Researchers studied 34 student teachers from 1 middle school. One group was prepared in a traditional program and another in a program specifically for middle schools. Surveys and videotapes compared their knowledge about middle school teaching and learning. Specifically prepared teachers were significantly better teachers with better skills and…

Reports research to assess the performance of teachers who graduated from 11 universities, 7 with 5-year programs and 4 considering moving into 5-year programs. Provides results of data collected around four outcome measures: teacher entry into the profession, teacher retention, classroom performance, and leadership behavior. (SM)

Discusses results obtained through interviews with university science teachers with regard to their philosophies and practices in college science classrooms. Data revealed that teachers are not satisfied with all aspects of their teaching; however, they are not sure how to make changes that would maximize student learning. (ZWH)

Asserts that attempting to grasp the immensity of numbers used to describe the U.S. national debt, proven oil reserves, and other social statistics is becoming more and more difficult. Describes a program in which preservice elementary teachers created activities to help develop the skill of civic numeracy. (CFR)

North Carolina business leaders, legislators, and educators are reshaping teacher education by simultaneously recruiting the brightest high school seniors and restructuring teacher education. The North Carolina Teaching Fellows Program provides scholarships to outstanding high school seniors who agree to teach for four years in a North Carolina…

Discusses 15 years of experiences and lessons learned teaching in multicultural settings in the United States, Puerto Rico, and 2 foreign nations. Argues that schooling should be based on a diversity model of education. Asserts that it is difference that engages student minds. (CFR)

Professionals in training may use the tension between classroom-based learning and practica or field experiences if journal narratives are used to: (1) provide a basis for professional conversations between learner and instructor; (2) conceptualize that relationship as between a mentor and advisee; (3) articulate the relationship between theory…

Maintains that accepting student teachers is a major professional responsibility and challenge. Reports that research indicates the cooperating teacher is the most significant influence on student teachers. Provides a set of recommendations for cooperating teachers. (CFR)

This study of student teachers used concept maps, the Virginia observation system for evaluation of beginning teachers, and a specific procedure to assess pupil responses to lessons. Results supported a relationship between student teachers' behavioral and cognitive domains. Patterns of pupil responses varied according to the planning perspectives…

This article describes a change model, which links urban public school and teacher preparation renewal, that emerged from a three-year school district-university collaboration. Topics include the professional development continuum, from early field experiences to professional educator experiences, school- and university-based clinical faculty, and…

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)

Maintains that California schools have undergone an enormous transformation over the past two decades, with over a million students identified as limited English proficient. Describes changes in teacher education and certification designed to meet the needs of limited English proficient students. (CFR)

Presents guidelines to inform teacher education programs aspiring to prepare teachers for working in impoverished urban schools: (1) attributes of preservice teacher candidates, (2) teacher educator expertise, (3) knowledge, behaviors, beliefs, attitudes, and values to be learned by prospective teachers, (4) educational methods, and (5) program…

After discussing the poor quality of classroom instruction for at-risk urban students, the paper examines risks associated with failure, current instructional practices in poor urban schools, and instructional approaches that have improved the education of at-risk students (critical/responsive teaching, cognitively-guided instruction, and…

Contends that to realize their leadership potential art teachers must forge connections with the community. Discusses three connections and argues that they are crucial to increased participation of all students and teachers in viable art education programs. (CFR)