Proposes a systematic way of defining the concept of professional development and revealing its structure through use of a mapping sentence based on analysis of the concepts of development and profession. The mapping sentence may guide teacher developers in planning programs to suit varying concepts of professional development. (SM)

Studies behaviors that characterize effective curriculum consultants. Focuses on strategies reported by six experienced and six inexperienced consultants. Data organized into consultation model: initiation, planning, delivery, followup. Overt strategies, not the crude quantitative data (such as time spent), make significant differences. Work…

This survey of 84 librarians from 42 ARL (Association of Research Libraries) libraries that confer faculty status examined whether library faculty are given release time to engage in research, whether libraries have written policies regarding research time, and whether there are differences in working conditions between technical and public…

Described is an analysis of factors which relate to the establishment of staff development methods and the effect of these factors on staff development policy. A number of ways in which a department of engineering can formalize staff development programs are illustrated. (CW)

Described are the rationales for the Engineering Practices Introductory Course Sequence (EPICS) program at the Colorado School of Mines, and the McMaster Problem-Solving (MPS) program at McMaster University. The professional development model used in these programs is discussed. (CW)

Describes a plan developed by the Phoenix Public Library that involved all librarians working in branches in defining what constitutes excellence in professional performance in the areas of collection development, reference and reader's advisory services, and community interaction. Characteristics related to excellence are identified, and…

Argues that professional education in teaching and management lacks an epistemological basis, a map of progression, and a theory explaining how expertise is acquired. Addresses this problem by exploring interaction between different types of professional knowledge and different types of professional processes. Offers recommendations for developing…

Discusses a survey of 185 academic librarians in Oklahoma that was conducted to examine the relationships between institutional provision of release time and financial assistance and librarians' participation in various types of professional development activities. Results are reported that indicate a strong correlation between institutional…

Describes the available video resources that might be used for preservice and inservice education on literacy issues. Presents an annotated bibliography of 14 videos or video series, all of which are designed for educators and center on teaching literacy. (HB)

The goals of greater involvement of teachers in their own staff development mirror those of quality adult education. If the further development of teachers as self-directed learners is facilitated by giving them both the time to make the transition to such methods and a chance to plan and implement professional-development projects, both teachers…

Examines some of the challenges faced by black women faculty--particularly isolation, professional development, and internal conflict--and considers some ways of dealing with them. Recommendations for dealing with challenges include increasing number of available black female role models, establishing mentoring relationships, and working toward…

Canada's Ministries of Education have recently developed provincially mandated teacher evaluation policies to ensure provision of effective classroom instruction and teachers' continuing professional development. Based on indepth study of Alberta teacher evaluation practices, this article concludes that policy fails to meet these objectives. The…

A survey of 14 special education instructional assistants in rural Oregon showed they were generally mature in age and had lived in eastern Oregon for many years. Over half had some college training. Most were assigned to elementary resource rooms. Respondents rated "instructional methodology" as their strongest training preference. (KS)

Argues that (1) the purposes of environmental education are socially transformative; (2) the dominant approach to research in the field is behaviorist and deterministic; and (3) the role the dominant behaviorist approach to research play in professional development needs to be critically examined. Outlines a current international project…

Discusses the "Teachers as Readers" movement, which focuses on teachers reading children's literature and responding personally to the literature as readers. Concludes that the Teachers as Readers movement is an effective tool for teacher renewal and for professional development. Suggests that participation in Teachers as Readers groups…