The perceived importance and the prevalence of academic development programs worldwide mean that it is critical that characteristics essential for the success of such programs be identified and incorporated. This article recognises the manifold perspectives on identifying such characteristics, but argues that if it is desirable that an academic…

This position paper was written to assist teachers and administrators in Oregon in preparing curriculum and setting priorities for kindergarten programs. It begins by asserting that the focus of kindergarten instruction should be on the total development of the child: socioemotional, physical, and intellectual. The need for concrete learning…

Empowering teacher induction programs are developmental in nature and generally have similar philosophical orientations. They identify and meet the instructional, non-instructional, and empowerment needs of novice teachers. Induction programs that empower include the following elements: development of personal strengths and ideas; defined…