This study investigated the characteristics of instructional leaders that positively influenced classroom teaching, noting the personal and professional effects of leader-teacher interactions and whether staff development emerged as a primary theme of effective instructional leadership. A group of 809 teachers nationwide provided detailed…

Addressing both processes and outcomes, this book provides a framework for developing inclusive high schools, illustrated by detailed accounts of high schools that have struggled, strategized, and ultimately achieved success. Themes discussed include building crucial school-based relationships, developing support strategies, communicating…

This study offers a framework for identifying areas of agreement and disagreement across eight recent teacher education reform documents. Researchers analyzed each document in relation to the reform principles proposed by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future (NCTAF). They developed a rubric to assess whether the documents…

This book presents ideas for beginning secondary teachers who want to excel during their first year of teaching. The eight chapters focus on: (1) "Before the First Days of School" (e.g., classroom design, school policies, important people to know, dressing for success, special education students, school records, and emergency procedures); (2) "The…

The report discusses incorporating more math, physics, chemistry, engineering and computer science into classes and laboratory work and emphasizing independent research will help undergraduate education reflect real-world science. Schools, professional societies and funding agencies should develop new teaching materials and facilitate faculty…

Describes a 3-year study of 18 elementary and 7 middle school teams involved in development and implementation of building-level programs designed to support students with disabilities in mainstream classrooms. The teams used co-teaching as an integral part of their service delivery models. Benefits and problems are discussed. (Author/CR)

Provides justification for a cross-disciplinary approach to program delivery in physical education for students with physical and cognitive disabilities. Details the positive outcomes possible through a bidirectional relationship between physical education and physical therapy and presents guidelines for collaboration and for sport skill…

This article describes a school-university partnership that fosters teacher research within classrooms. The effects of teacher research in the implementation of inclusive practices are illustrated, with descriptions of four teacher research projects which examined: (1) inclusion of a child with emotional disturbances; (2) inclusion for literacy;…

Educators who do not learn to use computers and the information highway in the classroom may be depriving themselves and their students of opportunities to access information and develop skills. This article describes how K-12 and higher education teachers should approach and use technology for management, collaboration, and conferencing. Software…

This case study examined the revision of a state university's elementary teacher education program, noting dilemmas arising during the university approval process related to faculty involvement, power and authority, incentives, and sacred cows such as academic freedom. Lessons learned about programmatic change within the culture of the university…

Two teacher educators utilized professional standards to inform their teaching. They used reflective dialog, action research, and critical inquiry in a standards-based language arts curriculum to support revisions and improvements in classroom practices and curriculum development. This led to new ideas about collaborative structures and stimulated…

Discusses problems with integrating information and communication technology in education and describes a tool developed by the Curriculum Information Technology Integration Project in Manitoba to save teachers time and make it easier for technology integration. Highlights include planning; preparation of classroom materials; professional…

Four teachers from diverse early childhood environments formed a teacher research group to learn more about children's language and literacy development. This article discusses the formation of the group, the value of teacher research for understanding children's language, and the lessons learned by the participating teachers that enhanced their…

This study examined physical education interns' (N=46) perceptions about their internships as indicators of professional development. Focus groups and surveys indicated that the student teachers wanted to fit in, get along with teachers, and gain pupil cooperation. Constraints included difficulties establishing management systems, untimely…

Professors from Australia's Queensland University introduce the concept of a "practernship" that is a variation of typical internship/apprenticeship programs for preservice teachers. The "practernship" combines practice teaching and internship, encourages collaboration and professional development, and promotes a holistic,…