The purpose of this systematic literature review was to understand trends in field experiences that were part of early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher preparation activities in the United States. Thirteen studies that included an analysis of ECSE teacher candidates (TCs) completing at least one field experience, including…

Since 2010, a substantial number of large-scale, quantitative studies on preparation features associated with teaching effectiveness and retention have emerged. The purpose of this paper is to review this body of evidence and make sense of what it suggests for practitioners and policymakers. The paper begins by describing the groundbreaking work…

There is a paucity of research on what constitutes an ideal special education field experience, and it is not clear which components or activities within a field experience impact a teacher's growth to the greatest extent. Reviewing past research will assist in categorizing the components typically included in field experiences and may assist in…

As the US student population becomes increasingly diverse, teacher education programs need to enable prospective teachers to meet the varied needs and expectations of students and families, while simultaneously creating viable classroom communities. Learning opportunities, such as travel and teaching abroad and the perceptions of "otherness" this…

Presents research that questions the effectiveness and necessity of student teaching as part of the teacher education curriculum. Proposes that practice in teaching skills should occur in the college of education program where mistakes and ideas are valuable openings for discussion and where discussion is immediate. (KS)

In spite of the recent emphasis in preservice teacher education on more and earlier field experiences, studies are challenging the contributions of full-time student teaching to professional growth. Although pragmatic findings favor the inclusion of field experience in teacher preparation programs, the importance of field experience has not been…

Student and cooperating teachers must protect themselves from legal problems by introducing legislation where none exists, particularly on the state level. (LH)

The author visited 12 teacher-education programs in six southern and midwestern states. He reports on current practices in pre-student teaching laboratory training, student teaching, and extended campus programs. (SJL)

An early field experience program is described which attempts to convey the connections between theoretical knowledge and practice to preservice elementary school teachers. The program is guided by John Dewey's concepts of apprenticeship and partnership. Preservice teachers are encouraged to look on their own teaching reflectively. (PP)

Two curriculum development strategies for preservice teachers' field-based experiences are analyzed. It is argued that a "personalized" approach to field-based experiences is misguided, and an "inquiry-oriented" approach is presented as more justifiable. (CJ)

Legal issues relating to field-based experiences in teacher education are discussed, and results of a survey of state statutes pertaining to field experience programs are given. State legislatures, institutions, and administrative agencies have not sufficiently addressed the need for providing high-quality field experiences for student teachers.…

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…

Clinical experiences remain an integral component of teacher preparation programs. One type of clinical experience is the Comprehensive Scope and Sequence Model, which calls for five hierarchical levels of clinical experiences: (1) college classroom practice activities; (2) campus laboratory practice activities; (3) block practicum field…

It is widely accepted that laboratory experiences are both necessary and worthwhile for preservice teacher education. Research has shown little evidence of what exactly happens during student teaching, although studies have illuminated roles and objectives. Guidance in or supervision of field experiences for student teachers often falls primarily…

The working conference "Student Teaching: Problems and Promising Practices" brought together experts representing three different role orientations: cooperating teachers, school system representatives, and teacher educators. Under discussion was the student teaching process and the nature of research that might contribute to its better…