A process was developed to create Web-based video models of effective instructional practices for use in teacher education settings. Three video models, created at three university sites, demonstrated exemplary implementation of specific, evidence-based strategies in reading, math, and science. Video models of strategies were field tested with preservice and practicing teachers working with diverse student populations. The authors provide an explanation of the video development process and present field-test data that demonstrate the influence of video modeling on teacher learning.

Ms. Carlisi teaches middle school mathematics for students who were retained at least 1 year and who were identified as at risk of failure in mathematics. About half of her class of 14 students has identified learning disabilities and/or emotional and behavioral difficulties. Ms. Carlisi worries constantly that she is not going to be able to help them “catch up” by the time they take the mandated state high-stakes standardized assessment. Ms. Carlisi knows her students need to build proficiency in fractions. Her students continue to demonstrate difficulties despite previous instruction. She decides to use Mathematics Dynamic Assessment (MDA) to help her students. MDA is an informal mathematics assessment process that integrates four research-supported assessment practices for struggling learners: Assessment of students' interests and experiences. Concrete-representational-abstract assessment within authentic contexts. Error pattern analyses. Flexible interviews. The MDA process provides teachers with important information about what students do and do not understand about foundational mathematics concepts, students' levels of understanding and abilities to express their understandings, and where students are in the learning sequence (frustration, instructional, mastery). The data collected through the MDA process provide teachers with an in-depth evaluation of their students' mathematical understandings and thinking that allows teachers to plan their instruction to address students' specific mathematical learning needs. Ms. Carlisi structures an MDA in the area of fractions with an emphasis on comparing fractions, an area in which her students demonstrate difficulty.

Professional dispositions focus on behaviors reflective of effective teaching and professional interactions. The impetus and rationale for this initiative is discussed and the steps and timeline in development outlined. The resulting program is described along with procedures for implementation and proposed next steps.

With the advent of legislation such as the current Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the inclusion of students with disabilities in schools has steadily increased. More recently, the level of language and cultural diversity represented in public schools has also increased. Consequently, today's classrooms include students with a wide range of learning needs. For example, Carlos has a language-based learning problem, Ben struggles with attention problems, Maria's weak reading skills interfere with her learning in all areas, and Jason has superior cognitive ability but great difficulty with mathematics. Classrooms rich in diversity most decidedly do exist—classrooms that give all students opportunities to learn about differences and abilities and about how to celebrate individuality while building communities. They can be wonderful learning environments for our children.