The results of two studies of methods courses for prospective secondary-school teachers of English are presented in this publication. On the basis of 196 responses to questionnaires (an approximate 33% return), the first study provides information on the academic backgrounds and professional activities of methods teachers, and on the methods…

Divided in two sections, this monograph presents information on trends in the humanities curricula in two-year colleges from several sources: two surveys of selected public and private community colleges (156 in 1975 and 178 in 1977-78) distributed throughout the country through which instructors and campus facilitators provided data on enrollment…

This chronological survey, extending from the laws passed in 1642 in Massachusetts to establish schools for the teaching of reading and writing to the 1968 Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of English, presents a discussion of varying attitudes toward English teaching and English teacher education. Divergent opinions on many topics are…

This paper presents preliminary findings from three of the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) surveys of interest to teachers of English as a second language (ESL): (1) the Survey of Income and Education (SIE) conducted in 1976; (2) the Teachers Language Skills Survey (TLSS) conducted in 1976-77; and (3) the Survey of Institutions of…

Teacher networks used in California and Vermont are examined. Interviews, observations, and document analyses identified how teacher beliefs, teacher experience, social influences, and practical circumstances interacted with program goals and methods to shape teachers' experiences with networks, views of teaching and learning, and classroom…

Examined early childhood teachers' attitudes toward families and their involvement with schools. Found that teachers' attitudes about family and community involvement were highly positive, African American teachers had a more positive attitude than European American teachers, and teachers of low ability students had less positive views of family…

Using classroom observation and interviews in a naturalistic study, investigates how a secondary social studies teacher's personal practical theories influence curricular and teaching practices. Finds the teacher's practice congruent with her beliefs. States the study increased the teacher's awareness of her own theories. Proposes a curriculum…

Describes the personal development of a private-school teacher involved in course restructuring in U.S. history. Lists and discusses the use of seven themes as the basis for the course. Concludes that history, more than any other subject, is linked to personal identity. (CFR)

A study investigated the prior employment background of students in a British graduate teacher education program, and the impact of their background on student attitudes and experiences in an experiential learning component which places secondary school teacher trainees in industrial, commercial, and community service contexts. (MSE)

A study of predominantly white teachers participating in a multicultural education staff development program illustrated how social class and gender experiences informed their understanding of the social order they used to understand race. Following the staff development, few teachers substantially restructured their perspectives about racial…

Through maximum likelihood logistic regression analysis, assesses characteristics distinguishing teachers who return to the classroom after career interruptions from those who do not. Among 3,060 teachers, those most likely to return have fewer opportunities for better-paying employment, with more experience and master's degrees, and interrupted…

Development of precollegiate teachers of less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) differs from that of teachers of commonly taught languages. The article examines characteristics that LCTL preservice teachers bring to teacher preparation and outlines aspects of preservice and inservice development that help teachers effectively make LCTLs more…

Public education in Iowa was created through community initiatives and continues to rely heavily on the public for support and direction. This report is designed to keep the public informed of the current condition of education as well as issues that may have an impact on education. It provides a comprehensive view of kindergarten through…

This issue features a special report on a 1982-1983 study of 19 rural North Dakota high schools. The report is preceded by a brief commentary. The study provides in-depth descriptions of 7 schools and survey data from 12 others, and has sections on teachers, students, purposes and expectations, school climate and relationship with the community,…

The personal and professional attributes, beliefs, interests, and behaviors of secondary social studies teachers were examined. Major sources of data included: a prior study which surveyed a random sample of teachers in six states; a survey of three high schools in the Rochester, New York, area; a publication of the New York State Education…