This paper presents an overview of several studies on teacher collaboration, then describes the process of developing recommendations for school leaders interested in encouraging collaboration. The five studies focused on: (1) collaboration and student learning outcomes; (2) the effect of selected factors on collaboration; (3) collaboration from…

This study investigated Turkish teachers' levels of commitment to their schools, the tasks involved in teaching, work groups, and the occupation. A 28-item scale was administered to 302 teachers working in public high schools in the districts of Zonguldak and in the city center. The questionnaire asked about their commitment to the school;…

This case study highlights how one rural elementary school, where teachers had expressed interest in changing how things were done, provided opportunities for teachers to transform traditional teaching practices into innovative ones. This involved implementing an accelerated schools philosophy (using gifted and talented strategies for all…

This paper describes the development of a framework to better understand how teachers think about and approach instructional practices. Over 1 year, researchers worked with teacher groups in 5 schools, exploring their perspectives, experiences, and understanding about teaching through observations, interviews, journals, and dialogues. The…

This study documented variations in program designs and implementation strategies, linking them to beginning teachers' professional growth, particularly reflective practices. Data were collected in six sites during 1999-00 as part of an evaluation of the implementation of the California Formative Assessment and Support System for Teachers, which…

Collective teacher efficacy refers to teacher perceptions that they constitute an effective instructional team, capable of bringing about learning in students. Previous research demonstrates that a school staff with a strong sense of collective efficacy is likely to generate high student achievement. This study of 2,170 teachers in 141 elementary…

To model collaboration and to "practice what we teach," a group of faculty members at McNeese State University in Louisiana developed a college-wide theme based on the book, "Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes." This book was selected because of the importance of seeking and achieving peace in a world that is struggling and,…

This study identified and described appropriate training activities to help educators develop the skills necessary to participate in a team setting. The qualitative research paradigm allowed researchers to collect data in the contextual setting. Researchers conducted interviews and reviewed documents related to team building activities, noting…

This book provides guidance to beginning and experienced educational material developers. The targeted objectives are guiding developers on external funding, explaining the complex process of developing instructional materials, and pointing out the human interactions and issues involved in the development process. Chapters include: (1) "The…

This paper describes the importance of teachers mentoring one another, exploring what mentorship means and reviewing literature that examines its different stages, benefits, and pitfalls. After presenting two teachers' stories of being mentored, the paper describes mentoring relationships, then highlights the stages of mentoring: invitation stage,…

This study documented small groups of teachers who collaborated formally and informally while working on various collaborative teams. The study involved New York City's International High School, which serves recent immigrants from about 60 countries. The school helps students develop linguistic, cognitive, and cultural skills necessary to succeed…

This volume emphasizes that TESOL professionals can accomplish a great deal as members of inquisitive, cooperative communities. The contributors tell stories of their struggles and achievements, describing teacher learning communities and exploring how teachers might cultivate more collaborative communities in their lives. [Additional Volumes from…

Factors that make teacher collaboration difficult include teachers' beliefs about themselves and others, professional isolation, and weak collaboration skills. These barriers can be overcome if teachers develop relationships with their teaching partners, develop their collaboration skills, and focus on students and their needs as a shared goal.…

A rural Georgia high school has established a framework of continuous improvement to help it become a learning organization. Teachers are involved at all organizational levels--from school management to instructional practices. Teams of teachers are testing new ideas and knowledge, using data and simple statistical tools to discover what works,…

A national study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that school-based reform is no guarantee of improved learning opportunities. Schools with the most promising reform efforts set attainable reform goals with long timelines; focus explicitly on particular aspects of curriculum while targeting related professional development…