Discussion of trends and the current status of gifted education in the United States describes components of an effective program for gifted students, notes the lack of understanding of the frustrations experienced by gifted students and their parents, the importance of staff development and cluster grouping, and the parent's role in advocating…

A study examined two strategies for increasing the accuracy with which five elementary teachers implemented a peer tutoring intervention for students with reading difficulties. Four teachers implemented the intervention at levels substantially above baseline during the performance feedback condition. Student reading comprehension scores improved…

This article describes the results of the VIISA Outreach Project, a well-received in-service training model for personnel who work with infants and young children with visual impairments, which has been in existence since 1991 in 23 states. The program combines home study with on-site courses taught by experienced instructors. (Contains 11…

Surveyed inservice physical educators to examine their backgrounds and understanding of multicultural education. Results indicated a need for: improved multicultural knowledge and experience, multicultural education training, attention to diversity in preservice education, and more opportunities to implement multicultural education information in…

Changing conditions in teaching and national and state policy environments have dramatically increased the distance between undergraduate and graduate teacher education programs and ways that inservice teachers are being educated, reeducated, trained, and retrained. The paper highlights: comprehensive school reform and its meaning for new…

To ensure equitable education, teachers' attitudes must be transformed. Teachers need time and opportunity for inquiry and reflection on biases that may affect practice. The paper discusses learning about cultural norms and equity in the context of content pedagogy and teacher leadership and professional collaboration. Two sidebars describe…

Describes uses for new technologies in teacher professional development. The paper examines literature on teacher knowledge and professional development; discusses how research can inform design of three types of technology to support teacher learning (multimedia, productivity tools, and telecommunication information systems); investigates how…

This study used observation and interviews to compare the discourse in workshop sessions that were part of a discrete-mathematics professional-development project for secondary mathematics teachers with the discourse in one participating teacher's high school mathematics classroom. By emphasizing the distinction between univocal and dialogic forms…

Racial stereotypes and discrimination have destroyed many bright futures by limiting the possibilities of people of color in America. Describes two initiatives that can be implemented in schools in order to help destroy negative images of race and reconstruct a more healthy foundation to build on: multiculturalism across the curriculum and…

This article describes a Braille refresher course for Florida teachers that was created in response to concerns about Braille literacy reflected in "Braille bills" in many states. Analysis of pre- and post-test data showed that the 77 teachers improved their Braille skills and reported a high level of confidence in their Braille skills as a result…

Discusses staff development for technology use whose goal is to help teachers use technology as a dynamic part of the curriculum. Highlights include creating a team to design a vision of technology integration; understanding adult learners; assessing teachers' needs; designing individual learning plans (ILPs); and evaluating staff development…

A summer program at the Alcohol Research Center (University of Colorado) introduces American Indian and other college students from across the country to opportunities in research and graduate programs in science and medicine. The eight-week program arranges for housing, expenses, a stipend, and a mentor. A related summer program brings high…

Discusses past and present uses of technology in the music classroom focusing on tools such as videotapes and MIDI software. Considers the future of technology in music education, training alternatives for teachers, and the importance of practicing and keeping abreast of technological advances. Addresses funding issues involved in using…

Discusses the amount of money being spent to buy computers for classrooms and emphasizes the need for more money to be spent on teacher training to successfully integrate computers into the curriculum. Reviews state surveys on technology plans and teacher training and considers the effects of staff development on student achievement. (LRW)

Describes the experiences of five teachers who volunteered to learn and work together electronically for professional development. They discovered that commitment was not enough. Underlying attitudes, existing relationships, and technology know-how all factored into challenges they faced. Two sidebars present tips for successful electronic…