Teachers Teaching Teachers, September 2008, Vol. 4, No. 1
Tap the power of peers
Read how peer-to-peer professional learning strategies can transform teaching practice, as well as a school's culture, to improve student learning. Easton shares several examples of learning strategies along with an explanation of how meaningful professional learning communities further schools' goals for students.
By Lois Brown Easton
Lessons from a coach: Patience helps explain the role
While new coaches may need time to adjust to their roles in schools, the teachers they work with also need time to understand how coaches can best support their work with students. Amber Jones shares one of her challenges as an instructional specialist with the Allen Independent School District in Allen, Texas.
Voice of a teacher leader: Newest colleagues need our help
Despite their obvious enthusiasm and energy, new teachers are vulnerable. Statistics indicate that more than 30% of new teachers will be gone within three years. The difficulties of the profession are certainly numerous, but as Ferriter points out, time will lead teachers to develop the craft knowledge and confidence they need to succeed. Ferriter asks veteran teachers to lend a hand to the newest teachers in their building. How will you provide that support?
By Bill Ferriter
Focus on NSDC's standards: Put data through their paces
While data have the potential to drive change in schools, data alone aren't worth a thing. Educators need to know how to use data effectively to make a difference. Killion takes coaches and teacher leaders through three critical steps to make use of data as schools strive to implement NSDC's Data-driven standard. (Available to the public.)
By Joellen Killion
Research brief: How to teach students to write
A recent study published by the Alliance for Excellent Education identifies 11 instructional elements that have shown positive effects on writing quality among students in grades 4-11. Read more and learn which elements are most effective and how instruction can best be tailored to meet the needs of students with learning disabilities.
By Carla Thomas McClure
NSDC tool: Self-assessment of implementation of NSDC's Context standards
School improvement teams, school boards, and district staff development committees can use this survey to view a variety of perspectives on how well the group measures up in using NSDC's Context standards. (Available to the public.)
