Provides a brief overview of certain events that have led to an increase of inclusionary practices for students with disabilities. Addresses successful collaboration and quality inclusion, physical management of the inclusive setting, inclusive learning in the community, professional competencies for the inclusive setting, and technology…

Describes the Teacher Educator Institute, a program in the context of Jewish education that is designed to develop educational leaders as teacher educators, those who plan and provide professional development for classroom teachers. The program strives to develop a leadership cadre that is generally missing within the North American system of…

Reports a longitudinal study of the mentoring relationship between an experienced middle-school teacher and a novice teacher (which was supported by a university educator), highlighting what the experienced teacher learned about herself as an educator through the relationship. Data from observations, journals, and transcripts of research and…

Describes changes in teacher compensation that might accompany organizational redesign in schools arranged to support teacher work groups. Discusses the relationship of teaming to overall teacher work, the investment a school or district might make to accomplish teaming, and team self-management and self-governance. (SLD)

This study examined the frequency of use of several instructional strategies by 59 general educators at the middle school level, with time spent collaborating with special educators and course work taken in specialized techniques. Also examined attitudes toward the inclusion of students with mild disabilities were. Number of instructional…

Discusses three aspects of mentoring practices revealed by research on how teachers work together in naturalistic elementary school settings: (1) mentoring is just one of several types of supportive behaviors needed and practiced by teachers; (2) support networks differ between male and female teachers; and (3) informal mentoring occurs in schools…

Describes a teacher's first year as elementary literacy coordinator, assisting teachers to find innovative ways to teach reading and helping primary students with their reading in a lab setting. Discusses her preparation and early challenges, colleagues' reactions and eventual willingness to ask for specific help, and how she met her principal's…

Highlights excellent practices and precautions regarding teacher learning communities gleaned from research on diverse collegial efforts during difficult reform processes, noting that simply placing teachers in teams does not necessarily generate collegiality. The paper examines the content of professional discourse, sociocultural resources in the…

A study examined the practices of 121 school-based intervention teams from Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Findings revealed several positive practices by teams from all states; however, teams from Illinois displayed consistent superiority across several measures. Discussion focuses on implications for practice and educational and legal reform.…

Describes the experiences of a Catholic high school that included three students with moderate disabilities in their general-education program. The challenges of inclusion, the need for long-term staff inservice training, and barriers to inclusion are discussed. Suggestions for inclusive schools and schoolwide achievement are provided. (CR)

To prepare their students for successful futures, teachers must be willing to learn continuously, expand their own abilities, and assume ever greater leadership roles. Principals must create an environment that supports teacher collaboration, facilitates professional development, and recognizes the concept of teacher leadership. (MLH)

Suggests that literature circles can provide a stimulating and motivating method of teaching reading, and they help increase student reading performance as measured on a criterion-referenced test. Notes that when students participate in literature discussion groups their reading level and motivation can increase. (SG)

Principals can successfully implement whole language reading programs if they educate staff and parents; engage in effective, inclusive long-range planning; encourage sharing among teachers; incorporate flexibility and experimentation in program development; and create an appropriate program evaluation system. Staff involvement is the key to…

Teacher teams at a new secondary school were observed during their first year working together. Based on observations, interviews, and document analysis, this article describes a crisis in teacher relations (a controversy about grading) and examines the role and effectiveness of collaboration in handling the crisis. (SM)

K-12 teachers completed an inservice designed with a constructivist perspective to foster their professional development regarding student motivation. Participants reflected on their professional expertise and practical knowledge in groups conducted by university researchers. At the end of the intervention, participants showed increased ability to…