Contains six firsthand reports from a group of professionals who have attempted to combine research and practice by promoting reflection as a way for teachers to direct their own professional development. Discussions include information on the processes of reflection that were engaged in, and the impact of that reflection. (JS)

This article examines factors which contribute to the development of professional thinking in the helping professions, including teaching. Additional topics include the dangers of overrating and misconceiving individual choice and of confusing professional autonomy with personal freedom. (IAH)

Describes an inservice teacher education program to provide science process skills without the presence of university personnel. Presents methods of evaluation and the results of the evaluation. (YP)

Journal writing in action research can be a tool for uncovering the facts of a situation (an empirical approach), or the expression of a professional life (a phenomenological approach). These two approaches are explored, and a radical redefinition of action research journal writing is presented. (IAH)

Recent curricular reforms associated with teacher education practicums in the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are identified; and two different conceptions of teaching practice are discussed: teaching as an applied science and as reflective practice. The structural and political context of the practicum is also discussed. (IAH)

The growth and development, professional development, and recognition of this cooperative program are described. Highlighted is the program in the department of chemistry. Programs in other science departments are also discussed. (CW)

Partners in Education (PIE) is a cooperative program, designed to enhance teacher growth and development, between the University of Colorado (Boulder) and three school districts. This article describes the essential components and key people in the partnership and discusses benefits to the schools, teachers, school districts, and university. (IAH)

Reports a survey of three small school systems in Ontario, Canada, which asked whether term appointments to secondary school department headships would improve staff morale, opportunities for professional growth, and school curriculum. (SR)

A conceptual model of an elementary school based on proposed educational reforms is described. A feature of the model is that it merges general and special education so that all general education teachers will be prepared to instruct an intellectually and culturally heterogeneous population. (MSE)

Reviews the research literature on continuing professional education for teachers and administrators in rural areas. Discusses conceptual contradictions in rural writings, describes research needs for rural staff development, suggests appropriate methodology for rural school studies, and calls for a national research agenda for rural education.…

Surveys freshman English directors in order to help define the role of the writing center director. Discusses how writing center directors are viewed within English departments. Appends the questionnaire used. (MS)

The qualities that school boards and others expect in superintendents are not being met. Solutions include (1) better training, with enrollment in management courses; (2) internships; (3) first-year support groups; (4) inservice training; and (5) personal development. (MLF)

Foremost policy watcher at the Center for the Study of Teaching, Linda Darling-Hammond analyzes the effects of state and district policies on teachers in classrooms, favors full partnership for teachers in decision-making, and points out the importance of the knowledge base for the professionalization of teaching. (TE)

The National Head Injury Foundation was established to address financial and personal issues involved with brain injury. The Foundation's action agenda emphasizes prevention, public awareness, public policy, public attitudes, social-political action, professional growth, information/referral, guidance on research needs, and a forum for diverse…

A six-step process defines and validates the role of worksite health promotion directors: developing expert opinion consensus, examining current job descriptions, reviewing literature, reviewing independent role delineations, developing competency statements, and validating statements to reduce the number to 80. The competencies are categorized as…