Lorin W. Anderson is Carolina Distinguished Professor of Education at the University of South Carolina, where he has served on the faculty for 27 years. He researches and publishes in the areas of classroom instruction and school learning, effective programs and practices for economically disadvantaged children and youth, the allocation and use of school time, and effective assessment.
This book is about developing a Peer Assistance and Review (PAR) programme, where teacher partnership through joint responsibility improves the quality of teaching, strengthens teacher professionalism, and ultimately, enhances student learning. Peer assistance helps both new and veteran teachers improve and update their knowledge and skills by linking them with "consulting teachers" who provide support through observation, modeling, and sharing of information. Chapters 1 through 4 clearly define teacher peer assistance and review and why it is such a valuable tool for both teachers and administrators. The chapters guide us through the key concepts and major components of the programme, the good decision-making skills needed and asks many of the questions that must be answered in order to successfully implement this programme. Key players, their roles and responsibilities, methods, standards and criteria are also discussed at length. These concepts are skillfully drawn and will help all teachers and administrators from the most novice to the most senior raise the standards of their knowledge while improving the quality of learning for all students. Useful Web sites, sample forms, job descriptions, and applications, and an example of an educational policy trust agreement offer practical how-to help. Both administrators and teachers interested in understanding and incorporating a Peer Assistance and Review program will find this book an essential guide.
