The third research study in a series of qualitative studies examines the functions and practices of local professional development committees in Ohio. This descriptive study interviewed key informants from five Local Professional Development Committees (LPDCs) regarding their processes and practices. Resultant data indicated that several districts…

In March 2002, 20 principals, superintendents, and instructional supervisors from the Delta and Black Belt regions of Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Mississippi met in a Rural School Leaders Working Group. They discussed issues, challenges, and opportunities for school leadership from their perspectives as experienced leaders in what are…

This document presents best practice recommendations for important elements of environmental education including content, program development and implementation, assessment and evaluation, and professional development. Written for providers of environmental education, the guide is designed to help environmental education providers develop and…

Noting that the first decade of the new millennium is sure to see continuing efforts to reform curriculum and classroom practices by implementing the middle school concept, this booklet answers middle school teachers' most pressing questions about the cornerstone of the middle school concept, integrated curriculum. The 20 questions addressed…

This paper aims to show how its author/researchers were brought to reconsider some of the assumptions behind a small arc project that was being conducted on the professional development of student teachers in Australia. A small group of English Method students were invited to participate in three focus group interviews: before their first teaching…

Getting real educational benefits from investments in technology requires careful planning. Based on the experience of implementing PLATO[R] at over 5,000 sites, a nine-step planning model for implementing technology was developed. The nine planning tasks are based on the understanding of the factors that are critical to the success of most…

This multi-participant case study used a phenomenological lens to understand the ways that science teachers make sense of implementing instructional innovations following their participation in a year-long biotechnology professional development program. Sources of data included a series in-depth interviews used to collect teachers' stories of…

This theme issue of "Basic Education" considers the importance of studying and comparing student work and educational practice in different countries, in particular as a vehicle to further the professional development of teachers. The first article, "International Studies of Education: Why Should We Care?" (William H. Schmidt;…

This teacher's guide accompanies "Innovations," a comprehensive, interactive curriculum for infants from birth to 18 months. The "Innovations" program is based on the view that curricula for young children should involve thinking and planning for everything that can contribute to child development as well as the teacher's relationship with the…

This self-directed teacher's guide accompanies "Innovations," a comprehensive, interactive curriculum for toddlers from 18 to 36 months. The "Innovations" program is based on the view that curricula for young children should involve thinking and planning for everything that can contribute to child development as well as the teacher's relationship…

This document is comprised of three 2000 issues of a newsletter for Illinois early childhood program directors, providing information on current issues in early childhood education. Regular features in each issue include: "The Director's Toolbox," delineating practical suggestions for directors related to program policies and staff…

The mission of the National Writing Project (NWP) is to improve writing and learning in the nation's schools. Through its professional development mode, the National Writing Project recognizes the primary importance of teacher knowledge, expertise, and leadership. Through its extensive network of teachers, the National Writing Project seeks to…

The mission of the National Writing Project (NWP) is to improve writing and learning in the nation's schools. Through its professional development model, the National Writing Project recognizes the primary importance of teacher knowledge, expertise, and leadership. Through its extensive network of teachers, the NWP seeks to promote exemplary…

The mission of the National Writing Project (NWP) is to improve writing and learning in the nation's schools. Through its professional development model, the National Writing Project recognizes the primary importance of teacher knowledge, expertise, and leadership. Through its extensive network of teachers, the NWP seeks to promote exemplary…

From scholarly discourse to the latest issues in readers' advisory services, this guide provides up-to-date information on the many challenges of the practice, as well as on interdisciplinary directions, continuing education, and the gap in graduate professional education for readers' advisory. The book's 16 chapters are organized into three main…