In 1999 the Texas Legislature provided for the creation of the Master Reading Teacher (MRT) Certificate to address several issues. MRTs primary duties are to: serve as reading teachers; consult with and mentor other teachers; and provide research-based information and training. In September 2001 the Texas Education Agency asked Dr. Jan Hasbrouck…

In July 2000, the Austin Independent School District (AISD) launched a partnership for the 2000-2001 school year with the University of Pittsburghs Institute for Learning to provide a framework for guiding leadership and classroom practices to ensure that all students in the district have the opportunity to reach the high standards of the Texas…

Although all of public education prepares students for the responsibilities of citizenship, the goal of providing students with the knowledge and skills necessary to assume their roles as leaders in the state of Texas and in the nation in the 21st century rests primarily with the social studies. This framework provides information that local…

This directory lists materials and products useful in the professional development of teachers and other providers of transitional services to young people with disabilities. Materials and products were identified through requests to state and local educators, state systems, change and model demonstration transition projects, regional resource…

This paper reports the results of a 4-year study of a consortium of 22 school districts undergoing systemic reform. Results are framed in terms of individual district reform status at the end of the 4 years in 6 areas: curriculum, parent-community involvement, classroom practice, professional development, administration and leadership, and system…

This book explains how California schools, working with the "Education for the Future" initiative, have integrated technology and data-based decision making into their school improvement efforts. The book is a guide to improving school performance by constructing a school portfolio. The chapters are: (1) "Introduction: The Need for…

Discusses several models for administrator development suitable to small rural school districts, particularly one cooperative external degree plan. (SJL)

Presents an analysis of the personal and professional development of teachers, focusing on the factors involved in reflective teaching. Outlines a five-stage model of performance development within the learning organization that moves from novice to advanced beginner, competent, proficient, and expert. (MDM)

Describes a collaborative model as operationalized in a teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages teacher training course across two stages of course implementation, i.e., the piloted and the revised course. Presents qualitative and quantitative data analyses of student reactions through both stages of course implementation and identifies…

Professional development schools serve both novice and experienced teachers' needs by combining teacher education with professional development and school-restructuring efforts. Such schools are creating new opportunities for learning by teaching, doing, and collaborating. This article describes the University of Southern Maine's one-year,…

Describes the experiences of six science teachers and a facilitator involved in an action research group in science, technology, and society (STS) education. Explores the genesis of an issues-based model and highlights applications of this model in a classroom context. Examines action research as a potential tool for professional development in…

South Carolina adopted grade-level content standards in 1997 and required curriculum assessment in 1999. A model for implementation of these requirements is presented that includes rationale, definitions, a planning activity chart, and 10 elements of planning and implementation. A case study illustrates how one rural school district with limited…

Reviews the theoretical and empirical literature on mentoring as a means of personal enhancement or career advancement. Defines mentor-protege relationship (MPR); discusses two models of MPR; and discusses process of MPR. Makes recommendations for research and practice. (Author/TE)

Dozens of Australian "laptop" schools are following the lead of Methodist Ladies' College (an independent pre-K-12 school) in personal computing and are using some of their pioneering professional development models, including in-classroom collaboration, "slumber parties," and build-a-book workshops. Guidelines for implementing…

Reviews the literature on mentoring teachers, focusing on bilingual and bicultural education and emphasizing issues relevant in urban settings. An interactive model of mentoring is proposed in which bilingual teachers, whether mentors or new teachers, can share perspectives sorely needed in this age of increasing cultural diversity. (SLD)