Describes a course designed for school administrators that incorporates the use of technology for teaching and learning and the use of technology in non-instructional processes of managing and leading schools. Presents an overview of the constructivist-based course that includes leadership skills, school finance, information management, technology…

This case study examined how four university faculty members experienced the process of collaboratively planning and teaching university methods courses to match the needs of their Professional Development School context. Interview data highlighted four themes as integral to their collective story: learning how to create a participative culture,…

Advocates public policy education in higher education and student involvement in state public policy. Discusses ways to incorporate public policy education in university courses in family and consumer sciences curricula at the introductory, advanced, and graduate levels, including writing briefing reports, participating in professional…

Presents six suggestions for personalizing professional development for middle school teachers: (1) encourage openness to change; (2) facilitate teachers' self-assessment; (3) urge teachers to be learners; (4) encourage a focus on the enjoyable in teaching; (5) advocate that teachers contribute to peers' growth; and (6) promote full lives beyond…

Examines the sixth target of the National Agenda for Achieving Better Results for Children and Youth with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) by providing examples of training efforts that focus on improving the capacities and skills of educators as well as the supports behind them. Makes recommendations for improving the inservice and preservice…

Discusses the use of electronic portfolios by school library media specialists for professional development as a resume, an evaluation instrument, or other types of credential documentation. Includes guidelines for building a successful portfolio, including appropriate software selection; audience considerations; and technology skill…

Offers points to consider before enrolling in an online course or program, including: instructor's training and online teaching experience; course format and delivery system; ease of use; access to and interactions with instructors and students; clear expectations and directions; timely feedback; and technical support. Lists 39 online degree,…

Presents a methodological framework for practice-based research in the field of networked learning, based on a case study evaluation of a networked professional development initiative for information services staff in higher education. The theoretical case for the framework is made with reference to principles associated with contructivist program…

An international professional community of 64 elementary and secondary teachers came together on the Internet to make sense of their practice of teaching French as a second language using the Internet. Excerpts from listserv discussions on classroom control and monitoring demonstrate how teachers collaboratively reflected on specific classroom…

A team of University of California, Santa Barbara instruction librarians developed information literacy workshops for local high school teachers and librarians. They introduced teachers to information literacy standards, provided technology training, presented strategies and activities for incorporating critical thinking into the research process,…

Reflects on how the author has contributed to improving social policy through research by asking good questions, using best methods, and seeing and taking advantage of opportunities. Specifically describes her research, especially relating to children and poverty, and focuses on the designing of research to inform social policy. (SD)

This study examined two upper-elementary teachers' learning through use of potentially educative mathematics curricular materials without additional professional development. Findings indicated that curricular materials can be an effective professional development tool for some teachers. One teacher's instructional focus and rationale for…

Reports findings of the first year of a three-year summer geoscience program in which undergraduates and high school teachers work with a consortium of faculty. Examines the effects of the program on the participants' interests in research, career plans, and attitude toward science. Discusses implications for providing authentic research…

Describes how case studies of three elementary teachers provide documentation of the extent to which the Washington State educational reform movement has altered classroom literacy practices over time. Reveals the narrowing of curriculum to "teach the test" and replacing professional development opportunities with work designed to boost…

Investigates small focus groups of teachers' preferences to integrate the topic of global climate change (GCC) into their science courses for 14-16-year-old students. Reports that science teachers preferred to maintain the integrity of the subject rather than be involved in extensive interdisciplinary teaching. (Contains 25 references.)…