Seeks to extend the range of critical literacy strategies that environmental educators might use in their engagement with curriculum policies. Focuses on a recent curriculum and professional-development project from Australia. Contains 27 references. (DDR)

Discusses challenges facing teacher librarians to plan a future for the information-knowledge environments in schools and suggests that action and evidence-based, learning-centered practice focusing on a constructivist inquiry approach are important. Topics include perceived lack of support and understanding; funding; professional development; a…

Discusses the roles of children's effective learning experiences and teacher professional development on academic achievement. Explains TERC's role in enhancing education. (YDS)

Describes a long-term in-service training program for physics teachers grades 7-12 designed to enhance teachers' subject matter and pedagogical content knowledge. Teachers' opinions of the program were examined using a survey. Results suggest that the courses and activities that were most valuable for day-to-day teaching were those in which…

Examines the effectiveness of a graduate-level mentor program at a small midwestern university. Finds that the four veteran mentor teachers experienced enhanced teacher efficacy and stated they became more aware of their teaching and of the responsibilities they had to their elementary school students. (RS)

This article describes the development of gifted education in Victoria, Australia. It discusses implementation of the Bright Futures Policy and Program in 1995, the special gifted programs, and the Bright Futures Professional Development Package designed to improve gifted identification, develop awareness of school-based program options, and…

A geographically stratified sample of 263 chief student affairs administrators responded to questions related to their division's professional staff recruiting and selection processes, professional development and activities, and performance appraisal procedures. This produced a descriptive overview of national staffing practice sin student…

Notes that at Australia's Special Broadcasting Services Radio, workplace training is an essential requirement for on-air staff but a degree in journalism or communications is an enormous advantage. Describes several in-house accredited competency-based modules in journalism and broadcasting. (RS)

Describes how middle school language arts and mathematics teachers integrated biographical storytelling about successful Latinas and reflective and affirmative writing with their instruction. Notes that Latinas face special social and cultural pressures that prompt many girls to leave school without a diploma. (SG)

This article presents an interview with Kirk Behnke, the Coordinator of Training Grants and Contracts for the Center on Disabilities at California State University, Northridge. He discusses his experiences with the Assistive Technology Application Certification Program and provides recommendations for those interested in pursuing such a…

Traces the evolution of an elementary PDS that began as a project (the Learning Environment Project, or the Responsive Classroom Project). The project provides insight into the process and developmental stages of the partnership and moving toward the core commitments of the PDS. The idiosyncratic nature of relationships and the need to give them…

Examines both discord and agreement regarding what Professional Development Schools (PDSs) are, offering a generally accepted definition. The paper acknowledges evidence that PDSs can influence teaching and teacher learning, but notes that the evidence is insufficient to advance the work beyond its current spot within education. It recommends…

Explores two processes often stimulated by Professional Development Schools (PDSs): the destabilization of university faculty identities and the destabilization of university faculty work environments, presenting examples from one School of Education and its PDS partnership. The paper suggests that these destabilizing processes can help faculty…

Examines the benefits of and lessons learned from one Professional Development School (PDSs) collaborative, noting that PDSs require significant amounts of effort. The paper focuses on two issues: the development of collaborative relationships and the quality development of PDSs so they will not be another passing reform but rather a lasting…

Presents the Professional Development School (PDS) experiences of a participant who was both a school principal and the director/superintendent of a university laboratory school at the beginning, and who is now an Associate Professor and the director of an institute where she facilitates the creation of PDS relationships. (SM)