Bernard Shaw viewed the theatre as a powerful platform for social change, intertwining politics and drama in his work. He believed that the stage served as a modern temple of the arts, allowing him to convey his socialist ideals and messages effectively. Through his plays, Shaw aimed to provoke thought and inspire action within the community, showcasing the potential of the theatre to address societal issues.
What is the impact of implementing standards-based writing instruction on teacher beliefs and practices? Although initially skeptical, middle school teachers who collaborated to develop and use common assessments, rubrics, and exemplars came to believe that these practices helped nearly all of their students achieve at higher levels. A key element of the change process was a high level of informal collaboration as a tool for professional development. Teachers worked together to develop common assessments, look at student work, select and share writing exemplars, and discuss instructional strategies in both informal and formal sessions. Implications for practice include the need for specific and structured support systems for the implementation of standards-based instruction and the need to design job-embedded professional development systems for adult learners. Additionally, school cultures that encourage collaboration are essential to successful implementation of standards-based teaching and learning.