Describes three separate efforts by Australian federal and state governments to improve teaching and the teaching profession. Provides an overview of the Strategic Partnership with Industry Research and Training (SPIRT) as it strives to bring the three reform agendas together. (NH)

Describes a program for graduate students at the University of Texas, which emphasizes development of written and oral communication skills, both when communicating with professional peers and with the lay public. The 13 interdisciplinary courses offered in the university's Professional Development Program are intended to turn out well-rounded…

In fall 1997, a midwestern district initiated changes to enable all stakeholders (especially teachers) to be knowledgeable users of standardized and teacher-made test results. Two major activities were implemented: data notebooks for each school and a data-mentor program to develop school personnel's data-analysis skills. (MLH)

UCLA's laboratory school is experimenting with the teacher-leader role as a way to provide ongoing learning opportunities for teachers. Teacher leaders serve as in-house experts who provide information, modeling, and assistance to other teachers. Choosing appropriate leader roles and teachers with credible leadership skills helps. (MLH)

Discusses the professional standards established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Explains the necessity of periodic revision of the guidelines and the benefits of doing so. Outlines the essential elements of NAEYC guidelines: child development and learning; curriculum development and implementation;…

Project Texas is a professional development program for K-8 teachers from districts serving underrepresented populations in order to develop teacher knowledge of Texas' eco-regions. The program provides a meaningful context modeling integration of field experiences, investigative activities, problem-solving strategies, and cooperative learning…

Module provides information to enable individuals to facilitate one- to two-hour training sessions appropriate for teachers, other professionals, and parents. It contains information relevant to advocating for children and youth who exhibit challenging behaviors. The module: (1) defines advocacy; (2) examines why advocacy is important; (3)…

Argues that, to provide effective instruction for all students, schools must have reading specialists who can provide expert instruction, assessment, and leadership for the reading program. Discusses the need for reading specialists, what a reading specialist is, and the roles of the reading specialist with regard to instruction, assessment, and…

Analytically describes the annual Educational Leadership Development Conference held at St. Peter's College, Oxford University. Highlights the venue, participants, program goals, activity structure, and learning processes, drawing from the literature in adult learning, andragogy, and transformational learning and using Cranston's process model as…

Describes fundamental changes in U.S. society and the world that are dictating modifications in the rules and assumptions for U.S. higher education in general and for instruction in foreign languages, foreign cultures, and professional preparation in particular. (Author/VWL)

Presents results from two separate studies, which focused on proteges' reports of ways in which mentoring was usually arranged--as well as typical mentor roles and mentor-protege activities. Mentors were often described as "career guides" or "information resources," and the greatest percentage of mentor-protege activities belonged to an…

Resident camps have become year-round facilities, adding activities such as adult conferencing, environmental education programs, and corporate team building to the traditional childrens' summer camp. This has increased camp directors' responsibilities and created new camp positions. Camp directors are increasingly networking with each other and…

Drawing on research and development work in school effectiveness/improvement, this article argues that internal capacity is vital in developing and sustaining the teacher and organizational learning necessary to promote and enhance student learning. Organizational and external influences on internal capacity are discussed, along with…

This article presents strategies intended to enhance the efficacy of early intervention inservice training efforts, including: basing training activities on participants' needs, specifying goals and outcomes, specifying objectives and linking them to outcomes, linking specific inservice training activities to objectives, and using model sites to…

To prepare their students for successful futures, teachers must be willing to learn continuously, expand their own abilities, and assume ever greater leadership roles. Principals must create an environment that supports teacher collaboration, facilitates professional development, and recognizes the concept of teacher leadership. (MLH)