Monthly meetings and a peer-observation program help novice teachers overcome isolation and practice new skills that support improved student learning. Peer observation is not without its difficulties. Above all else, the point of the program is to make teachers more comfortable observing, sharing instructional ideas, and learning from one…

Improving teacher quality in early education is a major part of ensuring young children's school readiness and closing the achievement gap. This is the book decision-makers and administrators need to begin developing coordinated, effective teacher quality systems--ones that not only get teachers ready for the classroom, but also promote continuous…

"Understanding the HighScope Approach" is a much needed source of information for those wishing to extend and consolidate their understanding of the HighScope Approach. It will enable the reader to analyse the essential elements of the HighScope Approach to early childhood and its relationship to quality early years practice. Exploring…

Described is a school-focused pattern of initial and inservice training of teachers which emphasizes self evaluation and development through team membership. Details the workshop schedule and discusses activities used. (CW)

The document contains the annual reports (1983/84 and 1984/85) of the Austin (Texas) Independent School District's gifted and talented program. Major accomplishments of the first year were reorganization with the implementation of the AIM High program at the elementary level and an honors program at the secondary level; design and implementation…

A survey of California schools elicited 54 inservice teacher education programs to help teachers identify at-risk students and develop effective instructional strategies to meet their needs. Five programs were selected as models for statewide replication. Each model program met at least four of the following criteria: (1) a comprehensive,…

This paper describes a 1996-97 faculty development program conducted for the social work department at Andrews University (Michigan). The training included the presentation of instructional theory, demonstration of instructional techniques, practice of the techniques by the participants, feedback on these practice sessions, and on-going support…

Described is the Western Massachusetts Five College/Public School Partnership which sponsors a range of activities for teachers in the sciences and humanities. The development of this program is discussed. A list of five components of a successful collaboration program is included. (CW)

Tompkins Cortland Community College (TCCC) in Dryden, New York, opened the College Teaching Center (CTC) in 1988 to address the professional development needs of full- and part-time faculty. The CTC is an autonomous, faculty-directed, professional development program with its own budget and Board of Directors. Activities sponsored by the CTC are…

This staff development program was directed toward the implementation of a new, hands-on elementary science program. The primary focus was three-fold: (1) to train teachers to implement a new program; (2) to increase the time devoted to science instruction; and (3) to provide teachers with additional science content background. This approach…

Discussed are some of the ways that community colleges may assist school districts and individuals with inservice teacher education. A program at Valencia Community College (FL) is described. Cooperation between the public school and the college is stressed. (CW)

Described is the successful development of an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program in a school system in Maryland. The importance of training both staff and the community are stressed. (CW)

The goal of the project was to improve the quality and increase the amount of science knowledge of secondary school life science teachers through a series of workshops and summer institutes using medical school life scientists as the primary vehicle to transfer knowledge to teachers who would then transmit that knowledge to their students. A total…

The Mathematics and Science Relicensing Project provides out-of-license mathematics and science teachers with an opportunity to complete the required coursework needed to qualify for the appropriate licensing examination. In 1986-87, a pilot program offering a Master's Degree in science education was begun. It allows participants to accumulate…

Describes various projects that are part of a movement to return geography to a central place in the curriculum of America's schools. Focuses on the Geographic Education National Implementation Program (GENIP), sponsored by the National Geographic Society and other geography interest groups. (IW)