Many of the most exciting advances in science are taking place in biology, yet many students leave school without having learned biology's basic principles, and few are stimulated enough to continue in the sciences. This book presents information and expert views from teachers, curriculum developers, and others on why and where biology education…

The implementation of uniform standards for assessing prospective teachers' competencies in basic skills prior to admission is growing rapidly. There is also a trend toward increasing the grade point average required for admission. Policies on admission to teacher education programs reflect concern about the decline in both the number and quality…

This paper describes the reform processes in teacher education in Tennessee over the past ten years. The decade of school improvement efforts, which culminated in 1984 with the passage of the Comprehensive Education Reform Act (CERA), is discussed. The paper presents: (1) a summary of action taken between l975-80; (2) an account of the action…

Acknowledging changes in educational theory, research, and practice that inevitably determine the emphases in preservice teacher education programs, these updated guidelines give teacher preparation policymakers, state and local education leaders, and the public an overview of the knowledge, skills, and attitudes a teacher education graduate needs…

The University Affiliated Program at the University of Southern Mississippi developed and implemented a model preservice transdisciplinary training program to prepare graduate leadership personnel in early intervention. The program components include a competency-based curriculum; options for field experiences; diverse training options; and links…

Analysis of results from a study of 41 grades three and four Native students found significant positive correlations among self-concept, academic achievement, and teacher expectations and low positive relationship between creativity and academic achievement. Support for the phenomena of age grade deceleration and academic retardation with…

This report reviews the status of K-12 reform, noting implications for higher education and examining the growing and infrequently noted parallels between the issues faced by K-12 school reformers and higher education. After an introduction, the first section, "Status of School Reform," discusses goals and standards, school-level…

Asserts that a paradoxical situation exists in the United States where the general public and policymakers support enhanced arts education, but it remains marginal to the curriculum. Proposes 10 strategies by which arts education can be improved and enhanced. (CFR)

Asserts that full implementation of the national geographic standards will require their adoption by all states and school districts. Discusses the role of professional associations and teacher education in the implementation process. Maintains that the national standards provide the geography education community a unique opportunity. (CFR)

Argues that the application of competency-based education strategies have served to reduce the educator's role and marginalize teachers' commitment. Criticizes the British approach and describes alternative concepts. Recommends models of professionalism based on "expertise." (CFR)

College-bound high school seniors and their parents too often choose their undergraduate institutions not on the basis of teaching caliber, but on the strength of the perceived academic credential. Faculty understand that in higher education, value and prestige attach first to research, second to teaching graduate and advanced professional…

This report contains 43 recommendations for improving the quality of beginning teachers in Georgia through reform of undergrduate teacher education. The report also addresses issues outside the domain of teacher preparation institutions when these issues affect the pool of beginning teachers. Recommendations concentrate on five major areas of…

Presented originally at four conferences (held during 1984-1985), the 12 invited papers contained in this document were part of a federally funded project, the National Network for Professional Development in Vocational Special Education. Project objectives included training of teacher educators in employment preparation for the handicapped,…

Prior to presenting a model for evaluating teacher education progams, it is pointed out that five major issues must be settled before attempting an evaluation: (1) the evaluation's purpose; (2) clients or audience; (3) specific questions to investigate; (4) use of an internal or external evaluator or a combination; and (5) dissemination of the…

A recent analysis of on-site college evaluation reports from state evaluation teams shows that colleges have become more sophisticated in developing their own self-study reports and that the teams conducting the reviews have become more professional. Many positive qualitative and quantitative changes in the teacher training programs have been…