Examines self-assessment techniques that early childhood teachers can use to avoid "burnout" and rejuvenate their personal and professional lives. Suggests that professional books and articles, personal journals, reflection and other techniques can be used to create a web of self-assessment that allows teachers to better understand their…

Discusses the theory, nature, and benefits of cooperative learning. Considers the Cooperative Learning and Development Network (CLDN) trial in the JITOL (Just in Time Open Learning) project and examines the relationship between theories about cooperative learning and the reality of a group of professionals participating in a virtual cooperative…

Presents the second part of a discussion on "Information Power," a new guide for program development that demonstrates the evolution of the library profession. Describes resources for leadership and development in libraries and education. Highlights include cooperative planning, leadership qualities, flexibility in educational reform,…

Theorizing on diversity in child development has shown three distinguishable phases, and there are signs that a fourth phase may be emerging, resting on the principle of fundamental heterogeneity in human development. Issues related to classroom applications of such an approach, dealing with culture and content, are discussed. (SLD)

A study that interviewed educational managers at different career stages concerning their conceptions and experiences of educational-management learning found that teachers acquire managerial expertise by various means. The seven most common opportunities were identified and analyzed (from the learner's viewpoint) in terms of their relative…

Examines the transition from hierarchical to collegial teacher-administrator relationships in a central New York school district. The district's new supervision model requires teachers to assume responsibility for their individual professional growth and administrators to help teachers become self-directed and self-evaluating. Discusses…

This first article in a professional development series focuses on making the right connections, through technology and with other people, to enable more effective teaching and learning. Highlights include using electronic mail in classroom activities, getting connected to the Internet, and fundamental concepts and procedures. (DGM)

For men and women to be genuinely effective leaders, they need to challenge themselves to grow beyond the limiting boundaries set by gender role definitions. When leaders are aware that the integrated human being is the result of a balanced complement between feminine and masculine personality traits, they enable others to actualize the same…

A training study involving 146 elementary school teachers found that training that corresponded with teachers' beliefs was more likely to enhance learning. However, providing the trainer with diagnostic information was not an effective strategy for achieving greater congruence between teachers' beliefs and instruction. (SLD)

Describes Ohio's Library Leadership 2000 (LL2000) institute, an intensive leadership training program for Ohio librarians designed to provide effective leadership skills necessary for use in a rapidly changing environment. A sidebar lists the LL2000 mentors. (JLB)

To renew and update their professional skills, teachers need to read professional literature; interact with other teachers and educators; take college courses; attend staff development activities; use professional leave time to visit innovative educational programs; and join professional organizations. (MDM)

Describes practical questioning strategies for use in adult literacy classrooms where teachers attempt to balance the daily needs of literacy learning with the broader issue of education for social change. Also discussed is a study of one such classroom and its implications for adult literacy teacher education. (15 references) (MDM)

Examined a staff development program implemented in 2 elementary schools that focused on the beliefs and understandings about reading comprehension instruction of 12 teachers in grades 4-6. Results suggested that group collaboration and empowerment were strongly affected by the interaction of school culture and the staff development process…

Outlines a framework for effective professional development of early childhood educators that identifies key principles and premises that apply across the diverse roles and settings of early childhood professionals. Defines six specific levels of professional development, based on educational qualifications and outcomes, ranging from a certificate…

Uses a case study to illustrate how counselors can use chaos and complexity theory in their work, providing an alternative view to assist counselors in conceptualizing their clients and their practice. Using chaos theory in counseling requires a reevaluation of counselors' assumptions about causation, prediction, and control. (LKS)