One of the challenges confronting teachers today is effectively using data to drive instructional decisions-making in their classrooms. The purpose of this study was to examine whether professional development and the use of coaches in the area of data-driven instruction impacts classroom instructional practices and how student achievement could…

Changing a child's life through education is by far the greatest gift an educator can give to a student. Every child deserves the opportunity to receive an education. Yet, some children are denied this privilege every day. Teachers play many roles in a child's life. On the first day of school when a child walks into a classroom, he is putting his…

This brief focuses on strategies and approaches used in the United States and internationally to re-prioritize the use of time in schools, and explores several areas of time-use beyond those most often cited in the literature. To date, most of the discussion about time has been about finding time for teachers to plan their work and attend…

This newsletter is published four times a year. It offers articles on school improvement, organizational planning, training, and managing change. This issue contains: (1) Leadership Teams Create Lasting Change (Valerie von Frank); (2) NSDC Tool: Force-Field Analysis; (3) NSDC Tool: Identify Your Internal and External Foci; (4) NSDC Tool: Assess…

This newsletter is published four times a year. It offers articles on school improvement, organizational planning, training, and managing change. This issue contains: (1) Let Data Do the Talking: Clarify Goals and Roles by Examining Data (Valerie von Frank); (2) NSDC Tool: The Responsive School Scan Tool; and (3) NSDC Tool: Data Conversations Put…

The purpose of this essay is to describe quality teacher induction that has evolved from "fourth-wave" (1997-2006) teacher induction program development and research. A definition of quality induction is proposed, and a set of induction goals and components are outlined. Understandings gained from fourth-wave programs are described, including ways…

This paper is a narrative of two dimensions of professional learning: a personal one following the development of the author's own understanding of professional learning and its impact on practice explored through her research into support staff in schools. It draws on three research projects which examined the role and work of teaching assistants…

Good teaching occurs when educators on teams are involved in a cycle in which they analyze data, determine student and adult learning goals based on that analysis, design joint lessons that use evidence-based strategies, have access to coaches for support in improving their classroom instruction, and then assess how their learning and teamwork…

This article features the Dysart Unified School District in Surprise, Arizona and discusses how the district developed a long-term professional development plan. The authors present an example that highlights what is becoming common practice in the district: supporting teachers through differentiated, job-embedded professional learning, using…

This study is based on qualitative data from interviews and observations with seven principals representing two urban high schools, two urban middle schools, and three elementary schools. The study analyzes the views held by these principals about what novice teachers need to learn and grow, and examines what these principals are doing to meet…

Work-shadowing is an under-researched aspect of leadership development. This paper places workshadowing in the broader context of responses to the challenges of managing leadership succession in schools, drawing on an evaluation of a pilot shadowing programme for aspiring primary headteachers. The paper identifies a number of key themes in…

Research and evaluation has become increasingly important in many professions, including educational psychology, particularly as the profession moves to becoming more evidence-based in its practice. The recent move to a three year doctoral programme in England, Wales and Northern Ireland may be viewed as a positive one in developing research…

With the array of challenges facing today's youth, school counselors are in a unique position to recognize and respond to the diverse mental health needs of students. After a brief examination of the challenges and some promising responses, this article will consider the use of advocacy, collaboration, and professional development to aid school…

"Professionalism" is typically defined as acting in accordance with agreed-upon professional standards or ethical codes. For entry into many types of careers, a professional needs a credential such as a license, certificate, or degree. To actually be professional requires that one accept and follow the ethical code adopted by the field. In nearly…

In this economy, college and university continuing education units will not automatically reap the benefits of returning adult learners as in past recessions: this economy caused a drastic reduction of resources available to the workforce and for personal revenue. As a result of decreased personal income and workforce training funding, competition…