaders? And are there professional learning strategies that make a difference in principal effectiveness? This study, which is part of a larger project synthesizing the research on…

The purpose of this thesis was to write a grant for Paramount Unified School District in California to implement a curriculum on child abuse prevention for students in grades kindergarten through 5th grade (K-5) based upon the evidence-based HealthSmart curriculum. This educational initiative will focus on child sexual abuse prevention and will be…

University-agency partnerships funded by Title IV-E encourage students to enter the child welfare field by providing student stipends, thus supporting child welfare agency workforce development. This article examines the literature and historical roots of Title IV-E and other partnerships, identifies common structures and outcomes, and discusses…

Research Findings: Aiming to raise the quality of early childhood teachers and caregivers and to reduce turnover, government and professional associations are pursuing 2 intervention strategies. The 1st mandates higher credential levels, as seen with Head Start and state preschool reforms. Here we examine the efficacy of the 2nd strategy: offering…

This program is a model of individualization in which participants select components based on individual needs. Each component includes a performance criterion test, a statement of learning objectives, various learning options, and a variety of carefully selected resource materials. The major objective of the program is to demonstrate a teacher…

Because children who are deaf or hard of hearing are being identified at birth, fitted with advanced hearing technology, and enrolled in early intervention programs, families increasingly seek professionals who can provide services that support their choice of listening and spoken language. The increased demand for these services and shortages of…

AN INSERVICE TEACHER EDUCATION PROJECT UTILIZED CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION AS A MEDIUM OF CLASSROOM OBSERVATION. IT WAS HYPOTHESIZED THAT CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION COULD MAKE STAFF INTERVISITATION MORE EFFECTIVE. CLOSED CIRCUIT TELEVISION WAS USED IN 46 INSERVICE EDUCATION SESSIONS AND 51 SESSIONS WITH OTHER RELATED SCHOOL PURPOSES DURING THE…

This "Operations Notebook" is written especially for administrators interested in and concerned about staff development efforts. The publication attempts to answer such questions as: What is staff development? Who should have it? Where is help available? What pitfalls should be avoided? In answering these questions the actions of Federal…

This California Evaluation Improvement Project (EIP) Program Evaluation workbook has two purposes. It can be used as a learning and instructional aid while one masters the procedures, techniques, and methods of program evaluation. Used this way, it helps the practitioner summarize and put into practice the subject matter presented in the EIP…

The objective of the project was to pilot test the Model to Evaluate Inservice Personnel Development. The pilot test was designed to determine: (1) whether the model could evaluate the personnel development programs in the two States where the model was pilot tested, (2) applicability of the model in other States, and (3) the potential of the…

The Los Angles County Office of Education developed the Educational Communications Network (ETN) to help implement English curriculum reform mandated by the California State Board of Education in 1987. ETN has become an electronic staff development distribution system using satellite-transmitted live and interactive inservice programing. (MLH)

Five model projects for providing continuing education opportunities to teacher educators in special education are presented. Background for the development of Project RETOOL includes a 10 step outline of the process. Implementation was designed in three phases: needs assessment of current special education teacher educators, development of…

The report of the Research Coordinating Unit for Vocational Education located in the State Department of Education describes activities relating to the following objectives: (1) locating and disseminating research findings, (2) sponsoring in-service training on research methods and design, (3) acting as a liaison between agencies and organizations…