The physical environment of the learning disabilities classroom is an important factor in shaping student attitudes toward learning and toward themselves. Five dimensions to consider in analyzing a classroom include visual signs, auditory messages, kinesthetic input, tactile input, and awareness of time (i.e., seasons, current events, and student…

The author traces some of the causes of the paperwork explosion in public schools over the last 20 years and concludes that, unfortunately, there is little relief in sight. (SJL)

Suggests that schools need clear structures and strong, professional cultures to foster teacher learning, describing school culture, positive versus toxic cultures, and staff development. The paper highlights two schools with positive cultures and describes how principals and school leaders shape school culture by reading the culture,…

In this statement by the 1986 teacher of the tear of Kirkwood, Missouri, it is maintained that there is no more important characteristic for teachers to possess than autonomy. It is recommended that politicians, parents, teacher educators, and educational consultants create the conditions and climate necessary for teachers to act autonomously. (DG)

Shows some of the conditions under which South African educators work and similarities to the conditions in the United States. Cites some features of English education under apartheid and then explains how progressive teachers are using those features for their own ends. (MG)

The most significant development in education since World War II has been the growing professionalization of teachers and teaching. This article traces this development from the original bureaucratic supervision model through the 1970s "advocacy revolution" to the recent push for full empowerment. Pioneering efforts in selected districts…

The poor results of our educational system are a function of a bureaucratic, hierarchical, and factory-like structure of schooling whose organization and assumptions limit ways of teaching and learning. An innovative German model of schooling is described. "Charter schools," initiated by individual schools or small groups of teachers,…

Using a sample of 93 female Israeli kindergarten teachers, this study identifies perceived professional needs, teacher characteristics, and organizational factors that significantly discriminate between "satisfied" and "dissatisfied" teachers. Teachers are most satisfied on two "lower" needs (security and social…

Teachers generally feel unrewarded and underappreciated. Most oppose merit pay and extending the school year and desire higher pay and more authority. The most frequently mentioned problems are parents' lack of interest and support, lack of proper financial support, pupils' lack of interest and truancy, and lack of discipline. Other results are…

Findings are reported from a study which gathered data about the specific kinds of discipline problems faced by student teachers (N=300) in the classroom. Differences in perceptions of discipline problems based on grade level, sex, and race are described; and implications for program and course development are discussed. (IAH)

The process of learning to teach is comparable to learning to write because the fundamental activities in which teachers take part are in many ways like the activities of writers. Implications for teacher education are discussed, especially with regard to the trend to establish a scientific knowledge base for teaching. (IAH)

The article describes the first phase of a school district project designed to change the teaching workplace and to improve student achievement and learning aptitude. Program design and implementation, including teachers' participation and roles, are discussed as well as the results of the first few months. (CB)

Mentor teacher programs counter the organizational defects that hinder effective practice and are critical first step in helping all teachers to foster a working environment of collegial assistance in the interest of improved instruction and student achievement. (CB)

Charts and graphs display research findings on the vocational teacher's job in such areas as hours spent on teaching and ancillary duties, class size, special needs students, basic skills proficiency, inservice training, classroom observation, and status of equipment and materials. (SK)

A survey of 360 teachers showed that many teachers are voluntarily using their own money to support their classroom work. On average, the teachers surveyed spent $444 annually; teachers nationwide may be spending more than $1 billion annually. Respondents' comments ranged from outrage and frustration with lack of available funds to acceptance of…