The report describes a special program at the University of Rochester (New York) which annually offers up to 20 students a tuition-free fifth year of education. The program is intended to allow students to study subjects distant from the requirements of their concentrations. Students present their intellectual ambitions in an application process…

A reform effort in the initial preparation of teachers has focused upon extended teacher education programs. Future teachers must know academic subject matter thoroughly, have a comprehensive understanding of the principles of human development and learning, and be able to apply their education and training effectively prior to becoming fully…

Articles on improving preservice teacher education, with particular considerations on proposed five-year programs, are featured in this theme issue. In "Fifth Year Teacher Preparation: A Solution in Search Of a Problem," Alan R. Tom weighs the pros and cons of extending teacher preparation for a fifth year, noting the fact that…

This paper discusses the connection between the restructuring of a preservice teacher education and the students' understanding of the working relationship between educational theory and teaching practices. An inquiry-based framework used for an extended degree program at a British university is discussed. (Author/PP)

Problem areas with the curriculum at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Rutgers Medical School were identified: imbalance in class hours in the academic schedule, excessive number of lectures, and need for more small group sessions during the basic science education. (MLW)

An evaluation of a Des Moines program, in which the relationship of student background and program achievement was examined, is summarized. It was found that more instruction in English was beneficial in the first year of schooling, but had diminishing effects during the second and third years. Implications for similar programs are discussed. (MSE)

The University of New Hampshire's five-year teacher education program attracts students who are academically able and compare favorably with students in other graduate departments. The program is described, and information about students' attitudes and aspirations is given. (PP)

DeVry Inc., one of the nation's largest for-profit postsecondary education systems, has been aggressive and successful, expanding to 13 technical institutes in the United States and Canada. The company specializes in providing high-school graduates seeking technical jobs and older workers needing additional training with no-frills, skills-based…

Efforts to reform teacher education are widespread, but each has different priorities. Common threads include extending teacher training programs to five years, forging closer relations with public schools, emphasizing technology, and placing prospective teachers in the schools more frequently. However, faculty resistance and tight budgets inhibit…

Data from 249 providers of pharmacy continuing education and for 6,670 programs for 1989 are summarized and compared with data from 1980 and 1985. Results show more providers, a 2.5-fold increase in programs offered, slightly lower tuition per program, continued decrease in program length, and increased availability of correspondence programs.…

This program description, written for psychology curriculum developers and faculty, addresses the design, problems, and benefits of incorporating a respecialization course of study into the existing psychology clincial training program at the University of Massachusetts. An example of the individualized curriculum designed to meet the clinical and…

This paper focuses on different ways of conceiving and carrying out teacher preparation. It examines some ideas about how teachers should be prepared and offers some frameworks for looking at distinctive approaches and alternatives. It also discusses the state of the art concerning programs of initial teacher preparation and indicates where…

The teacher education program at Doane College (Nebraska) was substantially overhauled to provide additional support for beginning teachers. Program changes include raising admission and graduate requirements, offering graduate courses and supervision for new teachers, and cooperative activities with the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. (PP)

A recent federal welfare reform law requires each state to provide basic education and job training programs, in which colleges have a major role. Areas of disagreement between state and institutions include program length, the role of proprietary schools, and funding adequacy. (MSE)

The People's Republic of China's three-level system of education for physicians and all other health occupations is compared and contrasted with U.S. medical education. Aspects of administrative organization, curriculum, faculty, and program construction are considered. (MSE)