Aiming for Superior Classroom Instruction for All Children

The success of school reform efforts in general and the Regular Education Initiative in particular will be dependent to a large extent on the quality of staff development programs and an understanding of the culture of the school. A review of relevant literature provides the context for construction of a model of staff development that includes (a) understanding of the underlying theory of the innovation; (b) multiple demonstrations of the innovation; (c) opportunities for practice in the training setting; and (d) coaching to facilitate transfer and integration. Application of the model in a low-income, low achieving middle school is described, and implications for the Regular Education Initiative are discussed.