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)

Reviews six professional books which provide excellent theoretical principles and practical suggestions for promoting young children's literacy. (MG)

Discusses problems related to using basal readers for reading instruction. Recommends actions for local administrators and policymakers. (MG)

Summarizes two examples of cooperative activities developed in Australia between teachers and teachers and other professionals. Discusses what has been learned from the examples. (YP)

Briefly discusses competencies needed by librarians serving children in public libraries and presents a list of recommended competencies in the following areas: knowledge of client group; administrative and management skills; communication skills; materials and collection development; programing skills; advocacy, public relations, and networking…

Improvement of K-12 teaching requires an integrated, collaborative effort between schools and faculty from arts and sciences and from education. Implementation strategies are discussed; including establishment of selected professional/clinical schools as sites for student teaching, and creation of interdisciplinary courses by a partnership of…

Examines the following trends affecting the professional status of teachers: (1) practice boards; (2) teacher centers; (3) mediated entry; (4) staff development; (5) researcher-teacher collaboration; (6) merit pay; (7) master teachers; and (8) new alliances. (FMW)

Research on what is known about the use of collaborative performance appraisal to enhance the professional growth of teachers was reviewed, and a survey was conducted of the views of 152 administrators and teacher supervisors about collaborative performance assessment. Alternatives for policy and practice suggested by the findings are discussed.…

Discusses the Computer Mentor Program, a collaborative effort that developed and evaluated a model for staff development that fosters effective use of computers by beginning teachers. Evaluation indicated that both mentors and proteges developed increased knowledge of computer applications and that proteges made more extensive and varied use of…