Used focus groups and questionnaires to determine what influenced successful elementary teachers' development and what they considered important for current teacher education programs. Teachers attributed much of their success to personal characteristics developed throughout their lives. They considered the practicum component of their preservice…

The National Writing Project, formed in 1973, is a network of 157 local writing projects committed to improving the teaching of writing. It breaks with "top-down" educational tradition by creating a "third space" in which teachers share their expertise and experiences across grade levels and curricula, and by encouraging…

Describes the development of a successful Professional Development School (PDS) initiative involving Augusta State University and four very diverse county school districts, presenting information on the context and background of the PDS, principles guiding the PDS initiative, operative dimensions of the PDS initiative, program and performance…

Describes the National Education Association Teacher Education Initiative, a national collaborative of schools, professional teacher associations, and universities designed to accelerate the pace of change and renewal in teacher preparation and public education. The collaboration is organized around principles that apply to the continuum of…

Describes "Project Facilitate," an inservice education program that provides educators and parents with a comprehensive overview of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD). The program involves the use of four self-instructional content manuals: AD/HD general knowledge base, legal issues and AD/HD, assessment of children with AD/HD, and…

A portfolio of achievements, experiences, and reflections can help English-as-a-Second-Language teachers attain professional development goals and offer administrators greater insight for making informed hiring and job-performance decisions. This paper focuses on what teacher portfolios are, what their contents should be, and what their uses are…

The executive vice-president of the University of Pennsylvania is credited with making significant changes in both the administration and the campus, using cost-cutting and change strategies from his business experience. Outsourcing, training for employees who might be terminated, substantial savings and new revenue, and gentrification of…

Asserts that those who can respond to multifaceted change will be the successful leaders of the next century. Presents a five-step blueprint for community-college leaders that addresses the following: weaving a shared vision, appreciating a kaleidoscope of views, practicing effective communication, deciding how to decide, and creating the future.…

Examines the Library Power program from the standpoint of student learning opportunities. Summarizes, from a student perspective, the findings of earlier studies and focuses on the areas of staffing, the facility, professional development, curriculum, instruction, and school reform. Highlights major lessons learned from the initiative. (AEF)

Describes a senior-level capstone experience that integrates various communication and research skills to prepare chemistry majors for entry into graduate school and professional life. Contains 12 references. (WRM)

Investigates the influence of formal academic training, informal on-the-job training, and related professional and personal experiences of hospice social workers on preparation for their work. Findings suggest that social workers view both the generalist or core courses as well as specialist and elective courses as important preparation.…

Notes that early childhood intervention is receiving renewed national attention and presents highlights of the Chicago Child-Parent Center (CPC) program. Notes that the center-based CPC features a structured and diverse set of language-based instructional activities, lower than average child-to-teacher ratios, multifaceted parent participation…

Teachers require new ways of teaching, including readers' workshops, literature circles, and book clubs to promote critical thinking and positive attitudes toward reading. When teachers gather to discuss nonprofessional literature, they tap into their love of reading while enhancing their understanding of students' needs. (MLH)

A study of six women doctoral students in the United Kingdom from developing countries shows many characteristics in common despite their cultural diversity. Intrinsic motivation to succeed in a career was accompanied by the desire to have and maintain a family. Implications for the study of gender issues are discussed. (SLD)

A brief review of what is known about teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to adults focuses on four areas: characteristics and needs of adult English language learners; program design and instructional practices; ESL teacher preparation and staff development; and learner assessment and outcomes. Teachers are urged to let colleagues,…