Describes the experiences of six science teachers and a facilitator involved in an action research group in science, technology, and society (STS) education. Explores the genesis of an issues-based model and highlights applications of this model in a classroom context. Examines action research as a potential tool for professional development in…

Colleges and university administrations must recognize and accommodate change more quickly and efficiently if the institutions are to remain competitive. Trustees must examine the policies they create from this perspective, also keeping in focus the institution's mission, strategic direction, and future. Institutions need periodic professional…

Presents a model of professional development that is suited to the inservice Spanish teacher with limited time and financial resources. Details a summer program for Spanish teachers in Venezuela that combines an immersion experience with an advanced methodology course emphasizing a standards-based approach to curriculum development. (Author/VWL)

South Carolina adopted grade-level content standards in 1997 and required curriculum assessment in 1999. A model for implementation of these requirements is presented that includes rationale, definitions, a planning activity chart, and 10 elements of planning and implementation. A case study illustrates how one rural school district with limited…

This article describes the Michigan Teacher Technology Initiative, a program currently being implemented that provides a one-time investment (not to exceed $1,200) of technology to teachers. Professional development courses that teach general and special education teachers strategies for integrating technology into the curriculum are also…

Asserts that, as institutional assessment becomes a more prominent feature of the higher education landscape, community colleges are looking for better ways to evaluate their quality. Provides examples of and tools for faculty evaluation and includes research regarding the practices of evaluation at two-year colleges in the United States. Cites 15…

Describes a course designed for school administrators that incorporates the use of technology for teaching and learning and the use of technology in non-instructional processes of managing and leading schools. Presents an overview of the constructivist-based course that includes leadership skills, school finance, information management, technology…

This case study examined how four university faculty members experienced the process of collaboratively planning and teaching university methods courses to match the needs of their Professional Development School context. Interview data highlighted four themes as integral to their collective story: learning how to create a participative culture,…

Advocates public policy education in higher education and student involvement in state public policy. Discusses ways to incorporate public policy education in university courses in family and consumer sciences curricula at the introductory, advanced, and graduate levels, including writing briefing reports, participating in professional…

Presents six suggestions for personalizing professional development for middle school teachers: (1) encourage openness to change; (2) facilitate teachers' self-assessment; (3) urge teachers to be learners; (4) encourage a focus on the enjoyable in teaching; (5) advocate that teachers contribute to peers' growth; and (6) promote full lives beyond…

Examines the sixth target of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) by providing examples of training efforts that focus on improving the capacities and skills of educators as well as the supports behind them. Makes recommendations for improving the inservice and preservice…

Discusses the use of electronic portfolios by school library media specialists for professional development as a resume, an evaluation instrument, or other types of credential documentation. Includes guidelines for building a successful portfolio, including appropriate software selection; audience considerations; and technology skill…

Offers points to consider before enrolling in an online course or program, including: instructor's training and online teaching experience; course format and delivery system; ease of use; access to and interactions with instructors and students; clear expectations and directions; timely feedback; and technical support. Lists 39 online degree,…

Presents a methodological framework for practice-based research in the field of networked learning, based on a case study evaluation of a networked professional development initiative for information services staff in higher education. The theoretical case for the framework is made with reference to principles associated with contructivist program…

An international professional community of 64 elementary and secondary teachers came together on the Internet to make sense of their practice of teaching French as a second language using the Internet. Excerpts from listserv discussions on classroom control and monitoring demonstrate how teachers collaboratively reflected on specific classroom…