Research has revealed that a small percentage of weekly instructional time in the elementary grades is dedicated to teaching science. Additionally, elementary educators receive limited preparation to teach science concepts compared to math or literacy skills. Therefore, this study examined if utilizing poetry to teach science concepts had a…

A component of the "No Child Left Behind" Act (NCLB) (PL 107-110) is its emphasis on the importance of systematic and explicit instruction in early reading using practices that are grounded in scientific research. The Reading First legislation (Title I, Part B, Subpart 1) within NCLB is designed to support state and local education…

Local school systems, Local Education Agencies [LEAs], and universities, Institutions of Higher Education [IHEs], work together in a variety of ways in the initial preparation and ongoing professional development of teachers, although it is difficult to ascertain the number of LEA/IHE partnerships. These relationships typically allow for a…

A five-session program was found to be effective in increasing preservice teachers' knowledge about computers and fostering some positive attitudes toward computers and their use in schools. A list of program objectives and a discussion of computer literacy models for teacher training are included. (JN)

The Digest of Helping Programs presented in this volume describes exemplary support programs for beginning teachers in the United States. Twenty-four programs are included, of which four are described in considerable detail. Comprehensive descriptions are given of the following programs: (1) The Stanford University Intern Program; (2) The Resident…

This article delineates several problems confronting preparation programs for teachers of the visually impaired and explores possible remedial actions. The basic premise is that personnel preparation needs in blindness and visual impairment fields cannot be met by traditional, inflexible training programs. Six recommendations for changes and five…

Discusses the change in kindergarten from an emergency or welfare institution to an integral part of family life and early education. Argues that, although the nature of kindergarten has changed, the training of kindergarten teachers has not. Suggests that future kindergarten teachers be trained in teaching theory rather than just personality…

Describes a program in operation since 1972 which enables university students from Newfoundland to do student teaching in England. Reports results of a survey that asked the program's first participants to evaluate, in retrospect, the strengths and weaknesses of that cross-cultural teaching experience. (JHZ)

The limitations and unique contributions of experiential learning across the learning-to-teach continuum (pretraining phase, preservice phase, inservice phase/on-the-job learning) were examined. Three vignettes are presented that describe specific examples of firsthand experience: student teaching, exploratory field experiences, and the field as a…

Describes procedures used to develop effective speaking skills for health education majors at the University of Lowell, emphasizing the positive, stepwise approach of the three-year program. Includes a detailed evaluation form that lets students know what is expected in oral presentations and enables professors to be consistent in their…

This booklet is designed to help Professional Development School (PDS) planners and implementers who seek guidance in designing and carrying out impact documentation. It can also help students, researchers, and policymakers interested in investigating PDS effectiveness. The booklet offers a conceptual framework for conducting impact documentation,…

This is the first report on a series of evaluative studies being undertaken by the Council on Teacher Education, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for its preservice teacher education programs. When fully implemented, the program will include information from graduates (1 and 3 years following graduation), from current students (upon…

There continues to be a great deal of debate about the role that field experiences play in teacher development and about the relative contribution of various individual and institutional factors to the socialization process. Field experiences in teacher education entail a complex set of interactions among program features, settings, and people…

This article reports findings from a qualitative interview study that examined the provision of integrated kindergarten education for children with disabilities from the perspectives of general education teachers implementing integrated kindergarten programs. Analysis of interviews with eight informants led to the identification of two broad…

Cooperating teachers rated student teachers on ability to work with children having learning disabilities and/or emotional/behavior disorders. No significant differences were found between students with prior special education field experience and those without. Further research is needed to identify training methods that increase ability to work…