States the reasons the Office of Teacher Education at the Irvine campus of the University of California decided to offer alternatives to traditional teacher education programs, gives a number of items to consider in creating such alternatives, and sets forth selection and evaluation criteria that can help ensure a quality alternative program. (FL)

Offers suggestions for improving the relationship between teacher training institutes and the schools in which they place student teachers. (FL)

Described is a program, with developmental stages and focus areas, which has the potential for guiding supervising teachers, university supervisors, and coordinators of field experiences as they design and implement inservice programs directed toward improving the student teaching experience. (KC)