Recent research demonstrates that teacher quality has a greater impact on student achievement than any other educational factor. Yet there is concern that overall teacher quality is variable, and hard-to-staff schools (i.e., high poverty and minority schools) have an even more difficult time recruiting and retaining quality teachers. The No Child…

This study is aimed at assessing the state of Philippine secondary school physics education using data from a nationwide survey of 464 schools and 767 physics teachers and at identifying challenges for substantive improvements. Teacher-related indicators revealed academic qualification deficiency, low continuing professional involvements,…

A series of studies of the experience of employers with schools and their graduates in the 1980s has established that employers want employees with cognitive and subject matter skills, but with other skills as well. These skills are summarized, and the development of an Employment Readiness Profile is proposed, which would be an assessment…

This publication consists of 14 selected papers prepared for an international workshop on the problems and relationship between producing vocational competencies for skilled-worker level occupations and controlling and certifying these competencies. Part I outlines the production life and labor market contexts of vocational training and…

Following a review of Alberta (Canada) provincial policies related to teacher preparation, certification, evaluation, and professional development, the Council on Alberta Teaching Standards advised the Minister of Education on ideas that should be included in a framework to improve educational quality. The policy positions outlined in this paper…

This book describes the initial and continuing professional development of the various teachers and trainers involved in initial vocational training for youth in Italy, Ireland, and Portugal. The book contains separate, but similarly formatted, sections for each country. The following are topics are discussed in all three country reports: initial…

Although the research in teacher-librarianship provides evidence for decision-making in the design of appropriate education programs for teacher-librarians and effective school resource centers, the research base is not necessarily reflected in programs of education for teacher-librarians. This paper provides a definition of the terms…

A study examined attitudes of Irish employers toward vocational training (VT) activities, state agencies responsible for administering VT, and the skills that employees would need in the future. Of a sample of 500 firms that were selected as being representative from the standpoints of size, sector, location, and form of ownership, 219 were…

This report examines a grass-roots movement for teacher diversity and development: paraeducator pathways into teaching. The desire to recruit a more diverse pool of teachers for urban schools and critical shortage areas has spurned a renewed interest in paraprofessional career opportunity programs. The 149 paraeducator-to-teacher programs…

This packet contains materials related to North Carolina's alternative certification procedure for English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) teachers. The certification option is available to individuals already certified in some other teaching area who have been assigned to ESL instruction. Six documents are included: (1) a summary of procedures for…

The role of the early childhood director has been a neglected area of research in Australia. This study set out to address the gap in understanding of directors and the administration/management function in child care and preschool settings. Through a survey of practicing directors and a series of follow-up interviews with selected respondents,…

This guide was designed to help middle school students plan career paths and make career choices. The booklet is organized in four sections, each intended to guide students in their career development process. The first section focuses on self-awareness as part of career exploration. The second section features five career clusters and related job…

This book re-examines the reflective, controversial voice of John Dewey. Educators and policymakers must take into account various social, political, economic, philosophical, and professional considerations that influence both formal and informal education. Following the introduction by Harvey Neufeldt called "School Reform in Dewey's…

In the future, as societies become more technologically demanding and families find less time for socializing their young, the power of the early childhood educator (ECE) will grow. The role must be professionalized. First and foremost, child development knowledge must be the foundation of ECE expertise. Within the curriculum, the building of…

This report examines the status of elementary and secondary teaching as a profession in the United States. The primary data source is the 1990-91 Schools and Staffing Survey (SASS) conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics. The sample used contains data from 11,589 schools. This report assesses levels of teacher professionalization…