The processes of staff development, instructional supervision, and teacher evaluation complement and support each other. The connections between and among them are discussed. Recommendations for implementing an integrated system of instructional improvement are made. (Author/MT)

Defends the claims made in an earlier publication by the authors that inservice programs should be more experiential because the cognitive development of adults is less uniformly advanced than previously supposed and because experiential learning is more effective. Cites additional supportive research. (PGD)

A model for staff development called "Staff Development/Organizational Development" (Wood/Thompson/Russell, 1981) describes a process for designing inservice that is systematic and comprehensive. The model was developed through an analysis and synthesis of the literature and research related to staff development. This paper briefly describes the…

Research on staff development in rural and non-rural settings provides guidelines for effective practice. Research on rural staff development, however, must be increased and become more systematic and focused. (JD)

Profiles of three introspective U.S. corporations show how they have taken significant steps to promote organizational learning. By considering the implications for schools, staff developers can foster organizational learning practices for professional development and school improvement. This paper discusses the learning organization as a common…

The training and development programs of the NCR Corporation offer useful ideas for educators interested in increasing effectiveness of inservice teacher education. Implications for use of NCR's personnel training programs as a basis for staff development are offered. (DF)

Based on extensive policy and procedure reviews and on interviews with district administrators and staff development personnel in four school districts, this article identifies some promising procedures for managing school-based improvements within a district. This process, with specific administrative assignments, is discussed in detail. Includes…

Suggestions on how to examine educational programs in business and relate findings from such learning experiences to the school environment are presented in this article. (DF)

Research on adult learning suggests that direct and concrete experiences where the learner applies what is being learned are an essential ingredient for in-service education. Abstract, word-oriented talk sessions are not adequate to change behaviors. (Author/MLF)

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.

A nationwide survey of teachers and administrators showed how central administration can facilitate school-based improvement. Results revealed eight practices that respondents believed helped facilitate the implementation of school-based improvement. Practices related to goals and planning, policy and procedures, staff development, recognition and…

Examines the relationship between supervision, staff development, and teacher evaluation, discussing why educators must strive to make connections among the three, identifying important misunderstandings about them, and describing the purposes of each process and the similarities, differences, and connections between them. Together, they can be…

The Institute for Development of Educational Activities (/I/D/E/A/) School Improvement Program (SIP) is based upon a school-based approach to staff development and school improvement program known as the Readiness, Planning, Training, Implementation, and Maintenance (RPTIM) Model. There are five stages to the RPTIM Model: (1) readiness, dealing…

Reviews the research literature on continuing professional education for teachers and administrators in rural areas. Discusses conceptual contradictions in rural writings, describes research needs for rural staff development, suggests appropriate methodology for rural school studies, and calls for a national research agenda for rural education.…

Staff development programs should be established by using a set of assumptions grounded in research and best practice. The article examines faulty assumptions that guide too many programs, then presents 14 new assumptions that should guide effective practice and successful staff development. (SM)