Online learning and our current system of local education governance are at odds with one another, to say the least. In this paper, John Chubb examines how local school district control retards the widespread use of instructional technologies. He argues that the surest way to break down the system's inherent resistance to technology is to shift…

The national imperative for increased postsecondary level completions has never been clearer. In order to remain competitive in an ever-changing global market, the United States must produce an educated workforce; one that is ready to lead and inspire a 21st century economy. Recognizing this urgency, the President, several foundations, policy…

The "Core Indicators of Effectiveness Report" delineates the performance of Wyoming's community colleges as measured by the 14 indicators set forth by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) and adopted by the seven Wyoming community colleges and the Wyoming Community College Commission in 2002. These indicators, while…

This study investigated the implementation and impact of Reading First programs in 8 elementary schools across the state of Mississippi. The study assessed how principals, literacy coaches, and kindergarten through third grade teachers perceived the implementation of the Reading First program at their respective schools. Data from these three…

The Educational Technical Assistance Act of 2002, authorized the Southwest Regional Advisory Committee (RAC), whose members represent the states of Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, to identify and prioritize the region's educational needs and recommend how those needs can be met. The Southwest RAC conducted three public…

Couselor credentialing is a way to symbolize professionalism and high standards to the public. Its purpose is to identify counselors who are at least minimally qualified to provide counseling services. This special digest collection on credentialing counselors covers many aspects of legislation, methods, and special concerns about credentialing.…

This paper recounts the controversy surrounding the development and implementation of alternate route teacher certification in New Jersey. The opposing forces in the debate were the governor and the commissioner of education versus education professors and teacher unions. The debate is presented as an uneven conflict in which the forces of the…

This bibliography, prepared in connection with Duke University's (North Carolina) Elementary Certification Program, summarizes a review of the literature on innovative elementary Teacher Certification programs in the U.S. from 1985 to 1990. The review is divided into the following main areas: (1) innovative elementary teacher certification…

Information on the educational systems of 52 foreign countries and recommendations for student placement into U.S. graduate programs are presented. For each country a diagram is presented to illustrate the demarcations between primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, and explanations are provided on grading systems, secondary school certificates,…

A questionnaire was sent to each state occupational coordinating committee in the 50 states asking for information about certification/recertification requirements for postsecondary vocational teachers. Information was provided by 43 states, and a brief summary of this information for each state responding is included in this report. In addition,…

Teacher education has been subject to both scathing criticism and innumerable efforts designed to reform it or to save it from being dismantled. One of the latest and most well funded efforts aimed at teacher education reform is boldly titled Teachers for a New Era (TNE). Eleven colleges and universities of various types nationwide were selected…

Research indicates that an increasing demand for teacher accountability and student achievement is at the forefront with the mandate of the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of 2001. These challenges will be crucial in urban and rural schools where the need for classroom teachers in critical teaching areas such as bilingual education, special…

This study examined (1) whether students taught by National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS)-certified teachers would produce higher quality work than students of teachers who attempted NBPTS certification but were not certified; (2) whether the observed classroom behaviors of NBPTS-certified teachers would be demonstrably…

Describes shortages in qualified early childhood teachers and the trend toward use of programs providing Alternative Teaching Certification (ATC). Examines comparative research between traditionally and nontraditionally trained teachers in the areas of grade level selection, internships, and examination certification, finding successes and…

Alternative-certification programs for teachers are offered in 30 states and allow public-school districts to hire as provisional teachers people without traditional undergraduate degrees in education. The purpose is to expand and diversify the pool of teachers by giving midcareer professionals and minorities incentives to become teachers. (MLW)