A solid blend of theory and practice, an effective training system, and continuing support for new teachers are essential elements of teacher preparation, whether it is provided by a university, a district, or a partnership of the two. (Author/TE)

Instead of employing a wide variety of teaching methods in the classroom, teachers should use only a few compatible methods. To choose these methods, teachers must clarify their own beliefs about basic elements of education and must assess the appropriateness and effectiveness of various methods in particular settings. (IW)

Analyzes three characteristics of American public culture that help explain our civic quietism: (1) lack of meaningful information for making informed decisions; (2) lack of democratic rights in the workplace; and (3) lack of a cooperative social vision. American schools as presently organized provide few opportunities for learning and…

Distinguishing between teaching "styles" and teaching "strategies" is important in effective implementation of staff development programs. New strategies--specific techniques for enhancing learning--can provide teachers with (1) new visions of their content areas, their students, and themselves and (2) opportunities for creativity and autonomy in…

Background knowledge is a critical relationship in reading comprehension. Includes a discussion on the classroom application of background knowledge in reading instruction. (MD)

Foremost policy watcher at the Center for the Study of Teaching, Linda Darling-Hammond analyzes the effects of state and district policies on teachers in classrooms, favors full partnership for teachers in decision-making, and points out the importance of the knowledge base for the professionalization of teaching. (TE)

Outlines research on how expert teachers function in the classroom. Shows the structure of an expert teacher's lessons and how she handles content in the teaching of mathematics. The studies suggest that content knowledge is critical and that expert teachers manage time and academic engagement equally well. (MD)

Describes the success of an experienced middle school teacher in balancing her professional and personal values with organizational obligations and responsibilites to students. Encourages administrators to support teachers in the construction, evaluation, and revision of the classroom curriculum and to provide more collegial exchange opportunities…

Even in schools termed "outstanding" by local and state reviews, few teachers demonstrate artful, inspired classroom instruction. Probable causes include (1) the emphasis in schools on order, competency, and basics, (2) random minilectures, (3) teachers' growing old in place, and (4) the dearth of younger career teachers. (IW)

A professor of educational psychology describes the goals of research in progress on the personal characteristics of expert teachers, compares classroom management techniques of expert teachers with those of beginning and student teachers, and criticizes existing teacher evaluation systems for their lack of uniform standards and experienced…

A professor of education returns to the elementary classroom as a teacher's aide and learns that administrators can support teachers by (1) working to eliminate fragmentation in daily routines, (2) protecting teachers from overextension, (3) focusing more on individual students, (4) promoting teacher collegiality, and (5) fashioning a school…

Discusses the necessity for schools to be responsive to the developmental needs of young adolescents in order to develop an effective learning environment. Analyzes the application of the Middle Grades Assessment Program to this effort, as exemplified in the case of the Francisco Middle School in San Francisco, California. (PGD)

Change in the way social issues are addressed depends on our recognizing the value of using issues to improve thinking and decision-making skills and to develop historicalmindedness and a global perspective rather than learning the content of particular topics or the "right" answer about an issue. (Author/DCS)

Reviews critical events in the history of relations between the United States and the Soviet Union, citing seldom-taught facts. Proposes increased emphasis on the study of the Soviet Union and U.S.-Soviet relations and suggests sources educators can use for learning more and making more information available. (PGD)

The excellence of a school lies in the way it directs itself--particularly its professional staff--to improve performance. To meet its obligation to be ever self-improving, the faculty should focus on studying students, creating tailored learning experiences, evaluating long-term school effects, and encouraging diversity. (PGD)