Presents a model for enhancement of teacher empowerment and self-efficacy in which the school social worker facilitates a teacher peer-coaching program. Tested in a preliminary study in two urban schools, the model led to teachers more often seeking and giving advice and to the identification of systematic (versus child-centered) problems. (Author)

Investigated whether institutional autonomy related to faculty autonomy in Taiwan's higher education system, which has recently implemented policies to enhance institutional autonomy. Faculty surveys conditionally supported the claim that faculty members work within the constraints of regulated autonomy, where individual behaviors are delimited by…

Describes programs of the National College for School Leadership (NCSL). Introduces three articles dealing with leadership in urban schools and those with challenging circumstances that emerged from work supported by NCSL. All three articles explore the concept of distributed leadership. (PKP)

This article discusses the role of secondary school teachers in developing and implementing effective transition plans for students with severe disabilities. Required components of transition plans are described and guidelines are presented for developing individual transition programs. Educators are urged to promote employment skills and…

Describes the problems inherent in scoring performance assessment on a large scale, focusing on the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) and scoring for Israeli students. In spite of the weaknesses in the scoring approach, the effort seems to have empowered teachers. (SLD)

Discusses conflicts and tensions related to teacher autonomy in the context of the Swedish comprehensive school system. Presents two models for strengthening the relative autonomy of teachers that can help them meet the challenges inherent in change. (SLD)

Presents information to facilitate a one- to two-hour training session for teachers, other professionals, and parents on how to use peer tutoring to empower children and youth who exhibit challenging behaviors. Defines peer tutoring and presents what research reveals about best practices. Lays down steps for developing and implementing a peer…

A study examined the effectiveness of an observation system developed to measure the frequency and content of leisure choice opportunities and the manner in which three participants with profound mental retardation made choices. The system resulted in an increase in the number of choice opportunities and in choices made. (Author/CR)

A study investigated how providing choice opportunities to children (ages 5-9) with autism impacted their performance during teacher-assigned homework activities. Results showed that providing the students with opportunities to make choices regarding the order to task completion and use of stimulus materials improved participants' accuracy,…

Analysis of data from 1,600 adult participants in Total Literacy Campaigns in India shows how adult acquisition of literacy skills improves their health habits, increases their participation in business startups and voting, and gives them higher aspirations for their children. Children have better enrollment and health status. Women improve their…

Reviews narratives of resistance in the field of composition and writing studies in order to consider the teacher-student relationship. Suggests that an understanding of the dynamics of this relationship may help find ways to mitigate this component of the teaching of writing. (NH)

Describes the collaboration in a 5th-grade classroom between the author (a teacher educator) and a former student of hers (the 5th-grade teacher). Complicates notions of equity and empowerment in collaborative research by outlining the cycles and shifts they experienced while constantly renegotiating their positions. (SR)

Integrates an iteration of a recently developed theoretical empowerment framework with field-based data collected in a case study of one urban elementary school principal. Illustrates how school leaders can lead without violating the rights and professionalism of those with whom they work. (SLD)

England's Education Action Zones and their forums seek to draw together diverse constituencies to develop and implement local plans for school improvement, thereby empowering parents and communities. This article, based on interviews with EAZ applicants and directors, explores EAZ's imperfectly realized potential to democratize schooling.…

The Primary Prevention of Cancer Program at the British Columbia Cancer Agency Centre for the Southern Interior (BCCA-CSI), known as the Waddell Project, is now five years old and currently is in partnership with fourteen regional communities. Each of these communities has a range of community-developed programs currently in place. The driving…