This book argues that the current process for teacher licensing does not always guarantee competence in the classroom, and it offers advice on how to prepare and evaluate aspiring teachers for the challenges of their profession. It places Minnesota's experience in the context of current reform efforts and suggests that developing and requiring a…

This study assessed preservice teachers' and teacher educators' knowledge regarding issues related to multicultural education. Participants were 78 preservice teachers who completed the Multicultural Knowledge Test during the first class period of a Social Foundations of Education course. There were also 45 teacher educators at the same university…

This paper presents the stories of two urban middle school science teachers, both identified as leaders in their districts. Both bring substantial expertise to science education, though neither has experienced optimal conditions for flourishing as teacher leaders. One teacher has strong content knowledge and a deep understanding of standards. The…

Scientific illiteracy in society begins in grade school, but preservice elementary teachers typically take only one or two disconnected science courses towards certification. Faculty from four disciplines developed an integrated science course tailored for elementary education majors. Students learn the importance of a well-rounded scientific…

Reanalysis of data on 154 British Columbia teachers and 2,533 third-grade students, drawn from the 1990-91 Reading Literacy Study of the International Association for Evaluation of Educational Achievement. Despite British Columbia's reputation for whole-language reforms, teacher approaches to reading instruction were eclectic and unrelated to…

A study involving 54 preservice teachers examined the outcomes of an alternative basic certification program in special education offered by the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Results found the program was effective, attracted more mature, diverse, life-experienced individuals than traditional education programs, and included more minority…

Suggests that a holistic approach to teaching prospective teachers should encompass a knowledge base drawn from three paradigms: (1) instrument/technical; (2) interpretive/constructivist; and (3) emancipative/social reconstruction. Argues that use of such an approach will result in professional maturation and an expansion in influence in the…

Using a review of current literature, this article discusses faculty preparation and higher education's commitment to pedagogical instruction and skill development. Identifies 19 institutions that offer graduate degree programs, exclusive of the Doctor of Arts, intended to prepare college faculty. Asserts that the teaching disciplines must…

Describes the characteristics and procedures of an induction program for first year teachers. (DDR)

Presents goals of National Commission on Teaching and America's Future to improve education by improving teachers' knowledge and skills: (1) all children taught by teachers with knowledge, skills, and commitment; (2) teacher education programs meeting professional standards; (3) access to professional development and time for collegial work and…

Explores the involvement and professional growth of a teacher in a professional development project entitled Simply Science. Findings indicate an increase in the teacher's pedagogical content knowledge and confidence in teaching science and a change in her views about cooperative learning strategies. Discusses implications for the design of…

This article describes the teacher preparation program in Texas that has evolved from a traditional 4-year program, to an alternative certification route, then to a post-baccalaureate certification. An analysis of each program's results indicates teachers who completed the traditional undergraduate program were better qualified to teach than those…

Reports on a study that examines the ways in which three prospective teachers approach representing science content within the context of their student teaching experiences. (Contains 51 references.) (DDR)

Reviews three areas of history education reform: (1) teachers must be grounded in the content of their discipline; (2) more collaboration between teacher education and arts and sciences faculty; and (3) systems of evaluation and assessment for students and teachers. Describes the University of Northern Colorado program that provides teacher…

This article describes how Problem-Based Learning (PBL) was used to help prospective teachers (1) define various disabilities; (2) learn teaching strategies for inclusion settings; and (3) value collaboration with other professionals. Quantitative and qualitative data on the PBL experience of 44 preservice teachers support the use of PBL in the…