In schools, a lesson functions as an individual building block to support the learning of new material. Experts have identified key elements in an effective lesson, and education leaders--including school based administrators, instructional coaches, department and grade-level chairs--usually look for these elements when reviewing lesson plans and…

Colorblind ideology--grounded in the belief that race is not a determinant factor for economic or academic outcomes in the U.S.--can thwart teachers' learning in PD focused on equity and anti-racist education. Colorblind ideology deflects conversation from race and suppresses a group's ability to address racial issues. Mayfield spells out how to…

College- and career-readiness skills can easily get lost if you don't have a clear school-wide plan for teaching them. While curriculum in schools is primarily meant to ready students for college and career skills, ensuring those skills actually transfer is another story. Andrew Miller lays out a system for teaching and assessing key…

The Common Core State Standards have been adopted by 46 states and the District of Columbia. They enjoy a huge following of well-wishers and supporters who are optimistic that the standards will boost achievement in U.S. schools. Setting aside the cheerleading and fond hopes, what are the real chances of success? The most reasonable prediction is…

A former Teach for America recruit who completed her training in a university-based program compares the two approaches to teacher preparation. In Teach for America, she learned how to design units and prepare lesson plans; in her university-based program, she had the time to learn from master teachers and build valuable skills, then practice…

National science assessments and international comparisons indicate that science achievement in the United States is stagnant or declining. Of the many steps needed to improve U.S. science education, the authors write, none is more important than improving teacher training and preparation. Analyses of scores on the National Assessment of…

Research findings reveal that successful arts programs offer a wide variety of arts; incorporate the broadest possible range of stimuli, materials, tools, and processes; and focus on historical, ethnic, and formal elements. (Author/MLF)

Citizenship curricula should be broad, realistic, and practical. They should reflect global interdependence and the diversity of American society. (Author)

To help teachers at one California high school evaluate tracking and other practices, the principal developed a six-step process involving studying, defining, and delimiting the prevailing practice; studying the practice's heritage; reviewing and then operationalizing the research and theory; brainstorming practice implications; and discussing and…

Individually Guided Education (IGE) has been promoted to schools through two agencies: The Institute for Development of Educational Activities, Inc. (I/D/E/A/), and Wisconsin R & D Center for Individualized Schooling. The problems IGE has experienced and the role of the supervisor are discussed. (Author/MLF)

Authors look at some of the issues that must be faced by local educators who must conceive and manage career development programs. (Authors/CB)

Developing technology literacy for faculty, staff, and students is critical to a successful technology program. The technology inservice program designed for a Selmer, Tennessee, high school addressed core skills, best adult-learning practices and places, and evaluation considerations. Creating a small room dedicated to continuous technology…

Primary purpose of evaluation is to cause educators to look at the process and the product of education and to utilize evaluation data as a corrective tool. (Authors)