Why does professional learning for educators have such a mixed history? Why is it so hard to find solid research evidence of professional development programs that actually improve student learning outcomes? Part of the answer, writes Thomas R. Guskey, is that professional learning experiences for educators are rarely well planned. Consequently,…

Presents a four-step process for staff members interested in designing their own mastery learning program. (Author/JM)

Combining the familiar unit lesson plans of the 1950's with the behavioral objectives that were first emphasized in the later 1960's, competency-based teacher education is a refinement that will permit individualization and personalization of teacher training programs and still provide structure for these programs. (Author)

Describes Oregon's experience with developing and implementing new requirements for high school graduation, based on minimum competency standards defined by local school districts. (JG)

Describes a program of educational improvement wherein the community and teacher interacted to save precious time in the classroom and enhanced the relationship of parents and educators. (RK)

Teacher training programs must go beyond "how-to" workshops to facilitate understanding about technology's relationship to learning. An International School of Bangkok training program transforms teachers into learners immersed in technology-rich environments. The process involves seven phases: getting ready, learning about technology,…

Describes Project 81, an experimental program involving Pennsylvania school districts, colleges, citizens and community groups, and state department of education personnel in a joint effort to identify educational objectives, to translate those objectives into graduation requirements and appropriate educational programs, and to develop policies to…