This case study examined the criteria one high school physical education teacher employed in acquiring the knowledge he found necessary for his professional practice. Through interviews, observations, artifact and document analysis, and stimulated recall from videotapes, it was determined that the teacher had developed five distinct knowledge…

To produce culturally and technologically competent teachers, preservice education must define such competencies. The paper examines the interaction of culture, learning, and classroom environment as it affects the use of computers in diverse classrooms. Examples of cultural differences in learning preferences and the effect of educational…

Outlines some of the challenges facing tertiary education courses in early childhood in Australia, including the competency movement, university and TAFE (technical and further education) restructuring, articulation between courses, and effective communication in a field which spans children from birth through age eight. Notes that outcomes of…

The mechanisms by which the health education profession is seeking to promote increased competency, visibility, marketability, and quality among practitioners include professional preparation in health education, certification by examination, and recertification. To clarify key concepts in health education credentialing, the article discusses…

Teacher education demonstrates little affinity with visions of what constitutes teacher competence. The paper examines the education teachers need to help students handle the vicissitudes of the coming century, noting the uses and limits of theory, the school as an educative environment for teachers, and the ecological character of schools. (SM)

Paper uses a British research project on training and career development for postgraduate doctors to analyze and compare the training of doctors in hospitals with preservice teachers in schools. The comparison underlines conceptions of medicine and teaching as practical activities, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience and field…

Offers a model for raising the level of technology expertise of K-8 classroom teachers based on a project at the University of Denver (Colorado) that sought to integrate computers with classroom curriculum, develop new inservice models for computer competency, and increase teachers' computer use. (Author/LRW)

Scottish teachers' job uncertainty results from school funding problems, trends toward part-time or temporary employment, labor mobility, and qualifications mismatch. Continuing professional development of teachers may help alleviate concerns over teaching standards in Scottish schools, but a more comprehensive review of the recruitment, training,…

This study surveyed 214 secondary teachers of students with mild disabilities in Virginia concerning their perceptions of level of knowledge, involvement and importance of transition planning, and service-delivery activities. Findings suggest that teachers have gaps in knowledge and involvement in transition planning and service delivery.…

A teacher with National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification discusses her work to achieve that certification, focusing on peer pressure and self-doubts, the National Board certification process, and support she received from her students and peers in the process. (SM)

The University of Houston-Clear Lake requires preservice teachers to develop a portfolio to demonstrate their proficiency in seven standard areas. The portfolios are developed and assessed under the guidance of university faculty and mentor teachers at the public schools. This team assessment provides interns more extensive and objective feedback,…

Describes a framework for integrating reflection and teacher competency development into teacher education programs, introducing a spiral model for reflection, standard reflection questions, and a method of structuring logbooks, all designed to develop a competency for self-directed professional growth in interpersonal classroom behavior. An…

Analyzes surveys with English and Welsh teachers describing their reactions to teacher training reform which required novices to meet sets of explicit criteria and spend more time in schools. Teachers rejected the idea of training being totally school-based with no higher education input, appreciating links between universities and schools and…

Investigated the usefulness of preprofessional benchmarks and competencies as a metric for learning to teach for preservice students entering teacher-preparation programs. Preservice and cooperating teachers completed the Preprofessional Accomplished Practice Indicators Survey before, during, and after student teaching. Results indicated that the…

Faced with an applicant pool deficient in credentials and classroom skills, savvy administrators can spot applicants' potential, discerning those individuals likely to blossom into effective teachers. Important qualities include a strong work ethic, people and communication skills, and enthusiasm for teaching. Deciphering hidden meanings behind…