Describes a collaborative inclusion model began as a combined effort by four teachers who were extremely concerned about the effects of a "pull-out" program on students. Considers inclusion of special-needs students in the classroom as an essential part of establishing a community of learning. Believes that a strong sense of community must be…

This book review of "Creating Collaborative and Inclusive Schools" by Lorna Idol summarizes the factors the book sees as critical in the development of such schools but raises concerns about the author's distinction between inclusion and mainstreaming and the lack of attention to specific skills needed for effective communication and…

This article considers the impact of mentors on young professionals and on students with behavior disorders. Four key mentoring points are emphasized: model what you expect, respect the complex lives of your students and families, provide abundant learning opportunities for your students, and work collaboratively with others. (CR)

Describes how one elementary principal created a professional learning community within her school. The process involved providing times for teachers to collaborate, determining how to spend the time, ensuring communication, building on what already existed, and focusing on creating a collaborative culture in order to have a positive impact on…

Discusses how assistant principals can create learning experiences for their staff on a tight time line. Suggestions include finding a consultant to facilitate the learning experience, assembling a team of teachers to help plan for changing how staff development is designed, and having teachers think about planning a day of collaborative learning…

In Hilliard, OH, administrators, teachers, kids and parents make a school a "community." Visualize, if you will, a symphony orchestra. The violins play as one, led by the concertmaster in the first violin section, who is first among equals. As the music builds, the cellos add their glorious tone while the woodwinds may introduce the theme.…

Currently most academic literacy (AL) courses in South Africa are decontextualized and generic, suggesting an autonomous view of literacy. This view is challenged by the new literacy studies, which see literacy as social practices embedded in context. Recent developments in AL research emphasize the need to focus on discipline-specific strategies…

Previous FLC facilitators share experiences and insights about group process and provide their advice for facilitating successful communities.

By pairing up core-subject teachers with traditional vocational education instructors, a Michigan district tries to show that rigor can be built into vocational programs. One teacher own contracting business, and still makes cabinets and renovates houses in his spare time. The other teacher's passion is math and science. He is certified in both of…

The various stages of the teacher research group to experience what professional development committed to social justice looks like and sounds like over a four-year period are explored. The complex relationships between professional development and social transformation are discussed.

Lesson study is a form of professional development favored by teachers in Japan that has gained attention in many parts of the United States. Teachers participating in lesson study immerse themselves in a cycle of instructional improvement focused on planning, observing, and revising. The various ways in which teachers work together in a lesson…

Education is centre stage in current UK government initiatives to promote multi-agency team work. This paper draws on a research project which explored the way in which multi-disciplinary teams work and learn together in their practice with children, to consider the implications of "joined-up" practice for theorizing dilemmas of knowledge creation…

This study was designed to survey K-12 classroom teachers (N = 188) across the Southwest as to perceptions of the effectiveness of school counseling services in their educational setting. The results revealed that overall teachers reported satisfaction with counseling services, although satisfaction did vary across levels (elementary, middle…

The dominant models of initial teacher preparation have relied primarily on a school-based practicum where a single student is placed with a single "cooperating teacher" or "mentor". This paper reports on a number of research projects of teacher preparation at the secondary level suggesting that placing student teachers in subject pairs can be…

There are challenges in doing any type of collaborative research. In fact, the very "culture of higher education" is one where status comes from individual accomplishments rather than from group success. This high value placed on individual achievement often leads to fostering a work environment where competition is fierce. This leads to questions…