Examines the historical evolution of the competencies implied by the phrase "computer literacy" and identifies several competencies that will likely characterize the computer literate teacher in the 1990s. (42 references) (Author/MKR)

A job analysis was conducted for the basic skills considered important for all entry-level teachers regardless of subject area or level taught. A national sample of 6,120 practicing teachers reviewed judgments of experts and concurred in acknowledging 84% of the basic skills that experts identified as important. (SLD)

According to responses from 86 of 94 technical college instructors and 31 of 56 business/industry trainers, there were similarities in their basic skills and instructional design and delivery. College instructors were more service oriented, were involved in student advising, and used traditional methods. Trainers' students were often mandated to…

Discusses performance-related pay (PRP) for teachers in Britain, defining the concept and outlining precedents in public-sector services. Critically examines major performance measures recommended by the School Teachers' Pay Review Board and documents broad political support for PRP, despite considerable implementation obstacles. (64 references)…

Describes some of the problems inherent in preparing teacher-education students to become elementary school teachers when they have minimal skills and knowledge in the content areas they will someday be teaching. Suggests that little can be changed or improved without concomitant changes in the prevailing information-age culture. (Author/LRW)

A study of computer access in 85 Florida and Georgia secondary classrooms showed that the disparity between reform rhetoric and reality is staggering. There are precious few computers accessible to students, fewer Internet-ready computers, and large numbers of teachers who had never been trained to log on. (11 References) (MLH)

Studied out-of-field teaching in United States high schools using data from the Schools and Staffing Survey of the National Center for Education Statistics. Reveals that out-of-field teaching is widespread and offers an explanation that focuses on the organizational structure of schools and the occupational conditions and characteristics of…

Explains why it is difficult for the majority of bilingual-education teachers to develop teacher-like proficiency in Spanish in the context of the United States. Explores the "subtractive" orientation of U.S. society toward bilingualism that favors replacing the native language with English. (SLD)

Suggests that standards-based reform is doomed to fail unless states use their newly established, more rigorous standards to develop interventions that provide teachers with the skills and knowledge required to teach to the higher standards and students with additional opportunities to achieve the higher standards. (Author/SLD)

Offers an overview of the problems faced by at-risk students in alternative-school settings. Reviews research examining elements (curriculum, behavior, and teacher competencies) of successful alternative-education programs that support at-risk youth academically and socially. (SR)

School-bashers bemoaning declining SAT scores since 1967 do not consider the greater numbers of students now taking these tests. Some parents believe children are overtested. Teachers generally are well prepared, and administration is not top-heavy. Business is faster, but not necessarily more efficient than education. (MLH)

The success of the change from vocational training to academic education for nurses in Sweden depends on faculty competence. Observations at three Swedish nursing schools and interviews with 59 nurse educators identified strategies educators used to maintain teaching competence: being "real" nurses, being prepared in different subjects,…

Examines the impact of national credentialing on the evolution of the health education profession, addressing issues raised in discussions about credentialing. During the evolution of health education, there were eras of uncertainty, foundation building, consensus building, and advocacy. The national credentialing system for health educators is…

Interviewed beginning teachers to examine their experiences and the extent to which their preservice programs adequately prepared them for teaching. Results revealed six conceptual and temporal states through which they passed during their initial experiences: archetype; approaching the gates; clearing the gates; the gloss wears off;…

Suggests that what is missing from the discourse on higher standards in teacher education is discussions of outcomes measures, which make teaching harder and more complicated for teacher candidates, noting that such measures would recognize the complexity and uncertainty of teaching and learning and acknowledge the often concurrent, competing…