Responds to Robert Slavin's criticism of the Hunter model by listing recent research projects validating this teaching strategy. Defends the Hunter model as an effort to change teaching decisions based on tradition and folklore to theory based on judgments and wisdom. (MLH)

American culture attributes success and failure to four factors (native ability, effort, task difficulty, and luck) existing on three continuums (locus, stability, and controllability). This article applies attribution theory to students' beliefs concerning their present and future academic performance and explores implications for both students…

Madeline Hunter replies to the criticism in the previous article. She feels that the current teacher decision-making model is effective. (MD)

Discusses the biases that can be built into preobservation conferences in teacher evaluations. Argues for the elimination of such conferences. Points out that skillful observation combined with analytical feedback in teacher evaluation increases teacher effectiveness. (MD)

The Hunter Model is designed to guide behavior, predict outcomes, and stimulate research. Those who seek more may be expecting too much; those who find less may not be using the model appropriately. (Author)

The advantages of "script taking" for use as a supervisory skill are presented. It is an easy and efficient alternative to expensive electronic taping in observing teacher performance. (MD)

A teacher training program includes the production of filmed and taped episodes demonstrating each category of decision in effective teaching and a diagnostic prescriptive observation instrument of the process of teaching. (Author/MLF)

Generalizations are made about the different purposes and outcomes of supervisory conferences. Examples are provided. (Author/MLF)

Discusses a "tri-dimensional approach" to individualized instruction that is based on determination of 1) the correct level of difficulty for every student, 2) the appropriate learning behavior in a deliberately arranged environment, and 3) the appropriate teacher behavior to facilitate achievement. (JG)

In their article in the same "Educational Leadership" issue, Berg and Clough reached erroneous conclusions about the Hunter lesson design by pulling sentences out of context to support their viewpoint. The instructional elements advanced in "Mastery Teaching" amply allow for higher level thinking, building on student interests,…

Even schools with well-developed volunteer training programs overlook vast opportunities for curricular enrichment through use of parent volunteers' varied skills. These are three categories of parents' competencies: skills in hobbies and crafts, direct knowledge and experience concerning occupations, and knowledge about different cultures. (MLH)

Commends Mandeville and Rivers' article in the same "Educational Leadership" issue for demonstrating familiarity with the Hunter staff development model and acknowledging the importance of proper implementation strategies. Presents evidence showing that abbreviated training periods and insufficient coaching are to blame for the model's…