In recent years, school improvement initiatives have been the focus of political agendas, professional conferences, and publication topics. While a plethora of school improvement resources and techniques exist, most explanations regarding how to employ school improvement strategies in differing contexts is extremely vague at best, and non-existent…

This book presents the findings of eleven teacher educators as they examine the meaning of democracy and its application to classroom practice. There is a shared belief among all contributors to this volume: that incorporating democratic practice into teacher education is an essential requirement to introducing democratic practices in K-12…

This text brings together the research, theories, and practices around youth development and utilizes the experiences and approaches tested by practitioners. A brilliant blending of theory and practice comes to life in this textbook. The authors' intention is to provide an introductory overview for the professional practice of youth work in the…

Just as K-12 technology programs should be based upon technological literacy standards, so should professional development programs be based upon the same standards. This ensures that both teacher candidates and practicing teachers are prepared to deliver the content that their students will be expected to know, be able to do, and understand.…

The purpose of this exploratory case study is to describe efforts made to encourage reflection, interaction, and collaboration for educational innovation and professional growth in three contexts where interactive information and communication technology (ICT) was introduced. The study is framed in adult learning theory (Knowles, 1980; Merriam,…

This paper explains the investigative attempts of The New York City Math Exchange Group (MEG) on elementary mathematics teachers' content knowledge in Adult Basic Education (ABE). The study is comparative in nature and took place in a workshop at the Adults Learning Maths Conference in Boston. The new members of the MEG professional development…

In this paper, it is argued that the failure of educational research to impact on practice stems from a failure to understand the nature of expertise in teaching, and that traditional models of knowledge transfer can only be effective for those at a relatively limited level of competence. Instead, it is suggested that teachers need to be involved,…

This study was undertaken to better understand what happens when teachers implement a reform curriculum designed specifically to communicate mathematics content and pedagogy to teachers. More specifically, the study focuses on what aspects of the curriculum materials teachers consider as they decide what they will enact in the classroom.…

A key premise of Reading Recovery is that early intervention in first grade is critical in long-term literacy achievement because the gap between lowest- and highest-achieving children is narrow in lower grades but widens in later elementary school. Reading Recovery closes this gap at the critical time in children's literacy learning before the…

This "Field Guide" is designed to help academic leaders in the current climate of change. It provides information and suggestions for action and administrative practice around a range of issues. The first section, "Basis," contains these chapters: (1) "Pressures for Fundamental Reform: Creating a Viable Academic…

This guide is part of a series of curriculum guides for the middle grades that use a special framework to examine and implement standards-based curricula. In this guide, for developing science curricula for the middle grades, a set of critical questions is posed for curriculum decision making that corresponds to a framework of three components of…

The purpose of this manual is to provide a guide for developing consistent, effective self-directed learning modules for the Surrey Memorial Hospital staff, physicians, and volunteers in the South Fraser Region. Eleven sections include: (1) "Philosophy for Self Paced Learning"; "What's Exciting?"; "What's the…

Educational researchers and policy analysts concur increasingly that the organizational design and culture of schools can either enhance or hinder the effectiveness of school reform efforts. This book offers a series of essays that may help parents, educators, and policymakers understand and solve school organizational problems that get in the way…

Since the Internet has become a primary information source, this digest offers a list of online resources to assist teachers and educators in conducting research and curriculum development and in meeting the National Standards for Arts Education in Theatre. The digest provides brief summaries of three Web sites on theatre education. It then…

Although the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) has been certifying teachers since 1993, a mere 16,035 U.S. teachers out of approximately 3,000,000 have achieved National Board certification as of November 2001. The NBPTS is at the cutting edge of standards-based teacher assessment and is a process administrators should…