Investigated how certified athletic trainers initially learned and continued to learn their professional responsibilities in the high school setting. Interview data highlighted two thematic categories: an informal induction process (aspects of organizational learning) and creating networks for learning. Results indicated that informal learning was…

This case study discusses how Jon, a boy with autism, was fully included into general education classrooms in grades K-2 that implemented tenets of the "Responsive Classroom." The guiding principles of a responsive classroom approach, benefits for children with autism, and the need for collaboration among professionals are discussed.…

Describes a collaborative learning community called the Professional Development School Network in Social Studies and Global Education, in which university professors and social studies teachers from six school districts worked together to create a professional-development program and a certification program for teachers. Reflects on several…

Describes a project that used the process of cognitive coaching to implement the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) standards. Argues that cognitive coaching is a vehicle that helps teachers change and reform both curriculum development and instruction, combats the isolation of teaching, provides feedback, aids in reflective…

Like today's educators, Japanese haiku poets were caught between standards (like courtly love) and everyday realities. From this tension, they created a remarkable poetic form. Three examples from teachers' professional development work apply simple-and-deep principles to listening tasks, an assessment "deal," and curricular-standards…

This study examined changes in the beliefs and practices of three special-education teachers over the course of their participation in a three-year collaborative literacy project. Results suggest that teacher change is a long-term process, evolving from an early focus on enacting activities to an increasing emphasis on changing the broader…

Discusses advantages to the whole-faculty study-group process, which involves small groups that meet regularly to focus on some area of educational improvement. The paper presents 15 whole-faculty study-group process guidelines, and it concludes that study groups can help teachers accomplish together what they are already expected to do. (SM)

Obtains information about how teachers and reading specialist interns worked together to implement early intervention programs in three different school districts. Describes types of collaboration using observations in the classroom and interviews with interns and teachers. Suggests that the context in the school site, teacher preference, and…

Describes a project that formed cross-grade elementary teacher teams that met weekly to engage in collaborative planning, instruction, and assessment. The teams included classroom teachers from several grade levels together with special-education teachers, inclusion and behavioral specialists, guidance counselors, and music and physical-education…

Describes how 14 elementary teachers, two administrators, and one facilitator (a university faculty member) formed and carried out a year-long study group. Discusses benefits, noting that teachers can take control of their learning by actively participating in problem-centered discussions and activities. Offers several planning guidelines for…

In fall 1999, teachers of two Wisconsin elementary schools met to discuss setting specific goals that are strategic, measurable, attainable, results-oriented, and time-bound (SMART). Commonly used in government and industry, SMART goals are now helping educators evaluate their instructional processes and programs. (MLH)

Describes an approach to faculty development that relies on faculty learning from one another through peer observation. Rather than equating such observation with evaluating a colleague's performance, faculty observers are urged to approach the assignment as "students of teaching." (DB)

Describes a beginning teacher mentoring program in which veteran teachers serve as coaches, confidantes, role models, and friends to all new teachers in the district (experienced or not). These relationships benefit everyone involved. The program involves a collaborative staff development project with a nearby university. Evaluation of the program…

Describes Internet Relay Chats (IRCs), electronic conversations over the Internet that allow multiple users to write messages, and their applications to educational settings such as teacher collaboration and conversations between classes. Explains hardware and software requirements, IRC organization into nets and channels, and benefits and…

An analysis of 100 English primary school development plans (SDPs) found that the SDPs tended to be multifocused, with few criteria for judging success. The paper examines three key issues in SDPs: promoting a unified, collaborative ethos; linking withtarget identification and review and subsequent improvements; and linking with student learning.…