Multiple barriers in the structure and function of American higher education conspire to impede the success of interdisciplinary programs in environmental studies. We present an amalgamated narrative case study to illustrate how barriers operate both independently and in concert to undermine individual and programmatic goals, innovation, and…

Authors summarize the benefits to be derived from a comprehensive in-service program and include a recommended organizational chart. (Authors/SP)

The rationale behind a new teacher induction program is that the primary personnel objective of any organization is to attract the most qualified personnel and move them, as quickly as possible, toward performance competence and personal satisfaction within their professional assignment. This transition is particularly important for new teachers,…

Inadequate internal communication resulting from two successive, divisive strikes led the Jefferson Union High School District in Daly City, California, to develop a district-wide system of renewal committees at all administrative levels to encourage collaborative efforts to improve education. The development and characteristics of the renewal…

This book explores the reasons that beginning teachers struggle and provides research-based plans for helping them make the most of their initial teaching years. It proposes Beginning Teacher Assistance Programs (BTAPs) as a practical strategy for success. BTAPs draw on the knowledge and expertise of teachers, principals, central office…

Discussed the implementation of the open education system of education and the problems accompanying it. (RK)

An intensive study of innovative projects in five elementary and secondary schools provided an opportunity to examine teacher participation in pre-implementation activities. Particular attention was paid to the motivation and roles of participants. It was found that participation is complex and varied. There were three major findings: (1)…

Recent statistics show that nationwide about 50 percent of new teachers leave the profession within their first six years of teaching. In an effort to encourage the persistence of new teachers and to enhance their productivity and competence in the classroom, many school districts have begun supportive programs for the beginning teacher, known as…

Since spring 1979 numerous changes in Humanities offerings and operations have been discussed, agreed upon, and implemented at Clark College to revitalize enrollments and increase faculty energy levels. The process of change was based upon four principles: (1) the faculty perceived the need to change, wanted to explore the potential benefits of…

Describes a campus writing program which has revitalized faculty morale and the quality of education at the University of Missouri-Columbia. (JK)

The Northwest Staff Development Center (NSDC) is a federally funded teacher center serving approximately 3,800 teachers and administrators in seven school districts in northwest Wayne County, Michigan. At its inception in 1978, NSDC faced morale problems caused by massive reductions in force, involuntary reassignments, and school closings. Few…

"Dialogue" is a review of labor-management cooperation in public education, whose goal is to provide teachers, administrators, school boards, and labor relations practitioners with analyses of critical issues, information about current projects, reviews of relevant literature, and a variety of special features. Each issue is generally…

This paper outlines 6 principles for inservice educators and others engaged in staff development for early childhood programs. Principle 1 recommends that inservice educators focus on modifying a teacher's understandings (the constructions, concepts, or schemata relevant to his or her work) rather than on giving prescriptions for behavior.…

The Education Resource Center (ERC) is a community-based teachers' resource center located in Chicago (Illinois). Its conceptual base is broader than that of a typical teachers center as ERC represents a community-based social movement with a wider orientation than teacher training. ERC's policy board reflects community organizations and the…

A new interinstitutional instrument for cooperative teacher preparation and curriculum development is needed, preferably to "emerge from a partnership of the old institutions with universities taking leadership under the encouraging sponsorship of state departments of education." A "cooperative clinical teaching center" would focus on both staff…