This collection of papers focuses on collaboration in two interconnected themes: the improvement of teaching practice through collaborative research and reflection on the role of collaboration in educational change. The 19 papers are: (1) "The Collaborative Lens: A New Look at an Old Research Study" (Phyllis Kapuscinski); (2)…

This book with an accompanying 21-minute videocassette is designed for schools and communities who want to change mathematics and science education to address the needs of students with disabilities. After an introduction that describes educational reforms in Montana, chapters include: (1) "Opening Up to All Learners," which discusses…

This issue brief was developed as part of the Consortium on Inclusive Schooling Practices' framework for standards-based systemic reform. The brief focuses on one of the six major policy areas identified by the Consortium, professional development. It first discusses the concept of teachers as lifelong learners, then explores professional…

This paper describes the development and implementation of the Practice-Based Professional Improvement Project, a teacher-led high school improvement project that has improved academic success at several inner-city high schools in Nashville, Tennessee. The project believes that: teachers are key to school improvement; most teachers sincerely want…

Discusses the impact national goals, federal legislation, and local reform practices will have on future reform efforts for students with learning disabilities. Twenty-first century predictions are made and indicate the need for effective collaboration processes, with participants making an effort to understand, accept, and/or value different…

A study investigated how advantages of collaborative learning can be extended and deepened when team teachers consciously model collaborative behaviors and values they seek to encourage in students. Specific behaviors modeled are described and classroom results discussed. Evidence indicated that students observed teachers closely and were affected…

Discusses professional ethics in teacher education, noting challenges for teacher educators (particularly those in early childhood education). Chronicles the development of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Code of Ethical Conduct and Statement of Commitment, and describes the Early Childhood Teacher Education Ethics…

After examining the beginning of the professional development school (PDS) movement, this paper describes the PDS model; discusses PDSs, teacher education, and school reform; and presents critical attributes of PDSs (nurturing a true learning community, stressing collaboration, and creating greater professional and public accountability).…

Discusses an innovation second-language teacher education project for teachers of English as a foreign language from Egypt. The model program used was based on the premise that teacher education programs must provide trainees with opportunities to reflect critically upon their own teaching practices and beliefs in a context of collaboration with…

Chronicles the development of collaborative teaching efforts in higher education, in a context of declining resources. Outlines models of team coordinated teaching and team teaching, and identifies four dimensions of collaboration: integration, interaction, active learning, and faculty autonomy. Offers a model of collaborative college teaching…

This description of a curricular adaptation decision-making process focuses on tenets of reflective practice as teachers design instruction for students in heterogeneous classrooms. A case example illustrates how an elementary teaching team transformed lessons to accommodate a wide range of learners in a multiage first- and second-grade classroom.…

A survey of 164 Pennsylvania general and special education teachers and 1,430 elementary educators nationwide examined their attitudes concerning supports needed for the successful inclusion of students with disabilities. Teachers perceived a need for training, help from personnel outside the classroom, and in-class help such as paraprofessionals.…

Describes the importance of creating an organizational structure where adult staff in child care settings can work together in teams. Argues that team building requires a climate of caring with respect for all views, support, trust, and a relaxed environment. Also proposes that a commitment to encouraging ideas, professionalism, and growth is…

Describes how to create teacher professional development networks that are run by teachers and for teachers with a common goal. The paper explains what teacher networks are and are not, and it provides information about national networks, on-site networks, and online networks. (SM)

To determine conceptions of mentoring, Swedish researchers videotaped mentoring sessions between student teachers and their cooperating teachers and conducted interviews with both groups. Data analysis indicated that the two groups had different conceptions about the function of mentoring and its content and form. (SM)