Presents findings of a focus group study used to design a survey instrument for applications in future studies to determine factors of influence that inspire senior faculty members to participate in course delivery through online learning environments (OLE). Concludes with discussion points to encourage academic administrators to consider the…

A distance education program in mental health was delivered to 31 rural health professionals in Western Australia who dealt with mentally ill patients at the primary level. Evaluation on completion and 4 months postprogram indicated that participants learned mental health management regimes, developed mental health assessment skills, improved…

A graduate program component that assigned mentors to preservice special education teachers of students with severe disabilities is described. Characteristics of effective mentoring programs, the mentoring needs of preservice teachers of students with severe disabilities, and the mentorship program components are discussed. An evaluation of the…

Discusses careful planning, enlightened leadership, informed and enthusiastic teachers, and continuous evaluation as prerequisites for successful interdisciplinary teamwork. Suggests that interdisciplinary teaming allows better use of faculty members' skills, and provides better strategies for dealing with diversified populations, better…

Examines an in-service training session developed for use in the state sector in Thailand that aims to help teachers come to terms with some of the problems inherent in large classes. The article is based on the author's previous experience in Thailand and his continuing involvement there in teacher development. (11 references) (Author/CK)

Distance and travel time posed problems for Colorado State University's Community College Leadership program. Describes the doctoral program for community college professionals, focusing on student cohort grouping; two-way compressed video for distance instruction; periodic face-to-face discussion; cohort assignments; use of the Internet,…

To improve teacher preparation, higher education must collaborate with public schools. Hindrances to collaboration include reward structures in higher education and programs of study (including that for future higher education faculty). The paper examines proposals for supporting teacher education faculty who work cooperatively with public schools…

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article discusses the inherent institutional forces that work to counteract attempts at influential change. The paper reports on the establishment of a PDS program in a school/university partnership at Indiana State University,…

One of five articles in the section on the "Promise and Purpose of Professional Development Schools," this article examines essential purposes of PDS and presents recommendations for action (start small, adopt a developmental approach, co-construct and monitor relationships, redefine school/university roles, re-educate and support…

One of four articles in the third section, "Reflection: What We Have Learned," this article presents and discusses 11 components of a partnership between an urban high school and the University of Louisville (Kentucky). The partnership has many of the characteristics of a professional development school although it does not have that…

One of four articles in the fourth section, "Aspects of Evaluation of PDS," this article calls for improved definitions of professional development schools; analyses of startup and ongoing costs (including determination of where the money will come from); and development of PDS standards for improved evaluation (including standards by which they…

A year-long action-research graduate seminar was based on the collaboration of the school district, university, and participating teachers. One year later, 16 participating teacher-researchers reported that they were more competent consumers and producers of educational research. Individual effects ranged from subtle impacts on teachers'…

In 2001, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education published "Standards for Professional Development Schools," which differ from the 1997 draft standards in their explicit attention to large networks of professional development schools (PDS). Exemplary practices from four large PDS networks demonstrate the applicability of the…

A study evaluated a self-instructional tutorial on functional behavioral assessment (FBA) using a comprehensive model of evaluation. Participants included 30 content experts, design experts, special education training coordinators, and high education instructors. The self-instructional program was effective in teaching knowledge and skills and…

Describes a professional development school (PDS) relationship between Teachers College, Columbia University, and a New York City high school serving diverse students, highlighting action research projects conducted by teaching interns at the high school who were also master's students in secondary education programs at Teachers College. The paper…