This introductory article describes key factors in teacher preparation and continuing professional development and efforts promulgated by the Council for Exceptional Children on special educator standards and assessments. The need to align standards for state licensing, program accreditation, and national certification is emphasized. The following…

Advocates broadening of professional development options for graduate students to take into account the disciplinary expertise and teaching practice needed for courses beyond the beginning and intermediate language sequence. Concludes that readings, workshops, and discussions with faculty allow graduate students to gain experience with the range…

Describes a training program for graduate teaching assistants that utilizes examples, coaching, evaluation, and "prep meetings," conducted like a class in cooperative learning, but emphasizing teaching techniques as well as subject matter. Notes program effectiveness is assessed by classroom evaluations, student feedback, and self-evaluations.…

Describes a theme cycle called "Building Bridges to China" developed for third grade students that focuses on the similarities between the lives of children and families in China and the United States. Explains that the theme cycle addresses the National Geography Standards and three of the National Council for the Social Studies…

Uses focus group data (groups of 7, 12, 8, and 5) to examine how cross-subject matter groups of elementary and secondary New York state teachers respond to state-level testing as a way to change their classroom practices. The analyses highlight the nature of the tests, professional development for teachers, and the rationales for and consequences…

Discusses the growing gap between people and communities who have access to information technology and those who do not, known as the digital divide. Considers issues concerning access, in schools and in homes; content; literacy; pedagogy, including constructivist practices and teachers' professional development; and community. (LRW)

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)