Discusses the gap between teaching theory and practice in the context of teacher education reform. Argues that radical reforms without an understanding of current issues and problems are a mistake. Concludes that a teaching competency model that situates teaching in its social context would be more appropriate. (CFR)

Responds to James Leming's empirical study on ideological perspectives within the social studies profession and his assertion that teachers and teacher educators exist in separate cultures. Agrees with Leming's descriptions of social studies professors but not his recommendations to bridge the gulf between teacher educators and teachers. (CFR)

An Evergreen State College (WA) community outreach program was designed to serve the dual purposes of providing (1) needed English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) instruction to Hispanic community members, and (2) teaching experience for students in a master's program in education. An ESL laboratory was established, about 25 undergraduate and graduate…

Professional teacher educators recognize that the body of knowledge about teaching and learning is today more substantive, consistent, and authoritative than ever before. It should also be acknowledged, however, that too little of that knowledge is incorporated into the preservice education of teachers. This volume, containing 12 papers presented…

This document reports the results of work in identifying promising approaches to the provision of technological update to vocational/technical teachers, and discusses barriers and facilitators to the use of these approaches. Technological update refers to the technical knowledge and skills needed by vocational/technical teachers to provide…

The Search for Excellence in Science Education was inaugurated in 1982 to carry out the National Science Foundation's 1981 initiative, Project Synthesis. The Search establishes criteria for excellence and applies them to actual programs in one or several fields each year. In each area the Search identifies hallmarks of excellence in terms of…

Lewis-Clark State College, a small college in Lewiston, Idaho, establishes close cooperation with rural schools through specialized teacher preparation, community outreach, and willingness to bring educational ideas and expertise to rural areas. The teacher preparation program stresses development of professional versatility through composite…

Perceived negative aspects of teaching in rural areas, including personal and professional isolation, multiple subject preparation, etc., provide barriers to effective recruitment and retention of quality teachers. The predicted shortage of teachers will likely have a significant impact on an already competitive market for high quality, rural…

This report presents a framework to help educators improve teacher training in family involvement. Information comes from the Harvard Family Research Project, which documented the nature and scope of preservice education in family involvement. Researchers reviewed state teacher certification requirements, surveyed courses and requirements at…

Discusses a model program at the University of Northern Colorado for preparing secondary geography teachers. Asserts that the program's key feature is the presence of an outstanding secondary teacher in residence throughout the year who team-teaches the geography teaching methods course. (CFR)

Describes a teacher education program in which preservice music teachers observed music classes and kept a weekly journal. Maintains that collaborative efforts involving preservice teachers, classroom teachers, and teacher educators can lead to a successful preservice education program. (CFR)

A project is described in which students with severe disabilities from a self-contained day school were successfully integrated into a program within the main building of a regular campus which included limited participation in a regular fourth grade classroom. The project was initiated after various preparations were made, including building…

The Holmes Group report and the Carnegie Task Force report concur on the American problem of decreasing standards for entry into teaching during times of teacher shortage. This article compares and contrasts the two reports, refers to similar proposals, and raises issues not covered in either report. Four footnotes are appended. (IW)

With minimal guidance and counseling from the community college system, nontraditional students attempt to engage with the educational community as they struggle to escape the poverty that has defined their own lives. Noting that college instructors are challenged to work effectively with a new generation of nontraditional students that includes…

Examines a social studies methods course where preservice teachers explored ways to use a variety of materials and sources to engage middle and high school students in higher order thinking about social studies content, especially with regard to historical thinking. Discusses students' responses. (MJP)