The pattern toward an increase in the number of states using some form of competency testing prior to the certification of educators is substantiated in this paper. Competency testing programs are implemented at three distinct levels: (1) before entrance into a teacher education program near the end of the sophomore year in college; (2) at the end…

Participants in this conference of educators, convened to consider methods of evaluating teacher education students, focused upon the relationship between candidate quality and teacher effectiveness. Questions under consideration included: (1) pre-admission field experiences students should demonstrate; (2) optimum scores on aptitude and…

Explores a redefinition of student teaching in art education with three examples of collaboration between classroom teachers and college art educators. Finds that collaborative methods are useful in the organization of student-teacher programs but that problems arise from time constraints. (CFR)

Asserts that Europe is moving closer to political unity and the Single European Act will promote the professional mobility of teachers. Discusses attempts to introduce innovative models of teacher education likely to lead to greater equality within the teaching profession. (CFR)

Presents a brief history of music education in Nigerian educational institutions along with the goals and objectives. States music educators are traditional master musicians or Western educated professionals. Claims the focus of music education is on Western music. Makes recommendations for a radical revision of the curriculum and changes in…

Results of a national survey of state certification standards for cross-training of regular and special education teachers (n=51, including the District of Columbia) are analyzed relative to implementation of the Regular Education Initiative, a proposal that stresses increased responsibility by regular teachers in the education of handicapped…

A study investigated the differences in the teaching of methods courses in Research and Development (R & D) institutions and in other teacher education programs. The study's major interest was in discerning the emphasis given to "research" in methods courses offered in institutions having an R & D emphasis and comparing it with the emphasis found…

The American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) appointed a Task Force on Shortage/Surplus/Quality Issues in Teacher Education, which conducted a survey to: (1) assess the perception of change occurring in teacher education programs to improve the quality of graduates; (2) investigate the perception of changes in state teacher…

Maintains that South Africa is on the brink of large-scale reform of its educational system, with emphasis on such areas as multicultural education, school restructuring, and comparative education. Asserts that comparative education is assuming a larger role in undergraduate teacher education and is becoming a full-fledged field of study. (CFR)

This paper introduces a Chinese teacher induction program. In China it is believed that formal teacher education constitutes only half of teacher preparation; the other half has to be accomplished on the job with the active support and involvement of the teaching community. The voice of teachers is introduced to the field of educational research…

Many feel that emotional intensity or attitude toward science and science teaching influences the teaching of science. As a means for changing attitude toward science and science teaching, preservice science education and inservice science education have been recommended. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a yearlong…

This paper identifies five indicators of exemplary efforts and programs that characterize an emerging model for science teacher education reform. These include: (1) defining basic science as content preparation; (2) assessing students beyond content mastery; (3) providing multiple school experiences; (4) working in a semester-long teacher center;…

This paper discusses five specific features of an emerging teacher education model. They include: (1) developing a rationale for teaching science; (2) providing sufficient time for personal change; (3) developing self-analysis skills concerning teaching and learning behaviors; (4) analyzing classroom climate; and (5) modeling teaching behaviors…

Five years of data related to teachers' perceptions of learning and knowledge were analyzed to ascertain whether differences existed between preservice elementary and secondary science students (N=435). These data were generated from a questionnaire derived from assumptions about learning and knowledge. The assumptions address five areas of…

Reports on a study of the higher-order thinking and subject matter understanding of 18 preservice art teachers. Finds that only some exhibited the higher-order thinking or in-depth understanding expected of specialists in visual art. Discusses implications for teacher preparation. (CFR)