Reports on a study of the background and training of 178 economics teachers in 114 high schools in western New York State. Contends that teachers with no background have greater difficulty teaching economic topics than teachers trained in economics. (CFR)

Use of a critical approach in a curriculum design course for preservice teachers, by a five-phase process, would offer a beneficial shift away from the dominant "objectives first" models. This approach allows most teachers to reevaluate the processes and perspectives involved in educating children. (86 references) (CJH)

In the 1980s, the passage of two laws--Chapter 75 of the Texas Education Code (providing for a well-balanced curriculum) and Texas Senate bill 50 (mandating teacher testing prior to certification)--has led to many changes in elementary and early childhood education as well as teacher education in Texas. In teacher education programs, course…