Teachers' training programs are widely recognized as essential for professional development and growth. This study aimed to explore how these programs affect teachers' ability to implement the curriculum effectively. A key focus was observing teachers' attitudes toward curriculum implementation following their training. The study assesses the…

Teacher collaboration is an increasingly important aspect of the professionalism of teachers: it is a way to reflect on and improve teaching practices. Teacher collaboration has been associated with teachers' professional growth and an increase in self-efficacy. However, policy makers and educational leaders must understand which structures of…

Great teachers recognize great assessments. As policy and education leaders work to make sure state tests are measuring the problem-solving, writing, and critical-thinking skills students need for success, they should convene and rely on teachers to review test quality and help answer the question: Do the questions on our state test reflect…

This guide for state policymakers examines teacher involvement in charter school governance. Teacher involvement is defined to include the gamut of decision-making roles not typically afforded teachers in traditional public schools, including founding schools, serving on governing boards, and engaging in site-based collective bargaining. Different…

Reviews present labor statutes and examines three alternatives to current practices; proposes that teaching, by its nature, is not well administered by industrial standards or well adjudicated through industrial unionism. Suggests "professional unionism" as a means of effecting educational reform. (DR)

This document is intended to provide school districts with information and ideas to help them develop districtwide philosophies concerning congruent planning, organize for efficient program management, create time for teachers to plan collaboratively for instruction, and develop documentation to monitor student progress. To enlist teacher support…

Discusses a study tour sponsored by Stanford University (California) for which teachers were trained in curriculum development. Questions whether encouraging teachers to become curriculum developers represents empowerment or a distraction from teaching. Argues that teaching is unlike curriculum development. Presents challenges that teachers…

Detention rooms are more effective when students are accountable for their behavior, rules and consequences are clear and publicized, and teachers are involved in the disciplinary process. (DCS)

Recommendations are made for a system of incentives at the state and local levels to ensure that highly capable people are attracted to and retained in the teaching profession. These recommendations include ways in which teachers can be empowered through expanding to new and more professional roles. An introduction to this report outlines issues…

This guide is designed to help school administrators, teachers, and school board members see the benefits of cooperation between vocational and academic teachers. It also looks at the barriers, examines models for cooperation, and describes exemplary practices. The guide considers the impact of cooperation in the work environment and provides a…

Presents an analysis of the concept of "teacher participation in school decision making," a set of empirically based hypotheses concerning the current scope and extent of teacher participation, and an outline for a systematic program of research that could provide information for policy development concerning teacher participation.…

A state-sponsored pilot program is allowing the faculty at two North Carolina schools to experiment with school reform. Lead teachers serve as instructional leaders and coordinate teachers' efforts to develop class schedules, plan and organize inservice training, and analyze test scores. (MLF)

Addresses the issue of current and emerging models of faculty and student participation in community college governance. Describes the functional, coordinated systems, and rewards/incentive models of participation. Argues for decision-making processes that fully use the resource potential of faculty and students. (DMM)

Describes the system of shared decision making used by the Bay Shore (New York) Union Free School District. Discusses the following major elements: (1) long-range planning; (2) staff development; and (3) commitment. (FMW)

This paper urges states to continue to press for excellence in education by making teachers partners in school improvement. It explains what research indicates are the next steps that policymakers can take to affect student achievement. It notes that policymakers must acknowledge the school as the locus of change and teachers as the bridge between…