Explores the evolution of inquiry into a Professional Development School (PDS) context. Teacher educators hoped to cultivate inquiry as a stance into the PDS culture. This required time for teachers to understand inquiry and embrace it as a powerful tool for reflective teaching and educational change. Mentor teachers gained space to understand…

Introduces GLOBE, a science and education program designed to use environmental research as a means to improve student achievement in basic science, mathematics, geography, and the use of technology. Indicates positive impact of GLOBE on students' ability to use scientific data in decision-making and their scientifically informed awareness of the…

This article describes the conceptual professional development model and implementation activities used in Florida to ensure that scientifically based instructional practices are used within the state's classrooms. It reports on the model and practices that have been implemented and validated through collaboration of research professionals, the…

Describes challenges as a web-supported professional development system is integrated into elementary science methods courses. Discusses the difficulties encountered while attempting to develop and sustain effective inquiry-based teaching. Recommends the implementation of a web-based professional development system into elementary methods science…

Questions activities of the Holmes Group, noting that, if the activities do not result in the exemplification of excellence in teaching and teacher education, the group's claim to leadership is questionable. The criticism claims that the group discourages more fundamental and promising changes in teacher education than it advocates. (SM)

Examines equity within the Holmes Group, noting problems faced by one regional committee in trying to ensure that the group effectively addresses race, class, and gender. Recommendations are made on how to institutionalize equity into organizational structure. (SM)

The development and evaluation of the portion of the Kentucky Career Ladder Commission program dealing with professional development of teachers within the state are described. Teachers (N=337) involved in this portion of the program held master's degrees and had seven years of teaching experience. (TJH)

Relates program preferences of Catholic school teachers regarding in-service training. Cites greatest interest in programs dealing with discipline in the classroom, personal and social problems facing youth, development efforts toward improving teacher effectiveness, and teacher involvement in decision making. (PAA)

Argues for the use of colleague mentors to increase retention rates among new teachers. Describes mentors' role as offering emotional support, suggestions about effective instruction, and information on the mores of the school community. Identifies characteristics of good mentors. Stresses the importance of shared decision making in teacher…

In four years, the Medicine Hat Teacher Supervision and Evaluation Project has evolved from centrally planned innovation into an integral part of the district's internal organization, enabling teachers and administrators to pursue educational change and professional development and receive recognition in a climate of rising expectations, trust,…

Legal issues which intramural and recreational sports professionals should understand are discussed. These professionals need continuing education, and legal issues should be part of professional development programs in recreational sports, emphasizing programing (civil liberties, civil rights, and criminal issues) and administration…

Results are reported from an analysis of institutional reform efforts of 50 teacher education institutions. Six types of reform are discussed: new connections with arts and sciences faculty, teacher and school collaborations, professional development schools, internships, professional studies, and new organizational partnerships. (IAH)

Socially critical action research in education can be defined as being strategic and critical pedagogic action on the part of classroom teachers aimed at increasing social justice. Five characteristics of socially critical action research are examined: participation, direction, consciousness, constraints, and outcomes. (IAH)

In response to the growing shortage of teachers, some schools and colleges are recruiting professionals from the private sector and government as classroom teachers. Considerations for professionals contemplating a career shift to teaching include choosing the proper grade level and subject area, obtaining teaching credentials, certification…

This article presents five propositions for rethinking the role of teachers and the practice of teaching in the years ahead. The propositions are rooted in certain conditions of schooling and teaching and are proposed as a step toward making teaching as attractive a career as other lines of professional endeavor. (IAH)