This paper analyzes the implementation of a staff development and appraisal scheme at the University of Birmingham, England. The analysis focuses on the stakeholders and the decisive factors that were influential in effecting this innovation. Explored are three perspectives on leadership on how appraisers can become more effective. (GLR)

The Center for Instructional Technology and Training was created by the Washington, DC, public schools in 1983 to provide inservice technology training free of charge to teachers, administrators, and clerical and building staff. The development of the successful program is described and sidebars report what teachers and principals say about it and…

In contrast to noncollaborative relationships, collaborative partnerships have low role certainty, high work intensity, and personal and institutional interdependence. The Dayton Science Project (a university/school/community partnership to redesign and test K-12 science curriculum at 6 professional development schools) is discussed. Collaborative…

Although teachers can gain as much as students from practicing conflict resolution procedures, they often remain unconvinced about benefits unless they actually try them. Drawing on experimental programs in Pittsburgh and New York City, this article describes the basics of moving adults from conflict to collaboration. Morton Deutsch's sidebar…

Use of subject-generated elaborations taught through embedded and detached training strategies was compared with experimenter-provided elaborations (or no elaborations) in a computer-based instruction unit taken by 80 administrative assistants. Results favor use of subject-generated elaborations, particularly when taught by embedded training. (SLD)

A three-year program at Bethel College (Minnesota) has introduced faculty to various models of college student development, including the reflective judgment model of intellectual development, and their instructional applications. Knowledge of student development, now common to faculty and staff, has had a profound impact on teaching, learning,…

For the past 18 months, a middle school in Bowie, Maryland, has been enthusiastically committed to change. Teachers have become catalysts, realizing they possessed the skills and abilities to remedy schooling problems. They confronted school failure through school-based management, self-actualizing activities, staff development, and professional…

This article describes a systematic program that special education teachers can use to teach instructional aides and peer tutors to use effective teaching practices. The article specifically focuses on delivering appropriate instructional commands, providing specific praise, and using appropriate error correction procedures. (JDD)

Describes a staff development program in "action research" in which teachers and administrators investigated how to use reading/writing strategies to improve the learning of at-risk students in the regular classroom setting. Describes a qualitative study of the participants. Describes and compares four action researchers. (RS)

Argues that the California History Social Science Framework brings challenges to elementary teachers. Reviews five of these challenges and recommends solutions. Contends that staff development is the key to successful implementation of the Framework. (CFR)

Outlines some of the ways urban conditions affect urban schools and the implications for urban focused staff development. It is argued that these conditions limit the effectiveness of traditional models and approaches to staff development, requiring staff developers to include in their focus broad, systematic changes. (GLR)

Distinguishes between training and facilitation, examines the belief system of a facilitator, and shares a process for moving from the familiar mind-set of the trainer to the zen (the practice of seeking the truth) of facilitation. (GLR)

Explains how the role of staff developer is shifting from setting the agenda for professional growth to helping individuals and schools set their own agenda, advising them on how to carry out their plans, and encouraging them to move forward. (GLR)

Presents results from a two-year study that evaluated an instruction staff development project in the Grand Rapids (Michigan) Public Schools. Findings are presented from classroom observations, teacher interviews, and student tests. The study reveals teacher improvement in their instructional decision making resulting in positive changes in…

Discusses the roles and responsibilities of teacher leaders who help other teachers implement new curricula, noting the perceptions of teachers and administrators regarding teacher leaders. Teacher leaders provide building-level staff development plus individual support. The article looks at changing teacher roles, then presents six elements of…