A discussion of the work of Lev Vygotsky in the field of cognitive development focuses on how the Vygotskian concepts of internalization and mediated knowledge are crucial to the development of both learner and teacher autonomy in second language instruction. Focus is on theory, with empirical studies used as illustration. First, the Vygotskian…

The examination of teachers' perceptions of the role of parent and teacher participation in shared decision making provides insight on whether teachers view themselves as influencing decision making at their schools. The study explored the perceptions that Florida teachers of the year have about the involvement of teachers, administrators, and…

Educational reformers tend to see teachers as passive consumers of innovations, while teachers view themselves as powerful, active, and autonomous in the classroom. Reform efforts have created the conditions for a power struggle over curriculum implementation. Future efforts must take into account these power relationships. (PP)

Questions growing out of the Education for All Handicapped Children Act are provided, and United States Supreme Court rulings in "Board of Education of the Hendrick Hudson Central School District versus Amy Rowley," a deaf child, are reviewed. The Court's decision is not viewed as a threat to educators' professional autonomy. (PP)

H. S. Bhola's models of planned change can contribute to the understanding of change processes and clarify the role of power in change. They do not, however, deal with problems such as resource dependency, which educational administrators face. Attitudes may interfere with acceptance of the models. (PP)

Investigates social communications skills of 709 principals working in restructured schools, using the Social Skills Inventory. Results suggest generally marginal social skills among these principals. Positive associations were found between social competence and female gender, higher education levels, larger school size, urban school locus,…

The recent examination of the curriculum and examination systems of France and the Netherlands overlooks the real process of creating a national consensus around standards in the Netherlands, balancing local autonomy and national standards. A comment by the original authors acknowledges the implications of the Dutch approach for U.S. standards.…

This fall, about 700 charter schools will be operating in 26 states. Superintendents acknowledge that their own role often depends on a specific state's legislation. Some districts, like two Colorado systems, offer intensive support to charters. Some superintendents find working with charters to be risky and contentious, as staff struggle to…

This article identifies potential challenges facing professionals who work and who plan to work with speech-language pathology assistants, including job security, professional confidence, work efficiency, supervisory training, preservice training, the effect of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association's policies, professional autonomy, and…

This article investigates the uncertain history of academic freedom in public schools, from the viewpoint of the courts' understanding and related commentaries. Also considered is the magnitude of teachers' classroom discretion, and whether courts are likely to treat content and pedagogical conflicts differently. (IAH)

This article identifies five elements which are incorporated into the developmental sequence that occurs when a job role progresses from occupation to profession. A self-assessment form is presented to enable each HPERD (health, physical education, recreation, dance) field to assess its progress toward becoming a profession. (IAH)

Discusses factors that may result in a lack of professional pride among librarians, and suggests that by examining past and present situations the profession can consider future options with pride. Recent changes in and adaptations by the publishing industry are cited to illustrate this point. (nine references) (CLB)

Clout, or the authority invoked in certain situations, is discussed as it pertains to public relations officers. Five ways to cultivate the president are presented and some effective power plays are described. (MLW)

Contends that criteria favored by "effective schools" research tend to overlook, or even foster, bland and unimaginative teaching, because of preoccupation with results of instruction and a corresponding lack of attention to teaching itself. The prevailing emphasis on management by results should therefore be supplemented by professional…

Discusses the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and its plan for voluntary national certification of elementary and secondary teachers. Suggests reasons for the lack of national standards for teachers in the past. Describes a proposed certification system that involves performance-based evaluations and an emphasis on independence…