Researchers compared college-based teacher education programs and a state-based alternative teacher certification program. Surveys of certified teachers and their principals indicated that nearly all of the significant differences between programs favored college-based programs, with such graduates more child-oriented (rather than job-motivated)…

Examined associations among three psychological characteristics and classroom performance ratings of prospective teachers who were assessed on personality style, creative thinking, motivation, and classroom performance competency during student teaching. Student teachers completed psychological evaluations, and their supervisors evaluated their…

Provides a concise yet thorough overview of the roles, responsibilities, and standards developed by various national agencies, organizations, and boards. Includes a list of basic questions concerning music teacher assessment and suggested answers. Examines deficiencies and problems within undergraduate music teacher preparation. (MJP)

The paper identifies the background of the policy on education in the European Community, discussing the professional and political responsibilities of teachers in relation to the problem of knowledge acquisition in a multicultural setting. The paper also examines the implications of multiculturalism for teacher education programs. (SM)

Discusses social change and educational realities in South Africa, noting the relatively poor qualifications of black teachers. The paper also examines South African teacher training models and presents teacher training models suitable for developing countries. (SM)

Students from 26 colleges nationwide shared their perceptions of how well their professional preparation programs had covered the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing competencies for entry-level health education. Results found no significant differences by gender or educational level, but responses according to geographical…

Describes the demographic, social, and political variables influencing the development of young children; their relationship to the need for comprehensive services; and the need for early childhood educators who possess competencies to serve diverse groups of young children, including those dealing with poverty, violence, cultural diversity,…

Surveys rural teachers about their attitudes, proficiency, and use of technology; the supporting infrastructure in terms of equipment, software, and technical assistance; and constructivist practices. Contains 31 references. (DDR)

Although necessary for a diversified student body, minority teachers are underrepresented due to a lingering resistance to integration efforts, unappealing classroom conditions, salary issues, and culturally biased professional exams. Equitable placement procedures, incentives, competitive salaries, mentoring programs, subject-area recruitment,…

Discusses the need for formal training in Internet use for K-12 educators and presents rubrics to help staff-development designers measure the following competencies: Internet basics; e-mail/electronic mailing lists; World Wide Web; search tools; newsgroups, gophers, telnet; obtaining, decompressing, using files; real-time/push technologies;…

Presents student teachers' reactions to a mathematics and science methods class redesigned to challenge their beliefs regarding the nature of mathematics, themselves as learners, and teaching-learning processes. Student interviews, journal writings, mathematics autobiographies, exams, and class writings indicated that many students increased their…

Presents a discussion by a panel of University of Utah faculty on recommendations made in the 1996 report, What Matters Most: Teaching for America's Future, produced by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future. The paper focuses on the realities of education, standards and standardization, teacher professional development, National…

Investigated hiring criteria Canadian administrators used to assess prospective teachers seeking employment. Surveys of 69 Directors of Education indicated that hiring preferences reflected directors' own practical orientation toward schooling. The three broad areas that the directors valued were good interpersonal communication skills, good…

Research says the school-improvement mechanisms favored by policymakers-more certification tests (like the Massachusetts Educator Certification Test that 59 percent of candidates failed in 1998), higher cut scores, and severe penalties for institutions not meeting pass rates-are unlikely to deliver increased accountability and better teachers.…

Parents' nostalgia and waning confidence in teachers' competence are primary obstacles to improving schools. Teaching and public education are at a crossroads. One road involves teachers and parent partners in a broad social movement that ultimately protects and redefines teacher professionalism. The other leads to deprofessionalization of…