Presents principles and strategies for child care coaching and mentoring systems, including: (1) think in terms of a learning and empowerment process; (2) treat staff as you would have them treat children; (3) provide training for different needs and interests; (5) emphasize dispositions as much as skills and knowledge; and (6) build a community…

Describes in detail a one-to-one writing conference between a graduate student tutor and a basic writer in a writing center. Raises questions of problem identification, the university context, learning disabilities, tutor training, professional development, and what constitutes good tutoring. (RS)

According to a former principal, the best strategies for improving schools are to delegate authority, enlist faculty in critical decisions, impose questions instead of solutions, and create an environment where teachers can continually grow and learn together. Principals must be focused on the future, but grounded in reality. (MLH)

Typical district contracts often impede professionalism and superior school performance. Boston's "Pilot Schools" and Baltimore's contract public schools represent isolated reform efforts. Streamlined master contracts and school-based compacts seem promising. Reform requires enabling changes in legislation, school authority, shared…

Discusses a graduate course at Washington University on teaching foreign languages with technology. Although there was some skepticism by students at the beginning of the course, by the end most believed that the integration of technology was useful for developing language acquisition and for introducing students to authentic materials of culture.…

Discusses the development and implementation of two case studies based on local chemical industries for the Israeli high school chemistry curriculum. Also includes two types of professional-development experiences. Contains 16 references. (DDR)

Strengthening relationships between public schools and higher education through school/university partnerships is one strategy to improve education. This paper describes Auburn University's work with Professional Development Schools, focusing on how they formed the learning coalition, initiated the process of collaboration, and created structural…

In 1992, a group of teachers, principals, and central-office administrators at a Wisconsin elementary school developed an effective differentiated teacher-supervision process. Teachers enjoy the flexibility of choosing among three options: a cooperative-clinical supervision group, a self-directed group, and a collegial professional-development…

Transcribes an interview with Australian geographer Fay Gale conducted in 1997 on the occasion of her retirement. Explores her professional and personal development as well as her views of research, teaching, geography, the problems and prospects for women in academia, and the state of higher education in Australia. (DSK)

The report on teacher quality shows that recently initiated reforms in teacher preparation, certification, licensure, and staff development are steps in the right direction, but that they must be accelerated, with more time given to the intensity of the effort. (SLD)

Attempted to examine the process of conceptual-change teaching through an Internet discussion, part of a distance-education teacher-training course, involving approximately 40 teachers. The prior beliefs of these teachers about science and science teaching may have hindered change and limited their willingness to explore the designated subject on…

Describes a first-year evaluation of the Newark Public Schools' New Beginnings kindergarten project, part of a three-year process to reform curriculum, classroom management, assessment, and professional development programs. The program is transforming teacher-directed classrooms into child-centered ones, revitalizing professional development, and…

Argues that approaches to higher-education quality in Australia have focused on assurance, assessment, monitoring, and reporting of quality, not on improvement. A model for continuous improvement of higher education quality is outlined, and the central role of professional development in such a process is emphasized. (Author/MSE)

Describes a study of 52 U.S. community college presidents appointed to their positions between 1995 and 1997. Focuses on motivations to seek the presidency, perceptions upon taking office, and understanding of modern governance and transformation topics. Also queries presidents on the Carver Governance Model and the current movement to transform…

Considers the growing power and influence of the central state in British education and the "policy hysteria" characterizing it. Questions the wisdom of basing policy on performance management and other rationalistic approaches. Recent research suggests that staff commitment and satisfaction are key factors in producing results. (71…