This study examined the perceptions of educators to determine if they felt that they were adequately prepared to teach in a high poverty school setting. The participants, educators from four school districts, completed a survey based on their perceptions of their own level of self-efficacy and preparedness to work in high poverty schools. The…

This action research study examined student success at a private, faith-based graduate business school by aiming to cultivate a community of belonging for graduate students through a staff development approach. As the action for this study, a three-part professional development series was created to foster a collaborative community of graduate…

One challenge facing faculty and staff at higher education institutions, and particularly those with an access mission, is understanding and supporting their students in a holistic manner. Organizations with a high proportion of traditionally at-risk students must balance resource demands with providing the intensive teaching and advising models…

This dissertation study focused on three aspects of staff development in North Texas: (1) funding sources, (2) types of professional learning programs, and (3) teachers' views of the effectiveness of the funded programs. Qualitative data came from interviews with nine district administrators concerning funding sources and how those resources…

Over the past six years, the authors have been project leaders for three distance education initiatives in Cape Verde and Mozambique: (1) a blended learning master's degree in multimedia in education for faculty in Cape Verdean public higher education institutions (2005-2008); (2) a teacher training programme for 1375 elementary teachers provided…

Online education is used for a variety of purposes in higher education. Two such purposes are improving staff performance over time and allowing staff to obtain feedback about their professional skill development. Relying on data from online staff skill development courses delivered in five universities, this article explores online faculty…

The selections in this book address the concept and nature of academic development and examine research into and within the field. Following an introduction, "Developing a Scholarship of Academic Development: Setting the Context," by Ranald Macdonald, the chapters of part 1, "Conceptualizing Academic Development," are: (2)…

This article describes a case study of an educational organization, the Big Picture Company, trying to implement a highly unusual school design. It offers a close look at its professional development strategies and how its comprehensive program helps create a culture where teachers can, and do, learn. I detail five professional development…

Findings of a study that explored the role of staff developers in integrating staff development with organizational development are presented in this paper. Staff development (SD) is defined as professional development for individuals to improve student instruction; organizational development (OD) is defined as professional development for groups…

Presents results from a Curriculum Research for Agricultural Education survey to 885 staff members on such staff development activities as conferences, academic study, and in-house provisions. Analysis of quantity, event type, activity type, and staff level indicates a need for review of staff development in agricultural education. (DH)

Identifies areas of knowledge principals need to guide staff development, focusing on qualities of principal-staff developers, and the principalship (programs to help train staff developers, and delegation of staff development roles). Recommendations include establishing district staff development programs and intervention for principals having…

A study was conducted of the staff development activities of community college faculty in Iowa. A questionnaire was developed and distributed to 302 faculty members from the 15 community colleges in Iowa, requesting them to indicate the number of times they had participated in 25 identified staff development activities during the past year, and…

Many educators and policymakers find that deciding on the right staff-development program has become increasingly difficult. This brief, three-part monograph organizes staff-development objectives, models, and program-design features into an understandable, comprehensive framework. Part 1 advises readers on how to weigh a program's objectives.…

Contends that creation of a space where all faculty and staff can come together and learn is an important goal for professional development. Describes the integrated training efforts at the College of Dupage in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, which resulted in a teaching and learning center providing development opportunities for all employees. (AUTH/NB)

Describes ways in which principals can use a two-phase staff development process to foster a strong sense of community and build an educational community. Benefits include higher staff morale, increased faculty cohesion, and a renewed dedication to teaching. (SM)