The objective of this research was to develop a systematic and accurate process for the assessment of concerns of 408 graduate students in University of Tennessee-Knoxville's College of Education, utilizing a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods. A 77-item, Likert-type instrument was developed, with a final open-ended question,…

The educational media competencies identified as most important by Alabama student teachers, the competencies they feel that they possess, and the relationship between perception of competency level and importance was investigated for majors in five programs: special education, N-12 certification, elementary education, early childhood education,…

This study is based on a concern that secondary education students, when preparing to teach in the broad field of social studies, typically major in a narrowly defined discipline such as psychology, economics, history, or political science. The purpose of this study is twofold: (1) to determine how well students are academically prepared to teach…

In response to the increasing need of rural public schools for teachers who can function in more than one teaching area, Arkansas College initiated a program for students to become certified in both special education and elementary education. Through this dual, 4-year program, the employment prospects of students are increased, the needs of area…

Regular classroom teachers (n=114) who had taken a special education course were queried as to the value of the information presented to them, after they had begun to teach mainstreamed students. Results indicated that teachers considered the topics covered to be very important, and reported themselves to be fairly competent to deal with…

The Texas Interactive Instructional Network (TI-IN), a private satellite system that provides one-way video and two-way audio communication, was used for a two-year pilot project which was conducted to determine if satellite instruction could be used successfully to share educational resources among institutions. Models of Teaching, a graduate…

Data about teachers in the United States using variables which the U.S. Department of Education has specified for comparison with corresponding data about the teachers in Japan is presented. Statistical data is employed in each of the four sections. The sections are: demographic overview, academic qualifications, status of teachers, and inservice…

This paper discusses the background and context of the national assessment movement as it relates to special education teacher preparation programs; the relationship between assessment and accreditation, with attention to the federal regulations for education effectiveness; recommendations for assessment planning; and suggested content areas for…

The most important issue facing the people of the United States is education. National reports have defined the problem. The need for reform can no longer be questioned. A solution must be devised and New Jersey is reqdy to act. As Governor, the author offers several proposals for restoring the vigor of the state's schools. Each district will…

This report analyzes the 1987-88 Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores of Connecticut's college-bound seniors and includes the students' characteristics and their college plans. The SAT, comprised of a verbal and a mathematical section, is part of the College Board's Admissions Testing Program which also includes the Test of Standard Written…

In considering the problem of recruiting and retaining the most able candidates for teaching, five dilemmas facing the profession are discussed. They are: Equity vs. Excellence; Egalitarianism vs. Differentiation; Teaching: Art or Science; the Curriculum--Standardization vs. Individualization; and The Focus of Instruction. The following problems…

Changes that occurred between 1972 and 1980 in the intended field of study and occupational aspirations of high school seniors were investigated, along with how successfully seniors attained their aspirations. Background, personal, and school variables associated with selecting each occupation and field among the 1980 seniors were analyzed…

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…

In 1990, the Illinois Community College Board (ICCB) conducted a study to determine ways in which the community college system could increase its participation in the preparation of elementary and secondary teachers. Drawing information from ICCB course files and unit cost data, as well as a survey of the colleges, the study investigated the…

Programs that have enhanced the teaching profession are described, as part of a competition sponsored by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (Showcase for Excellence Project). Member institutions of the association developed program models in seven categories requiring initiatives and innovation in the teaching profession.…