This study focuses on the impacts of programs designed to develop and support teacher leaders to improve instruction in their schools. Using surveys of teachers in 45 schools in four districts and interview data, we found that the frequency of teachers' work with a teacher leader on professional growth, instructional planning, and…

Discover how Lesson Study benefits both students and teachers. Unlike scripted curricula that strip teachers of professional decisionmaking, Lesson Study values teachers by expecting them to be agents of improvement in their own classrooms. This resource empowers readers to oppose reform efforts that minimize teacher agency by offering an…

This technical report provides detailed information about the sample, survey instruments, and resultant data for the 2022 American Instructional Resources Surveys (AIRS) that were administered to principals and teachers in spring 2022 via the RAND Corporation's American Educator Panels (AEP). The 2022 AIRS focused on the usage of, perceptions of,…

The author describes the early relationship between the Meriden Public schools' local teacher union and the Meriden Federation of Teachers (MFT) as "frosty with a lack of trust." However, in the last five years, she states, the union and the district have built a strong labor-management partnership whose focus on supporting teachers has…

Two approaches to professional learning communities, the inquiry-oriented and the results-oriented approaches, both have weaknesses. Neither adequately addresses the overall coherence of a school's efforts to improve teaching and learning. A third model, the Common Priorities approach, combines the strengths of the other two approaches and…

Experienced e-learning faculty members share strategies for implementing a comprehensive postsecondary faculty development program essential to continuous improvement of instructional skills. The high-impact META Model (centered around Mentoring, Engagement, Technology, and Assessment) promotes information sharing and content creation, and fosters…

Although the idea of using a workshop to educate potential users about a set of materials or techniques is not new, the workshops described here go beyond simple dissemination and create ongoing communities of practice that support widespread and sustained improvement in the biochemistry classroom. The degree to which pedagogical innovations…

This research study describes the experiences and perceptions of an instructor and an instructional design specialist who collaborated on the design and implementation of a university course using a new course design process. Findings uncovered differences between an informal collaboration process and the adaptation of that process for…

Discusses the identification and application of instructional support services to the instructional development process. To determine the full extent of these support services a matrix is presented, listing services and criteria for their inclusion in the ID process. (RAO)

Describes the NETwork for Excellent Teaching, an instructional development program at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI) that uses a performance technology approach. NET program goals and representative projects are described; and goal achievement is evaluated through administrative acceptance, student learning, and…

This chapter examines several aspects of the instructional development (ID) process as it occurs in higher education, and presents arguments: (1) in favor of using students in various aspects of the instructional development process; (2) in favor of "shotgunning" rather than taking on only large projects; and (3) against confusing instructional…

The 1982-1983 instructional development program at the University of North Dakota (UND) is described, with attention to activities, program evaluation results, and future directions. Additionally, a report of expenditures for 1982-1983 is included. The 3-year instructional development program was designed to provide resources for improved…

Many colleges and universities have developed various kinds of formal faculty mentoring programs in response to (1) the benefit some faculty can gain from guidance as they pursue tenure, appointments, salary increases, and professional recognition; and (2) the poor quality of undergraduate teaching at many academic institutions. The purpose of…

This handbook presents findings of a 2-year study that examined the role of the substitute teacher. Findings showed that the problems with substitute-teacher programs were a result of nonmanagement rather than mismanagement. The book offers recommendations for designing, implementing, and maintaining quality substitute-teacher programs. The first…

Review of literature on instructional improvement services and the role of the media center concludes that such services will enhance media center value to postsecondary faculty and institutions. Five recommendations are offered to media centers and their management-level personnel to prepare them to take on this role. (MBR)