Engaging educators in learning communities to apply a cycle of continuous improvement is not easy. Schedules, levels of expertise, and district initiatives can easily derail a campus professional learning plan, but Alyssa Toomes was concerned that professional learning experiences would become just another chore to check off teachers' to-do lists.…

This article describes a training program that was developed to prepare teachers who were to work with students using a computer-based writing program called QUILL. Training methods, winning administrative support, and follow-up activities are discussed. (PP)

This article describes services the staff development system will need to be successful, presenting the structures for governance and organization and illustrating the interface of the system with the needs of individuals, professionals, schools, and school districts in curriculum, instruction, and technology. (SM)

Staff development is crucial in creating successful mentoring relationships in schools and districts. Four major tasks for staff developers when creating programs for mentors are: selecting and training mentors, matching mentors with proteges, setting goals and expectations, and establishing the program. Implications for staff developers are…

Describes a model for exploring the multidimensional relationship between staff development and improvements in student learning. The model is based on the premise that the quality of staff development is influenced by many factors, including content characteristics, process variables, and context characteristics. (SM)

Research shows that distance learning (DL) works well for staff development. This article examines current DL technologies (satellite systems, interactive television, and computer-based interactive systems), noting issues to consider when using these technologies (audience characteristics, expectations, cost recovery, and interagency…