This study investigates how trainee teachers perceive their supervising teachers' supervisory competency. Through a questionnaire that was specifically developed for this study and which contained open-ended questions, student teacher candidates were asked to comment on their supervising teachers' competency in preparation for supervision,…

The present study explores teachers' attitudes toward the gifted and gifted education. Specifically, the authors examine whether teachers tailor their responses about attitudes toward the gifted to fit the perceived interests of the researcher. In addition, the authors examine several potential predictors of attitudes toward the gifted: training…

In the book, "1-to-1 Learning: Laptop Programs That Work," author Pamela Livingston begins with an important point for those who are considering a laptop program for the first time: Newcomers are fortunate to be able to learn from the educators who have started down the 1-to-1 road before them. This proved to be true for two neighboring…

Two dueling national agendas characterize discussions surrounding teacher quality and teacher education reform. For professionalists, teacher quality is synonymous with meeting a set of professional standards. For deregulationists, these standards are roadblocks that deter high-quality candidates from pursuing jobs in teaching. Despite differences…

This article attempts to clarify some of the problems and challenges currently met by the teaching profession in special education, in particular those relating to why students choose to study special needs education and what they expect to learn. There are two major reasons why students choose to become a "special needs" teacher: to…

The inclusion of learners with special educational needs in general education is becoming more prevalent. As a result various special education researchers have begun to examine the success of inclusion, as well as the attitudes and beliefs of general educators towards the inclusion of learners with disabilities in the general education classroom.…

The purpose of the study was to ascertain methods of identification used by teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing who were working with students with learning disabilities, the training these teachers had received, and the accommodations and modifications they had implemented for their students. A 10-item survey was designed to solicit opinions…

Teacher educators frequently express concerns regarding teacher candidates' writing knowledge, skills, and dispositions. Concerns include candidates' proficiencies for writing correctly and communicating effectively, teaching writing appropriately to preK-12 graders, integrating writing authentically across the curriculum, guiding preK-12 student…

This glossary addresses the increasingly complex vocabulary of teacher evaluation. It lists 265 terms that are frequently used in the process of evaluating practicing teachers, particularly in elementary and secondary schools, and provides brief explanations of the meanings of these terms. This glossary is a product of one of the several projects…

Although school administrators consider supporting and sustaining teachers' professional development a priority, more pressing day-to-day imperatives often eclipse this goal. "Supporting and Sustaining Teachers' Professional Development" specifically targets busy school principals who want practical suggestions for how to balance these everyday…

Many excellent teachers already work in the schools. Unfortunately their work regularly goes unrecognized and unrewarded. As a consequence, many first-rate practitioners leave the schools and others who could be exceptional teachers never consider teaching. Worse still, the knowledge and skills of the fine teachers who remain often are…

Good teachers form the foundation of good schools, and improving teachers' skills and knowledge is one of the most important investments of time and money that local, state, and national leaders make in education. Yet with the wide variety of professional development options available, which methods have the most impact on student learning?…

This paper summarizes well-reviewed research about teacher competence in the skills described in the "Standards for Teacher Competence in the Educational Assessment of Students." It also examines additional research studies from 1990 to the present. The standards emphasize: choosing and developing assessment methods appropriate for…

Recent research suggests that teacher quality is the most important educational input predicting student achievement. Nonetheless, many teachers are less academically skilled than college graduates in other occupations. This study explores characteristics of highly qualified teachers and the connections that exist between these attributes and…

The Nurturing Teacher Leadership (NTL) program offers professional development and candidate support to cohort groups of Chicago teachers who wish to pursue National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. The 13-month program provides candidates with technical support, mentoring, financial assistance, resource materials, and…