Argues for a conversational community within the social studies profession. Explores relevant attributes of such a community. Suggests that researchers ask (1) who speaks, (2) the topics of discourse, and (3) how language is used. Concludes that a conversational community does exist but is kept from its full potential by distrust between teachers…

Organizations, foundations, and individuals are concentrating their energies on making teaching a true profession. They are seeking changes in the way teachers are prepared, how they are evaluated and certified, their continuing professional development, and their compensation and working conditions. (Author/IAH)

Examines the preservice teacher education role of professional development schools in the context of school-university partnerships. The necessary joining of K-12 and university cultures raises numerous problems, including dealing with cultural clash and schools of education, sustaining leadership and commitment, providing adequate resources,…

Presents five teachers' narratives about their learning experiences during sabbatical leaves funded by the National Endowment for the Humanities/Reader's Digest Teacher-Scholars program. Stresses insights to be incorporated into their teaching methods in English and Black literature, children's literature, Chinese culture, and the history of the…

This article examines leading proposals from the past four decades, the 1950s through the 1980s, for the reform of teacher education and outlines guidelines for determining the inherent worth and substance of teacher education reform proposals. (IAH)

Examines common assumptions about the nature of teaching and professional learning that influence the design of teacher education courses. These assumptions are contrasted with current empirical research about teacher knowledge. A role for the emerging theory in the analysis, evaluation, and development of professional training courses is…

Describes collaboration between the University of Nebraska (Lincoln) and local schools to implement a clinically based professional development model in which practitioners and researchers work together to provide meaningful practicum experiences for preservice physical education teachers. A survey of preservice teachers, university faculty, and…

The problems faced by the author as an external evaluator responsible for evaluating a grass roots initiative for school managers in Great Britain are examined. The focus is on evaluating a management development program in the field and training an evaluator, rather than on outcomes of the program itself. (SLD)

One of five articles on professional development schools in this theme issue. Naturalistic research methods were used to identify the characteristics that supported changes in professional development initiatives, restructuring, and teaching and learning in Crescentview School (Michigan), a multicultural, multilingual, elementary professional…

Data from a descriptive study of the impact of professional development school (PDS) involvement on teacher preparation at three Massachusetts colleges is related to three themes: uniqueness of PDS-related techniques, approaches, and philosophy; mechanism and spread of these techniques, approaches, and philosophy; and signs of institutionalization…

A variety of leadership and development programs for professionals in higher education administration are described. They include programs focusing on general administration, institutional advancement, admissions, student personnel services, and academic administration. The programs respond to the less traditional career paths of many of today's…

Discusses teacher-librarianship education in Australia. Topics discussed include courses at the undergraduate, graduate, and master's degree levels; student admissions criteria; field experience; course development and evaluation; course content, including instructional design and information management; professional development; professional…

This paper, based on the content of approximately 100 letters from dental students, examines the issue of student research support within the student-mentor relationship including why students become involved in research, what they look for in a mentor, and the mentor's role. (GLR)

This article examines administrative support and its role in developing and sustaining student research activities within schools of dentistry. Discussion focuses on how administrative support can be effective in the areas of mentor selection, funding, managing educational quality, assistance in presenting research results, and providing rewards.…

Describes the Padeia schools of Chattanooga (Tennessee), where the Padeia movement has taken root. In keeping with the founding proposal of Padeia (the Padeia Group, 1982), the course of study is generalized and has a single-track curriculum. Concepts of democracy, participation, and responsibility pervade the schools' climates. (SLD)