Based on an analysis of the nature of theory that is relevant to teachers, this paper presents an approach to teacher education, the realistic approach, and reports on its use in two countries. The paper uses the concepts of episteme and phronesis to introduce a new way of looking at theory that is relevant for teacher development. Section 1…

This paper investigates the motivational profiles of students in schools that participate in a professional development program (the CASE project), which has reported remarkable success in raising students' academic achievement. On the basis of new work on the characterization and measurement of motivational orientation, beliefs, and self-view,…

This report provides an overview of Triton College's (Illinois) New Faculty Orientation Plan, which was developed in light of the large number of retirements and new hires expected by the year 2000. The purpose of the plan is to assist newly hired instructors to move productively into their professional roles and to become actively involved in the…

This book provides a reflective process through which teachers may consider their distinctness as educators in a Catholic school. After an overview that discusses the ideal Catholic school teacher, the book focuses on five themes: Teacher as Community Builder; Teacher as Committed to Lifelong Spiritual Growth; Teacher as Committed to Lifelong…

This document describes the final grant report for the Anchorage School District (Alaska) project titled Extending Curricular Effectiveness through Links among Standards (EXCELS). This grant was a demonstration project designed to provide extensive professional development related to national standards. A process was developed for bringing…

This paper argues that school and university teachers could become part of a unified profession of educators through the creative and critical contributions of a new discipline of educational inquiry to the professional knowledge base for teaching. The first section consists of graduate-level dissertations and theses of teacher researchers who…

This case study describes the theory behind and the process of developing a learning community program at Abilene Christian University (ACU), Texas. The program, initiated in 1996, was developed to improve community and student retention and to provide opportunities for faculty renewal and professional development. Review of the research on…

This paper advocates that Wisconsin teachers of French should participate in immersion programs for each Department of Instruction recertification cycle. Typically, teachers obtain their immersion experience in France, initially as undergraduate students and subsequently as tour guides for their own students. The paper suggests that North American…

This book examines the position of subject leader in elementary schools in light of four key areas identified by the National Standards for Subject Leadership: strategic direction and development, teaching and learning, leading and managing staff, and efficient and effective staff deployment. It combines existing research with new material,…

This report describes the professional development experiences of teachers in high-performing, high-needs (HPHN) schools. Researchers surveyed K-5 teachers from 10 schools in a district with large numbers of impoverished students, examining: teachers' perceptions of the characteristics and outcomes of their professional development experiences;…

These papers examine computer technology use in urban schools. "E-Rate Takes Hold, but Slowly" (Donna Harrington-Lueker) charts the progress of four urban school systems using E-rate funds to build powerful communication networks. "A Chicago Front-Runner Bypasses the Internet" (Alexander Russo) describes one school's commitment…

This study developed a valid self-report survey instrument to reliably identify intrinsic and extrinsic motivators that would engage classroom teachers in continuing professional education activities. Intrinsic and extrinsic motivators were identified from research in the areas of adult learning and professional development. Further qualitative…

This paper examines several topics as they relate to the education of practicing reading teachers, including: the state of reading achievement in the United States; teacher thinking and professional development; the history of professional development for teachers of reading; professional development policies and guidelines recommended by various…

This study investigated problematic aspects of teaching that influenced beginning teachers' decisions to continue teaching or leave the profession. Participants were new teachers with 3 or less years of experience from 25 south Texas districts. Surveys were mailed to each campus for distribution. The survey instrument asked teachers about…

This study investigated the effects of a faculty development program offered to increase positive interactions between students and faculty and the effects of these interactions on student achievement and retention. The Gaining Retention and Achievement for Students (GRASP) program supports the accreditation process of the Accreditation Board of…