In 2004-2005, North Carolina's average teacher turnover rate was nearly 13 percent, ranging from a high of 29 percent to a low of 4 percent. Turnover among teachers in low-performing schools was substantially higher, with a low of 12 percent and a high of 57 percent. North Carolina has put strategies in place to address teacher retention but how…

This paper reports on an on-going action research study of the elementary school science education courses at the University of Victoria in Canada. The Department of Social and Natural Sciences requires that professors evaluate their teaching effectiveness annually using a variety of methods such as student evaluations, peer observations, course…

If teachers have the skills to successfully educate students without disabilities, then they can succeed in teaching students with disabilities who are included in regular education. Preservice level teachers need skills for successful participation in the daily routines of inclusive classrooms before they actually enter the regular classroom.…

The impact of the Katz/Henry Faculty Development Model on teaching behaviors and student learning outcomes was assessed with 24 faculty members at 4 institutions in New Jersey. This model, known as "Partners in Learning" involved: faculty pairs who observe one another's class, partner meetings to discuss shared experience in the…

Focusing on the future of at-risk students is critical. Collaboration between university and public school educators in a Professional Development School (PDS) can provide opportunities for faculty and preservice teachers to participate with at-risk students and their teachers to improve current practices, provide individualized experiences, and…

This paper reviews several articles with language-based teacher empowerment themes, discussing empowerment in relation to secondary school language teaching (particularly less commonly taught language teaching) and teacher development. The paper extrapolates from the ideas proposed that second language teachers can be empowered, or at least set on…

This document provides information, based on the final Part B regulations implementing statutory changes made by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 1997, which will assist speech-language pathologists in their role in developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as IEP team members and in implementing those portions…

This booklet examines the issue of trust within the context of school improvement. Specifically, it looks at teacher-teacher and teacher-principal relationships. Drawing on existing research and the experiences of individual schools, it offers a summary of current literature and identifies specific steps that educators can take to increase the…

This study examined the need to better define and describe the concept of teacher leadership, especially from the point of view of the beginning teacher. It focused on teacher leadership as perceived by nine preservice and 3 relatively new inservice elementary teachers from a 5-year integrated Bachelor's/Master's teacher preparation program.…

This book helps school systems and teacher mentors achieve a systematic approach to teacher induction and mentoring programs, offering over 60 checklists, planning guidelines, and assessment tools. Part 1, "Preparation for Mentor Training," includes (1) "From Master Teacher to Masterful Mentor," (2) "Assessing Your…

This proceedings, containing 69 paper and poster presentations, focuses on innovation and hope with a glance to the future. The conference was planned to include theoretical discussions, current research findings, and promising practices based on sound evidence. Current issues in special education include the use of technology, integrating theory…

This paper examines collaborative research by a Brazilian public university and public elementary school, highlighting a thematic program of applied research and teaching that addressed improvement in teaching and learning quality through inservice teacher education. The project was designed to build a knowledge base of teacher learning and…

This booklet was developed in response to input from six regional forums held in Missouri in the spring of 1996. The purpose was to solicit public perceptions about inclusive school practices in public schools for students with and without disabilities, as well as to obtain stakeholder input on how to increase and improve inclusive education in…

Discusses a program in which adult education English-as-a-Second-Language teachers worked with mentors to cultivate valuable professional habits. Notes the three characteristics of the program: concentration on the dynamics of classroom instruction; emphasis on practices such as reflective journaling and peer discussion; and a commitment to allow…

Based on the Cognitive Academic Language Learning Approach, the Content Area Program Enhancement (CAPE) model fosters a collaborative environment among teachers and administrators to improve achievement for English language learners. In three predominantly Hispanic middle schools in south Texas, CAPE improved reading and mathematics scores for all…