Dimensions of teacher development that warrant special attention in the move to improve the quality of the experienced teacher work force are discussed. Common features of teacher development programs, characteristics of effective programs, and elements commonly omitted from programs are described. (DF)

A critical review of the Preservice Teacher Education Improvement Project observes both the project as a whole and the efforts of the various institutions involved. An alternative view for improving teacher education programs is suggested. (DF)

Effective improvement of accreditation standards for teacher education institutions must deal with deeply rooted problems such as inadequate educational finance and staffing. (LH)

The author applies the evolutionary idea of reciprocal relationships between people and their environment to the possibilities for change in teacher education. Teaching as an intellectual activity and the need for interdisciplinary study are advocated. (MT)

The improvement of teacher education will require educators to broaden the philosophic base of education, engage in constructive dialogue with critics, establish high standards of competence, and widen the base of educational research and development. (JD)

Educational psychology must develop precise definitions regarding curriculum, clientele, research needs and emphases, and accountability. (LH)

A retrospective look at the Preservice Teacher Education Project shows both the benefits and shortcomings of the program. Involvement of institutions in this program indicates interest and need for support systems to help facilitate change in teacher education programs. (DF)

Research is often seen only as a method of encouraging preservice teachers to engage in certain behaviors. This article proposes that research can be used to increase teacher options, provide understanding of the school as a workplace, provide a technical area of teaching, promote questioning and reflection, and provide consumer protection. (DF)

The key to improving teacher education programs and their graduates is an integrative general education curriculum and reform in the conduct of college teaching across the disciplines, with leadership emerging from schools, colleges, and departments of education. (Author/CB)

Excerpts from observers of the conference "Policies, Practices, and Research in Teacher Education: Beyond the Looking Glass" illustrate the variety of recommendations to improve teacher education and the quality of teaching that emerged during this conference. Conference observers were Hendrik Gideonse, Shirley Hord, Thomas J. Lasley, Preston…

In teacher education's current atmosphere of challenge, perplexity, and moral and intellectual crisis, there are at least three responses: (1) technicist, involving a strategic retreat into scientism and machines, laboratories, and computers; (2) Mandarin, involving traditional centers of learning among books and inspirational prose; and (3)…

A response to articles by Alan Tom and Richard Wisniewski (November-December 1981 Journal of Teacher Education) is offered. Alternatives to the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) standards are considered. It is suggested that higher selection standards for teachers be coupled with financial incentives. (PP)

The editors of this issue of the "Journal for Teacher Education" invited experienced scholars working in different teacher education fields and research traditions to share their bold ideas drawn from personal understandings of their fields and research. The new editorial team for the "Journal of Teacher Education" has published these scholars'…