Teacher competency testing for the purpose of screening persons prior to state certification continues to be on the upswing in the United States. Many states have implemented paper-pencil tests, most of which were prepared by Educational Testing Service and National Evaluation Systems. Problem areas to consider when certification tests are used to…

The Internal Bureau of the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) has provided educational development services for Third World countries since 1978. The majority of the individuals who come to Canada to participate in the International Bureau's training programs are faculty members who wish to upgrade their technical and pedagogical…

There are a wide variety of areas in the field of education in which policy studies are needed for the guidance and enlightenment of state policy makers. While there is not an absence of data in these areas, data are limited in scope, are of questionable validity, or are insufficiently powerful to effectively guide the formation of public policy.…

This paper considers a number of vested interest political forces that influence the course of educational reform. The discussion focuses first on the world of teacher education and some reform efforts emerging in that arena. Specific criticism is directed at suggestions made in the Holmes Group Report, pointing out the political hidden agenda…

Numerous reports calling for reform in education have resulted in trends showing greater emphasis toward practical preparation experiences in teacher education. Many teacher education programs now stress more hours of teacher preparation devoted to professional education curriculum, strengthened and longer clinical experiences, stronger guidelines…

Presents observations of how a particular teacher education program, the Open Education Alternative Program at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, Canada, incorporates the acquisition of teaching skills into the "reflective" practice of these skills. (BB)

Discusses the decreasing interest in arts education and the decline in arts enrollments on some campuses. Presents a model of the factors which affect teacher preparation programs in the arts, examining the goals of recruitment, admissions, and retention of students. (GEA)

Suggestions for improving teacher education are offered in a review of the current status of professional education in contemporary society. The need for more cooperative efforts in planning and implementation between educational theorists and practitioners is discussed. (DF)

The Israeli University system illustrates that when publication becomes of paramount value in teacher training institutions there is not enough time left for faculty to staff the time-consuming laboratory/practicum experiences as they deserve to be staffed. Faculty should publish, but the publish-or-perish model may seriously undermine teacher…

Public commentary on the status of teacher education falls into the areas of: supply and demand; academic standards; academic preparation; campus faculty; and fiscal support. Trends of teacher education programs in Georgia are briefly discussed. Suggestions for program reform are offered. (DF)

Describes (1) characteristics of effective preservice teacher preparation programs, (2) characteristics of teachers who have compiled an effective program, and (3) undesirable qualities of teachers not likely to emerge in graduates of effective programs. (EL)

Recommendations in California for increased graduation and admission requirements in mathematics are having an influence on teacher education programs. Several topics of discussion that may modify current teacher training are ability to use mathematics, increased use of calculators, and mental arithmetic skills. (DF)

The author responds in detail to a column by the Executive Director of the Alabama Education Association relative to needed improvements in the preparation of teachers and administrators in the state. While agreeing with some of the concerns, the position is taken that the School of Education at UAB is moving in the right direction with…

This paper concentrates upon some of the major issues which affect research and development in teacher education and attempts to suggest how these factors may influence future work in this complex field. (Part of a theme issue on the future of teacher education in England.) (Author/SJL)

In physical education, the emphasis on the performance component of teacher education programs has perpetuated the idea of preparing teachers whose competence is primarily in coaching team sports. A more balanced approach, with emphasis on all forms of physical activity and under the instruction of performing artists, is proposed. (JN)