Researchers have long recognized the importance of what teachers need to know, be able to do, and how their beliefs influence their professional decision making and practices. We also know that context matters in clinical practice. The purpose of this study is to explore the nuance between practice, belief, and context. We examine whether change…

Drawing on semistructured interviews with 20 Black male preservice teachers, this article examines one alternative teacher certification program's attempt to support these aspiring educators through an affinity group. Although a growing body of research highlights the challenges preservice Black teachers experience in their preparation programs,…

An important feature of the Math and Science Partnership (MSP) Program of the National Science Foundation is to increase K-12 student achievement in math and science by increasing the quality, quantity, and diversity of the nation's K-12 math and science teachers. Because the underlying supply of math and science teachers is never directly…

Clarifies the meaning of alternative teacher certification (AC), appraises its value relative to other forms of teacher preparation, examines the tension between current initiatives to professionalize teaching and initiatives aimed at more firmly establishing AC programs, and explores how teacher education policies might unfold over the next…

Assesses the design and potential outcomes of alternate route teacher certification programs, noting their perspectives and assumptions about teaching knowledge, teacher preparation, and the relationship to student learning. Alternate routes will be considered successful to the extent that they improve teacher preparation while working in concert…

Identifies questions related to the processes and consequences of alternative teacher certification (AC), answers questions with research-based facts, proposes key elements of a model AC program, and draws conclusions about the directions AC may take and its probable effects on educational reform and on the professionalization of teaching. (SM)

All 15 Southern Regional Education Board states have alternative teacher certification programs (many limited to critical needs). The article examines similarities and differences in state policies, who is entering teaching through the programs, how effective the programs are in preparing teachers, and what the program strengths and weaknesses…

The Los Angeles Unified School District Intern Program uses alternative teacher certification for recruitment and training in large, urban, multicultural school districts. The article examines program effectiveness, candidate characteristics, the kind of professional education provided by alternative routes, and how alternatively educated teachers…

Examines how Connecticut's alternative teacher certification policy objectives have been met during the Alternative Route program's first three years. The program has successfully brought qualified individuals into teaching who contribute excellent subject matter knowledge and professionalism. It has been an external catalyst for change in…

Reviews many aspects of contemporary preservice-teacher-education programs in the U.S., describing the following: the evolution of programs in education; teacher-preparation programs (curriculum, conceptual orientations, program structure, and providers); teacher credentialing and licensure; and current issues in teacher education (education as a…