Describes collaborative involvement in a professional development school from the perspective of five people (one university educator and four school teachers) who took on new roles and responsibilities. Discusses tensions and balances, participants' differing states of readiness, and changes that collaboration initiated and supported. (SM)

One of five articles in the second section, "Deepening Relationships through PDS Brings Change in Practice," this article describes how a university department chair and several faculty members met regularly with rural school faculty for dialog about improving school/university relationships and teacher education. (SM)

Explores the involvement and professional growth of a teacher in a professional development project entitled Simply Science. Findings indicate an increase in the teacher's pedagogical content knowledge and confidence in teaching science and a change in her views about cooperative learning strategies. Discusses implications for the design of…

Suggests that lifelong learning will depend on the development of cognitive skills, but that such skills can be elusive and cannot in general be picked up in specialized courses or workshops. Supports this position by literature references followed by further suggestions for a course of action for the development of language facility through close…

This study compared flow of information and peer- and teacher-directed scaffolding evident in whole class discussions during Years 1 and 2 of a middle school mathematics teacher's efforts to change classroom practices. Results showed that in Year 2, the teacher removed herself as the analytic center to invite greater student participation.…

This commentary on four studies on instructional discourse highlights the possible reasons for variations in instructional engagement within and across the studies, discusses the challenges to engaging student with learning disabilities in discipline-based instruction, and stresses the value for the learning disabilities field of greater attention…

Describes states' efforts to implement a school-age credentialing system for child caregivers. Identifies basic problems hindering progress: readiness, infrastructure, and sustainability of infrastructure. Delineates implications for school-age care of significant initiatives in California, Florida, and New York. Suggests that there is no…

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)