The Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) challenges state education agencies (SEAs) to improve student outcomes by addressing the student-, teacher-, and school-level factors that drive achievement gains. This Guide for Identifying Evidence-Based Interventions for School Improvement is intended to help State Education Agencies (SEAs) carefully…

Developing positive school climates and improving school discipline policies and practices are critical steps to raising academic achievement and supporting student success. However, there is no single formula for doing so. Rather, the growing body of research and best practices in the field should inform locally developed approaches to improving…

This document offers examples and insights on a number of issues that are relevant to policy-makers in developing countries. A particular effort has been made to demonstrate that introducing ICT into the schools, without a proper staff development plan and without a pedagogical perspective, is a low-return investment. Technology is still expensive…

Outlines the Madison Workshop Program for staff development, operated by the local school system in cooperation with a local college. This unique collaboration funds nationally known educators to present workshops for local teachers. (MD)

Educators and policymakers in New Mexico are aware that far too many at-risk children do poorly in school, drop out, or perform poorly even if they graduate. In July 1990, the Rockefeller Foundation provided funds for a pilot "New Mexico Academy for School Leaders." The academy brought together 34 elementary school principals, teachers,…

A new computer program designed to reach out into the community as well as train students, faculty, and staff includes a built-in evaluation program. (MD)

Dexter, Kansas, uses a four-day school week that is improving classroom instruction and cutting energy bills. There is evidence that four-day schedules improve student achievement, increase attendance, allow more class time, raise teacher morale, and provide more staff development time. (MD)

From 1985 through 1989, studies were made annually of the administrative needs of school leaders in Georgia. This document functions as a guide for the Georgia Education Leadership Academy, as it looks ahead to the future of staff development for Georgia's school leaders. In 1985-87 and 1989, superintendents were asked to rate 61 common…

Several tools exist that school districts can use to help solve current or potential problems in compensatory programs. The school district should begin by conducting (1) a study to determine the extent to which students are served by multiple compensatory programs, (2) on-site observations of the programs, and (3) a review of the curriculum and…

This paper looks at the ways in which the role of the teacher is expanding in schools across the country. The report also discusses the reasons behind such changes in the roles and responsibilities assigned to teachers and describes places where teachers are actually carrying out these expanded roles. The knowledge base which answers the question…

Observers of school reform efforts in 17 central New York school districts found a performance dip that sets in during the implementation stage. Staff performance suffers because everyone is learning the new system. Assistance, support, and training need to be offered until everyone has mastered the basics. Gradually, the reforms will become an…

Numerous studies indicate that student learning is directly linked to the quality of teaching that occurs in the classroom. School boards can play a vital role in staff development. They should adopt standards for student learning, teaching, leadership, and staff development. Adequate funding and an incentive system that rewards improvements in…

The booklet presents the report of the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Education and Labor regarding the 1983 Child Abuse Amendments to the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act and the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment and Adoption Reform Act of 1978. The Amendment expands the definition of child abuse to include abuse by…

Outlines six beliefs administrators may have that hinder the deliverance of good staff development programs. The author asserts that it is important that principals critically examine the implications of these beliefs. (MD)

Presents a critical analysis of the Reagan administration's policies on school discipline, the Bauer Report, and the National School Safety Center. Points out that school discipline improves when the general quality of education is improved. (MD)