This text presents an approach to early childhood intervention that emphasises emotional and self-development in a family-focused and relationship-centered format - that is, the supportive play model (SPM).

This text examines, through case studies of elementary and secondary school classrooms, how five schools have developed authentic, performance-based assessments of students' learning and how this work has interacted with and influenced the experiences students encounter.

In 1974, Central Park East Elementary School in East Harlem opened its doors with a mission to provide inner-city children with the finest educators and pedagogy available. This work is a collection of stories by the former pupils of one of the most academically enriching schools in the US.

This work, based on a model professional development programme, gives powerful proof that urban teachers can ignite curiosity and promote deep understanding in children when provided with the necessary intellectual infrastructure - including a complex balance of increased science knowledge, a safe environment for professional experimentation, and a long-term interaction with colleagues. The ensuing invigoration and renewed dedication of programme participants belies the inevitability of the projected national science teacher shortage.

This work weaves compelling stories and narrative into new possibilities for American education. All students at the Met School have a personalized curriculum, where they stay with the same teacher for four years. This work offers ideas and strategies for improving schools.

This book explores the power of using media education to help urban teenagers develop their critical thinking and literacy skills. Drawing on his twenty years of experience working with inner-city youth at the acclaimed Educational Video Center (EVC) in New York City, Steven Goodman looks closely at both the problems and possibilities of this model of media education.

The National Writing Project has become one of the most influential and longest lasting professional development programs in the history of the United States. With 175 school/university sites in 49 states, it has the reputation or being a career-altering professional development experience. This volume looks at the National Writing Project, analyzes what makes it so successful, and shows how other professional development efforts can learn from it.

Featuring engaging narratives, this how-to book delves into reflection as a concept and provides specific, replicable tools for professional practice. Each chapter draws on a particular school situation demonstrating the value of teacher reflection and describing the nuts and bolts of the process, including protocols for handling many different circumstances.

Drawing on empirical research, practitioner action inquiry, and field-tested practices from induction programs, this book explores effective mentoring in diverse educational contexts.

Building on extensive evidence that school-based teacher learning communities improve student outcomes, this book lays out an agenda to develop and sustain collaborative professional cultures. McLaughlin and Talbert--foremost scholars of school change and teaching contexts--provide an inside look at the processes, resources, and system strategies that are necessary to build vibrant school-based teacher learning communities.