Notes that the increase of information technology in the classroom causes new problems such as finding new or training old instructors and constantly upgrading materials and equipment. Describes how a career center, a community college, and a state college cope with the challenges. (JOW)

The authors, five junior scholars at the University of North Texas' College of Education, describe their collaborative efforts to develop their skills in one method of qualitative research: in-depth, oral history interviewing. Outcomes included understanding the importance of rapport between interviewer and interviewee, of ensuring that the…

Responses from 131 of 243 Louisiana secondary agriscience teachers showed they value information technology but have inadequate knowledge and skills, especially in newer technologies. Available university training is either not used or inadequate. More are using self-directed learning methods. Most do not have access to multimedia and other…

Addresses the effects and benefits of faculty development activities. Summarizes research in the area, identifies emerging trends, and points to directions that future programs should take. Highlights research about the effect of programs on instructional improvement and acknowledges the role that technology will play in the development needs of…

Offers an overview of the various types of electronic journals available on the Web. Suggests strategies for finding journals on topics of interest. Familiarizes readers with six specific journals related to technology and literacy instruction as well as journals in which information on technology and literacy instruction can be regularly found.…

Describes a distance-learning program developed by the New York Times that used ISDN videoconferencing technology and an Internet broadcast to educate college professors on how its publication could be used on campuses as a learning tool for undergraduate students. (LRW)

Presents the structure and outcomes of two teacher professional development programs in technology education in New Zealand and discusses implications for future programs. The model used has been shown to be successful in the intensive training of teacher development facilitators, and their subsequent formulation of school-based teacher…

Examined 17 charter schools, focusing on key instructional and organizational practices that they established in their start-up years. Three major categories of issues that they all dealt with included: developing curricular and instructional programs; developing a meaningful accountability system; and developing management/leadership systems. In…

During induction, beginning physical education teachers assume new roles and responsibilities and must deal with a number of problems common to their workplace (wash-out, reality shock, isolation, marginalization, workload and role conflict, and deprofessionalization). Proactive professional development strategies for combatting these problems and…

Investigated African American and white elementary teachers' beliefs about and knowledge of multicultural education and their interest in staff development, noting differences by race. Survey data indicated that teachers considered multicultural education beneficial to students, but they were not very motivated to participate in training sessions.…

Outlines the usefulness of a book club for elementary school teachers and reading supervisors on the topic of the teaching of reading. Discusses choosing topics for discussion, organizing the club, and forming a community of learners. Stresses the importance of reading across the curriculum. Argues that such a reading club can also assist teachers…

Describes the Leadership Academy and Urban Network for Chicago (LAUNCH), a joint venture between the Chicago Public Schools, the local principal's association, and Northwestern University which pairs aspiring principals with practicing principals, offering them a chance to experience principal responsibilities. LAUNCH graduates who became…

Discusses the role of the principal as staff developer, clarifying some things that principals must do to fulfill their responsibilities as staff development leaders. This includes: emphasizing a context of collaboration in their schools, promoting results-driven learning, and modeling a commitment to their own ongoing professional development in…

Reviews the development of the Maryland Virtual High School (MVHS) of Science and Mathematics, which provides science resources, mentoring, and support for Internet collaboration by teachers and students. Describes how MVHS teams organize teachers and schools statewide. Discusses lessons learned from the MVHS, highlighting the MVHS CoreModels…

Examines three very different elementary, middle, and high schools that used the National Staff Development Council's original 1995 standards to design exemplary staff development programs that resulted in improved student achievement. Program highlights include school leaders who value lifelong learning for staff and students, multi-disciplined…