Teacher education has become a scapegoat for the problems of public education. One of the views that must be overcome is that inadequate preparation can be improved by eliminating the preparatory experience altogether. Greater fiscal support is also necessary for quality preparatory programs. (8 references) (CJH)

A study was conducted to determine what competencies Extension employees working in urban areas of Ohio perceived as most necessary. Information on the demographic characteristics of urban Extension employees in the state was also gathered. Data were obtained via a two-part questionnaire mailed to the 46 Extension employees working in the urban…

Describes reorganization of an early childhood education program for teachers at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville. Lists changes in program elements, highlights program goals, describes key conceptual features, and includes student comments as evidence of program effectiveness. Notes that program focus is developing the students' capacity…

This digest identifies characteristics of successful higher education programs in environmental studies and trends in environmental studies programs and courses. Characteristics of programs that have continued for the past two decades are listed. Some of the variables associated with programs that have not continued are identified. Recent trends…

A synthesis and analysis is presented of the on-site evaluations completed on teacher education programs in Maryland over the past decade from 1971-1981. The nationally recognized standards developed by the National Association for State Directors of Teacher Education and Certification (NASDTEC) are the criteria used to examine teacher education…

Describes one department's experience with curriculum development through the formulation of a departmental mission statement reflecting the shared sociological goals of faculty and students. Discusses the process of achieving consensus, the actual mission statement, and the curricular and program implications of such a process. (KO)

This document reports the work and conclusions of a task force appointed to plan for the reorganization of collection development at Steely Library, a primarily undergraduate library with 13 professional librarians on its staff located at Northern Kentucky University (NKU). Task force activities included a thorough review of the relevant…

Examines some of the purposes of environmental education and suggests teaching strategies related to these purposes. Identifies four target groups of professionals who have different needs within a tertiary education setting. Discusses the defining characteristic, major learning outcomes, useful teaching methods, and overall teaching strategies…

A discussion of institutional and program evaluation in higher education focuses on the need for congruence between the purposes of the assessment and the procedures used to accomplish it. The factors relating to success in evaluation are examined, with special attention given to those that promote improvement. (Author/MSE)

Examines causes of the threatened closure of University of Michigan's School of Education (e.g., inadequate enrollment, professional isolation/insulation, imitative research, information gaps, and lack of recognition for innovation). Concludes that the School must maintain a balance of action-oriented research, teaching excellence, and service in…

College science education is at risk of becoming mired in the "reform culture" that has long been problematic in precollege science. A single universal solution to student underpreparedness and lack of sustained interest cannot be found, but a departmental level commitment to change and reallocation of resources is necessary to achieve program…

Practical methods for gaining support for educational programs from national, state, and local leaders are examined in this article. A partnership of this type can promote excellent educational programs by presenting the positive aspects of education. (DF)

Discusses the substantial task facing university counseling centers, outlining the background of those problems. Presents concrete, remedial steps counseling center staffs can take. (RC)

Issues and strategies to enhance the growth of undergraduate social work education programs are described. The six issues discussed apply to either undergraduate programs that are autonomous social work programs (such as departments of social work) or to programs located in sociology departments, combined with sociology, or combined with other…

Discusses how problem-solving networks can be incorporated into courses. Reports on the development of a new style of pictorial network that can assist students in the handling of experimental data. (CW)