Two beginning teacher educators exchanged letters documenting their experiences and highlighting contexts and demands associated with their roles and institutional expectations. Five years later, they reviewed their letters and now present an open letter to Deans of Education raising issues related to the induction and work of beginning teacher…

Describes a technology-mediated field experience for preservice teachers built on an emerging Professional Development School network and a two-way television system. Surveys of participants in both televised and in-person observations indicated students preferred in-person observations, though very few said they observed educationally sound…

Describes the effects of a professional development institute to promote critical self-reflection on preservice teachers' attitudes and knowledge about diversity. Data analysis of 18 usable surveys indicated increased postinstitute confidence in abilities to plan for multicultural instruction and recognize student's learning needs. The confidence…

The articles in this special section on quality assurance describe current and future efforts to create a coherent system of teacher preparation and development. Various experts discuss the status of the teaching profession, new accreditation and licensing developments, state reform movements, National Board Certification effects, and the need for…

Identifies and describes misconceptions held by preservice elementary teachers about the greenhouse effect, atmospheric ozone, and acid precipitation. (Contains 28 references.) (DDR)

Introduces an 11-step organizational audit designed to help administrators in the sport and activity sector, as well as the traditional business sector, create a friendly, encouraging environment for all. The 11 steps are: empowerment; rewards; evaluation; mission statement; policy manuals; resources; communication; organizational structure;…

Profiles two middle school teacher-education programs: (1) the undergraduate program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; and (2) the graduate program at Maryville University in St. Louis County, Missouri. Emphasizes the need to provide special preparation to the teachers at this level. Discusses problems related to the rarity of…

This study compared changes in stress scores of preservice teachers in a traditional teacher preparation program and a pilot professional development school (PDS). Data from the Teacher Stress Scale, taken before and after the field experiences, showed statistically significant increases in stress during the culminating field experience for PDS…

Describes two federally-funded rural teacher education networking programs designed to introduce telecommunications to practicing teachers. The projects mobilized school personnel, introduced some students to information technologies, provided focus for discussions and interactions, and made administrators aware of the issues and possibilities.…

Examines key influences on science teaching and teacher education since 1955. Suggests a new paradigm for elementary science teacher education. Presents case for three theoretical constructs that can inform policy and programs in science teacher education: constructivism, reflection, and professional community. Suggests that because of the…

One of five articles in the second section "Deepening Relationships through PDS Brings Change in Practice," this article details some of the hard-to-discuss problems that occur in professional development school partnerships, suggesting that discussion cases can help facilitate communication. A sample discussion case is presented, with suggestions…

This article describes the six components of the policy framework developed by the Consortium on Inclusive Schooling Practices to guide its training and technical assistance efforts across multiple states and districts. The framework incorporates standards-based reform within an inclusive schooling perspective. Ways this tool can be used are…

This article describes the implementation and outcomes of a teacher-directed professional development program for 33 general and special education teachers that was designed to increase the awareness of culturally influenced learning and behavioral differences in the classroom. Results indicate an increase in teachers' depth of knowledge regarding…

This article lists programs of advanced study for professionals working with children and adults with deafness or hearing impairments. The programs are designed to develop professional leadership among rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, audiologists, media personnel, and others. Alphabetized by state, contact information is provided for…

This article reviews factors affecting the persistent underrepresentation of black students in gifted education and offers suggestions for recruiting and retaining these students. It is argued that a deficit orientation held by educators hinders access to gifted programs for diverse students, and that too often educators interpret differences as…