Understood as one approach to enacting a practice-based pedagogy of teacher education, core practices (CPs) have in the last decade become part of the discussion in general teacher education, and within particular content areas. CPs are viewed as practices that are essential to student learning and critical to novice teachers' (NTs') early career…

Hints are presented for conducting an inservice teacher workshop on computers: (1) address major ideas (rather than intricate details) related to computers; (2) offer "hands-on" experience; (3) provide a reassuring atmosphere; and (4) gain insights by examining why teachers don't use computers. (CJB)

A form is presented for evaluating curriculum guides which was developed to compare curriculum guides and reflect teachers' interests and values. The form helps the teacher to evaluate characteristics of the guide and the degree of importance placed on each characteristic which allows for assessment based on values. (JD)

A study analyzed teachers' perceptions about shared decision making for school improvement, surveying teachers in School Improvement Councils regarding their attitudes about decision making and values inherent in their attitudes. Teachers felt satisfied that they shared the decision-making power. Parents and citizens actively participated in…

A study was conducted to determine the effects on teachers of participation in an interactive research and development project. The project involved classroom teachers, university researchers, and staff developers in collaboratively conducting the research and disseminating the findings. (Author/PP)

Three challenges must be met if certain reform endeavors are to succeed and professional efficacy for teaching is to be accomplished: the involvement of teachers in policy decision making, the definition of the knowledge base, and the unification of educational interest groups. (IAH)

The Consumer-Validation approach to applying educational research in classroom settings is described. The model, developed in Murfreesboro (Tennessee), provides a way to disseminate research findings as well as to allow teachers to test the validity of findings drawn from classroom research. (CJ)

The Collaboration for the Improvement of Teacher Education (CITE) program is briefly described; the program's model of reflective thinking is discussed; and an outline is given of the content and structure of a seminar designed to develop teachers' and professors' reflective thinking. (IAH)

Louisiana's Educational Employees' Professional Improvement Program (PIP) is described. The voluntary statewide program features: (1) use of individual professional development plans submitted by school staff participants; (2) a combination of academic work, inservice training, workshops, and conferences over a five-year period; and (3) salary…

An effective inservice teacher education program was found to have the characteristics of: (1) immediate applicability to the classroom; (2) use of teacher input; (3) curriculum change and innovation; and (4) provisions for ongoing, continuous evaluation. (JN)

A survey of inservice education opportunities for teacher educators sought to determine: (1) what types of training teacher educators prefer; (2) training models in use; (3) topics of such instruction; and (4) factors limiting or encouraging participation. Demographic and response characteristics are discussed. (PP)

Several well-established efforts to form closer links between teacher education programs and community understanding are described. Such efforts are usually based on one of two approaches: building awareness of communities and their cultures into conventional college courses; or placing students in nonschool community settings. (PP)

A researcher and four elementary teachers conducted collaborative action research to explore, implement, and document practitioner initiated change. The article highlights the political nature of action research linked with reform, noting that peers and principals can silence teachers' voices. Collaborative action research groups may provide…