As schools and teachers utilize data-driven decision-making processes to identify and remediate struggling students, systemic conditions that contribute to students' learning opportunities are often ignored. This longitudinal mixed-methods study examines the use of an equity audit as a critical data-driven decision-making tool in a graduate course…

Recently, interdisciplinary instruction has come back to the educational scene, specifically supported through the Common Core State Standards. As teacher educators and former middle-level teachers, the authors see this as a positive move to enhance learning for adolescents. This qualitative study sought to answer: How do secondary preservice and…

Teacher efficacy represents a powerful influence on the behaviors of teachers due to its impact on instructional choice, effort, and persistence. Yet few studies have been conducted examining differences in efficacy among groups of teachers with varying levels of experience, including those still engaged in teacher preparation programs. This study…

This study compared the effectiveness of three teacher education programs in terms of their impact on teacher competencies. The programs include a traditional 4-year teacher certification program, an alternative certification-based master of arts in teaching program, and an alternative certification program without the master degree option. The…

This article describes an investigation into the use of self-assessment to facilitate students' learning in teacher education. The study aimed to explore whether there were any changes in students' teaching and learning practice after using self-assessment. Participants comprised 47 students who were enrolled in an in-service teacher education…

This article examines how preservice and in-service teachers can be prepared to understand and implement school law. First, we report on research findings about what teachers know, do not know, and want to know about education law and where they get their information. Second, we identify the current norms, practices, and implications of preservice…

This article provides an overview of current teacher induction programs. The need for such programs, sources of existing programs, and the need for comparative analysis of program types are addressed. (Author/MT)

This research review considers the literature on monitoring in education, suggests considerations for successful monitoring programs, and includes a selected bibliography of additional readings on mentorship. (CB)

The increasing number of states requiring periodic renewal of teacher certification has intensified the need for setting standards and systematic review. Because recertification is not accomplished within the context of a program, the criteria used are solely those of the state education agency. Quality assurance mechanisms are needed. (MT)

The Emporia State University induction program for first year teachers is described. The format of the program, topics addressed, and program evaluation are discussed. (MT)

Guidelines are provided for developing educational programs for cooperating teachers, or other teachers who work with beginning teachers. The guidelines have eight essential components which can be categorized as procedural, substantive, or knowledge components. (IAH)

Movies with teachers as main characters provide a powerful medium of instruction in the teacher-education classroom. The authors describe a graduate course for practicing teachers, "The Portrayal of Teachers in Film," in which such movies stimulate the examination of trends in the portrayal of teachers and serve as springboards for the exploration…

Most school systems fail to provide appropriate conditions for training employees. Individualizing staff development is an effective approach, although it requires a strong commitment by both teachers and school districts. Options of a program, the time involved, and cost are discussed. (MT)

Hints are presented for conducting an inservice teacher workshop on computers: (1) address major ideas (rather than intricate details) related to computers; (2) offer "hands-on" experience; (3) provide a reassuring atmosphere; and (4) gain insights by examining why teachers don't use computers. (CJB)

This article reports on characteristics of teacher centers which distinguish them from other approaches to inservice teacher education. (JD)