One of the significant issues in vocational education and training is student pathways and how students use them to achieve their personal goals. These "pathways" can be within or across sectors, as well as into and out of paid work. This study focuses on the pathways--to and fro--between vocational education and training (VET) and…

This document presents some of the many ways schools are using online technologies. The report illustrates how Massachusetts educators are taking advantage of e-learning opportunities to improve student learning. Educators across the state are using online courses and resources, engaging in online events and projects, and showing interest in…

This report reviews the structure and functions of the Central Office of Cambridge Public Schools, Massachusetts. During the 1990s, the Cambridge school system and other Massachusetts school districts faced intense pressure to raise student achievement in the face of redefined public expectations for public schools. This change in expectations is…

This paper reviews relevant literature and examines various case studies in order to synthesize recent and promising trends in the field of teacher training in Latin America. Five sections focus on: "Trends, Not Best Practices" (teachers as an issue of education policy, dispelling myths, and innovative programs and identifiable trends);…

This guide is intended as a resource for school administrators, school leadership teams, and other teacher leaders as they learn about implementing professional learning teams (PLTs) in their schools. PLTs are teams of four to six teachers who come together to help each other improve student learning by changing classroom instruction. This guide…

This paper reports the survey findings from a study designed to evaluate the impact of a large-scale professional development program for primary mathematics teachers. While a number of aspects of the program were considered potential agents for promoting on-going learning in teachers, others emerged as significant barriers to its maintenance.…

Multi Media Madness (3Ms) was a faculty development program where participants were guided by mentors through the development of a multimedia project. Nine faculty participants attended a week long workshop session in June 2003 taught by three mentors. At the end of the workshop series, the participants submitted a project plan that was reviewed,…

Pursuing environmental education certification is difficult, so why do it? What does it mean to be certified? Who benefits? How? These are just a few of the compelling questions addressed in "EE Certification: Making Best Practice Standard Practice," a new article exploring advancements and challenges in state and national EE…

This paper reviews recent collaborative action research studies by experienced teachers who have assumed complex new roles. Collaborative action research, under certain conditions, can become an effective way to promote the good and the moral through the personal and professional (cognitive-structural) growth of teachers. In learning…

The AVID Best Practices Study assessed the relative efficacy of 11 AVID program essentials; examined schoolwide effects of AVID; and identified necessary research-based changes in AVID program essentials or staff development. AVID is an elective program for students that provides rigorous academic focus and addresses essential aspects in college…

This study evaluated the In-School Mentoring pilot project, conveying the positive and negative repercussions of mentoring. The mentoring program was designed to help early elementary students improve their literacy skills. Interviews with 15 participating Alberta Learning employee in-school mentors examined program impact on both students and…

This book describes an inquiry-oriented form of professional development--the New Teacher Group--which provides teachers with opportunities to engage in discussions with their peers about problems experienced in their professional lives. Blending school psychology and teacher education, the book adapts a consultee-centered consultation model…

This paper presents information from a project that examined what Japanese and U.S. teachers valued most about the culture of teaching and learning in each others' countries. Teachers participated in global partnership schools in which they had the opportunity to directly observe all facets of school operation in the other country. Data come from…

This paper describes a professional development approach using narrative and study. During the 2000-2001 school year, researchers worked with the leadership team (13 educators) of a county accommodation school district in a major urban center in the southwestern United States. The general goal of professional development was to assist the…

This professional development guide focuses on teaching secondary students effective communication skills in both professional and social situations. Information in the guide will assist the teacher in determining the students' understanding of the communication process and build on this understanding by providing the communication skills needed…