With increasing awareness of the importance of teacher quality for student learning, education policy leaders have turned their attention to the nation's teacher training programs as a potential target for reform. One proposed strategy is to increase competition for university-based programs by encouraging new program types. This study examines…

In a recently published article, it was suggested that program evaluation in teacher education is unsophisticated and poorly conducted. Arguments are presented to show that the article presents a limited view of program evaluation efforts being conducted in schools of education. (JN)

The trend toward expanding the normal four-year teacher education program into a fifth year is discussed, and the University of Kansas extended program is described. A major criticism of the Kansas program was that a better analysis of educational needs should have preceded implementation of the lengthened teacher education program. (PP)

Results of a survey of preservice and follow-up evaluation practices at teacher education institutions are reported and interpreted. Findings include: (1) more institutions are evaluating their programs than reviews of the literature indicate; and (2) teacher educators need assistance with developing and conducting program evaluation. (PP)