Background: Following the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the NSW Premier, Mr Bob Carr, launched a school-based initiative in NSW government primary schools called the "Gold Medal Fitness Program" to encourage children to be fitter and more active. The Program was introduced into schools through a model of professional development, "Quality…

This article focuses on the impact a collaborative project between university graduate fellows and K-12 classroom teachers had on improved pedagogy in the classroom and in the future at the university. Nine teams participated in a yearlong professional development project to improve pedagogy and communication skills of the participants. This study…

This study reports on the design, implementation, and outcomes of a research-based professional development program aimed at helping teachers integrate technology in the teaching of writing. The program was funded by the National Writing Project (NWP), a pioneer professional development model for teachers of writing across the United States.…

This article highlights the importance of peer interactions for pre-school-aged children's social and language development and demonstrates the need for professional development in this area. Learning Language and Loving It[TM]--The Hanen Program[R] for Early Childhood Educators and Preschool Teachers is a professional development program that is…

Traditional schools are notorious for being isolated, inflexible, and reluctant to change. This lack of professional dialogue among educators remains a significant barrier to successful school improvement, resulting in teachers' practices becoming stagnant and student achievement suffering. The K20 Center for Educational and Community Renewal at…

The goal of the Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) of 1990 was that all schools would be successful as measured by the Kentucky Instructional Results Information System (KIRIS). The Kentucky Distinguished Educator Program was created to promote the goal. The program sought to create a pool of distinguished educators who would serve in School…

The article defines leadership training and presents data on the impact of University Affiliated Facilities (UAF) programs which provide interdisciplinary advanced clinical training in areas related to improved care for mentally retarded and handicapped children and their families. Two conceptual approaches to UAF leadership training are…

This brief offers a preliminary framework for understanding and implementing evaluations of out-of-school time (OST) programs professional development initiatives. In so doing, it draws on research from early childhood and elementary education and highlights the evaluation methods and results of recent OST professional development initiatives at…

An independent study of Baltimore City's Tesseract schools analyzes why the privately managed program failed. Results showed no gains on Comprehensive Test of Basic Skills scores. Baltimore was paying about 11% more per student than in comparison schools. EAI has succeeded in establishing the supremacy of Wednesday afternoons for staff development…

Describes how two university instructors implemented the staff development component of a competitive U.S. federal literacy initiative in two elementary schools. Notes that Reading Excellence Act (REA) was enacted to give schools direct financial assistance to improve reading instruction. Suggests the greatest lesson the authors learned was…

Presents two interrelated stories: one concerning the author's struggles to become an effective teacher of psychology, and the second about the University of New Hampshire's graduate program in psychology and its emphasis on research and teaching. The program's two-semester Seminar and Practicum in the Teaching of Psychology is detailed, and data…

Presents evaluation of countywide professional development programs for school counselors. Surveyed program participants (n=128) and counselor supervisors (n=75). Results indicated the programs had positive effects on counselor who approved of all of the components of the program; counselors' supervisors described changes brought about by their…

Discusses the unique needs of school principals early in their careers, describing ways the needs have been addressed through enactment of an entry-year program in Ohio that involves structured and formal mentoring activities. The program stresses that mentoring and induction should fit a more comprehensive program of professional development. (SM)

Focuses on the growth of training industry in the United States and the increase of its influence. Discusses organizations' expenditures on training; training industry associations; postsecondary programs; credibility of the training profession; intellectual leadership; shortage of skilled employees; and the overall impact of training today. (AEF)

Peter Senge's (1990) theory of organizational change includes teams that perceive the whole of the organization; grow professionally; navigate short- and long-term organizational experiences through exposed mental models; share a vision; and hear each voice in an ongoing communal learning process. The Margaret Sue Copenhaver Institute for Teaching…