Describes a professional development program that involved the use of a multimedia package called "Birds of Antarctica" to develop teachers' understanding of a constructivist epistemology in science education. Argues that teachers who engage themselves as learners in a professional development program have greater opportunities to…

Offers suggestions for instrumentalists who have become choral instructors explaining that their first goal should be to learn how to identify and understand an ideal vocal sound. Finds that the hardest aspect of choral instruction is developing a teaching approach. Offers five steps to assist instrumentalists in molding their own approach. (CMK)

Reflects on one person's experiences as the principal of an urban professional development school, contending that establishing supportive interpersonal relationships and creating a positive organizational culture are the primary responsibilities of the principal. One of the lessons learned from this experience is that stakeholders are more likely…

The Colorado State University Professional Development School Partnership involves more than preparing preservice teachers to enter classrooms. The partnership aims to engage all teachers in inquiry into educational practices, professional- development activities, and exemplary instructional practices. Preservice, novice, and veteran teachers…

Examines teacher education reform via professional development schools (PDSs), focusing on Trinity University's five-year Master of Arts in Teaching Degree, which includes significant PDS participation. Surveys of program graduates and administrators who hired them highlighted several essentials that helped ensure the quality and quantity of…

The Institute of Student Affairs at Catholic Colleges (ISACC) is a five-day summer program for student affairs professionals who work at Catholic colleges and universities. It provides student affairs professionals with opportunities to learn about the Catholic intellectual tradition, network with colleagues, discuss student affairs and Catholic…

Surveys internet sites that provide resources for science teachers and their students. Focuses on topics related to science and society, sound, optics, professional development, and tips for searching the internet. (DDR)

Examined the impact of program location on preservice teachers' program-related beliefs and experiences. Interviews with individuals prepared at professional development school (PDS) and traditional programs indicated that PDS students had more varied experiences, were more involved with students and teachers, were more confident in their…

Discerns high school teachers' perceptions of and commitment to the contemporary goals of science education. Suggests that a minority of teachers hold past goal orientations and that secondary science teachers are moving to embrace current goals. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Presents a conversation with eminent educator Dorothy Strickland, designated 1998 Outstanding Educator in the Language Arts. Discusses her books, being a "career mom," her role in writing the report "Becoming a Nation of Readers," the cycles that reading education seems to go through, professional development, "Reading…

Participants in Oakland University's collaborative action-research course between 1994 and 1997 were asked to evaluate the program. Most said the program positively influenced classroom practice at participating schools in the Bloomfield Hills School District, received needed administrative support, and had considerable motivational and…

By successfully creating links with the larger community, one San Diego high school principal discovered the keys to building a true learning community. Community building requires a shared, research-based vision; specific educational goals; a meaningfully aligned curriculum; constituent involvement; careful monitoring; ongoing professional…

Discusses the conceptions of constructivist teaching within the context of debates on constructivist research in science classrooms. Argues that critical constructivism should replace constructivist teaching. Contains 39 references. (DDR)

Reviews theories, concepts, and learning approaches relevant to the development of professionals and reports on the range of experiences and events that practitioners have found formative in helping them become fully competent. The review is based on empirical research conducted across 20 professions. (Contains 166 references.) (JOW)

Describes the DTL (Distance Teaching and Learning) Academy that was developed to help South Dakota's teachers use technology more effectively, including two-way videoconferencing equipment. Topics include goals; influence of the TTL (Teaching and Learning Academy); developing distance education courses; professional development opportunities for…