In the 1980s, American educators face a leadership challenge in a society which is in the process of converting from an industrial to an information based economy. The Educational Computer Consortium of Ohio has provided a network for teachers to learn about and share computer uses and public domain software. In the spring of 1980, the Department…

In 1984-85, the New York City Public Schools received $2,374,686 from the state legislature to operate the School Community Education Program (also known as the Umbrella Program). The program consisted of 46 different projects designed to provide innovative solutions to local educational and school problems. Thirteen of these projects are…

This study examines an intervention in a Canadian school district that employed teacher and principal reassignment as a stimulus to professional growth. The researchers interviewed the transferred teachers and principals as well as a sample of nontransferred teachers, parents, and district trustees to explore the effect of transfer on the…

This report summarizes 10 recommendations made by a select committee of Deans of Education from Alberta (Canada) universities for a model for preparing teachers in the province. Comments on the expected implications of each recommendation are provided. Recommendations were made in the areas of: (1) philosophy of teacher education; (2) entry…

This report assesses the effectiveness of the Napa County (California) Instructional Skills Staff Development Program, focusing on its impact on student achievement and student engaged rate in classrooms. The program, providing training for teachers and principals in administrative and instructional skills, is examined for outcomes in two schools,…

A study focused on development of a sound methodology with which Australian Technical and Further Education (TAFE) authorities, institutions, and staff could evaluate continuing staff development programs and activities. The methodology developed was college-based, focused upon the college staff development program, and considered the staff…

If the policy-making board is to take its proper place in restructuring education to provide maximum learning for individuals, they must provide the climate and resources that assist two-year colleges to develop educational programs that assist citizens to identify and prepare for change. The board members should routinely be in touch with…

Key elements of effective teacher development include a focus on curriculum and job-situated problems, hands-on opportunities to apply learning, and collaboration among teachers (Garet, Porter, Desimone, Birman, & Yoon, 2001; Hiebert, Gallimore, & Stigler, 2002; National Staff Development Council, 2001). Program developers at The Education…

This study evaluated the impact of length of training in the Life Skills Training (LST) program on teachers' perception of the work climate and sense of self-efficacy, identifying process components affecting those outcomes. The LST program is a psychoeducational model of group intervention designed to improve the well-being of children and…

In the University of California (Davis) Program in College Teaching, graduate teaching assistants develop and fulfill contractual agreements for faculty-guided investigations into their disciplines, with supporting individualized activities about practices and issues of college teaching. Aspects of the program's development and effectiveness are…

Widespread agreement exists that U.S. teachers need improved mathematics knowledge for teaching. Over the past decade, policymakers have funded a range of professional development efforts designed to address this need. However, there has been little success in determining whether and when teachers develop mathematical knowledge from professional…

This paper presents a model of a teacher needs-based (TNB) professional development program. The TNB model formed the foundation of three externally funded professional development programs. The objectives of this model are to maximize the effects of a professional development program, and to help participants sustain their learning over the long…

The purpose of the Voluntary Public School Choice (VPSC) Program is to assist states and local school districts in the development of innovative strategies to expand options for students, and to encourage transfers of students from low-performing to higher-performing schools. This report presents interim findings from the National Evaluation of…

One of the most critical needs in Florida's "Reading First" schools is to improve the effectiveness of interventions for struggling readers. For example, during the 2005-2006 school year, only 17% of first grade students who began the year at some level of risk for reading difficulties finished the year with grade level skills on the…

This report summarizes findings from the second year of an implementation study of the Early Childhood Cluster Initiative (ECCI). ECCI is a prekindergarten program in ten elementary schools and a community child care center in Palm Beach County, based on the design of the High/Scope Perry Preschool model. The initiative is characterized by low…