A University of Montana graduate program used an interdisciplinary approach to train rural special physical educators. Program elements included a basis in the notion of universal excellence, interdisciplinary student recruitment, metacognition training, rural transfer and adaptation strategies, and establishing rural school districts as practicum…

Highlights the strengths of the Advanced Placement American Government and Politics program and observes the program produces students who do well in college. Mentions a major weakness is the educational background of the instructors, and recommends using summer teaching institutes to ensure a minimal level of competency. (NL)

Results are reported from an analysis of institutional reform efforts of 50 teacher education institutions. Six types of reform are discussed: new connections with arts and sciences faculty, teacher and school collaborations, professional development schools, internships, professional studies, and new organizational partnerships. (IAH)

This study provides follow-up data from surveys of practicing elementary and secondary teachers (N=80) who completed a curriculum infusion model at a large midwestern teachers' college. Most had had no contact with disabled students during student teaching and reported receiving inadequate training in Individual Education Plans, classroom…

Describes the Child Development Associate program, administered by the Council for Early Childhood Professional Recognition. (BB)

Discusses the claims in law and teaching concerning the educative power of cases and the role they should play in professional preparation. Reflects upon the case method and compares case traditions in law and teaching. Comments on the lessons that can be learned about the application of case methods to teacher education. (KO)

Evaluated the effectiveness of mathematics inservice for elementary teachers delivered in an institute format to improve the teachers' ability to provide meaningful, effective mathematics instruction. Describes the institute program and provides teachers' responses to questions related to mathematics teaching after the institute. (YP)

Interview data from a study investigating perceptions and attitudes of teachers toward their work provides the basis for this article which examines the metaphorical language teachers use to describe their experience and sketches an outline of the meaning of work as perceived by teachers, school systems and society. (IAH)

Structure, intentions, and outcomes of the first year curriculum of the Brackenidge Internship in Teaching Project are described. The 17 interns, selected while high school seniors, receive forgivable $26,000 loans in exchange for two years teaching. The project addresses problems in recruitment, preparation, and retention of academically talented…

A survey of teacher education faculty and graduate students (most were practicing teachers) in 44 colleges indicated 66 percent of faculty respondents and 81 percent of student respondents supported increased field experience to improve teacher preparation programs. Less than one-third of the respondents consistently supported increases in liberal…

Findings are reported from a large-scale study examining beliefs (expectations, priorities, values) of teachers, students, and parents regarding desirable schooling and teaching in Brazil. Subjects included 1,073 students (grades one, four, eight), 450 instructional staff, and 939 parents. (IAH)

To improve elementary science instruction in rural and small schools, the University of Tennessee at Martin developed a successful research-based model for inservice teacher education that included teacher developed curricular materials, multidisciplinary content, hands-on science instruction, local team leadership development, and joint training…

Defines "earth bonding" as dynamic interaction between individual and physical environment. Examines methods and goals of traditional environmental education. Describes development of five-day camping workshop for 11 outdoor education teachers. Describes how workshop facilitated earth bonding for teachers. Calls for further research in "bonding…

This paper deals with an attempt to organize a university research-based course designed to promote inservice primary teachers' professional development in environmental education. The various problems that arise in the running of such a course are identified, and some suggestions for their resolution are offered. (LZ/Author)

Describes a teacher education program designed to increase preservice teachers' confidence in their ability to instruct elementary children in hands-on science. (Author/MKR)