Making schools learning places for teachers as well as students is a timeless and appealing vision. The growing number of professional learning communities is a hopeful sign that profound change is on the way. This is the challenge learning communities face: Schools and districts need implementation models flexible enough to adapt to local…

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…

A model program, developed by the Institute for the Development of Educational Activities (/I/D/E/A), to prepare staff development specialists for school improvement projects is described. In this model, trainees experience the staff development processes they will be implementing in schools during their training.

Describes a peer coaching program used during the implementation of an inclusive education program within an elementary school. The peer coaching helped develop/enhance teacher skills necessary for implementing inclusion and monitored and responded to the needs of teachers in the project. Recommendations for staff developers, teachers, and peer…