New teacher education programs include a number of field experiences. College professors in schools of education are taking leaves of absence to gain additional public school teaching experience. Both the college professor and the public school teacher benefit from this practice. (JN)

Describes technical assistance (TA) and advocates that institutions of higher education provide TA, notably through teacher education programs, to local school districts. Article discusses the TA process and provides a planning guide for establishing a local TA program. (Author/JD)

The knowledge, skills, and abilities required to be an effective classroom teacher are specialized and specific to a particular setting and environment. Teacher education programs should be for the development of school teachers only. (CJ)

This article introduces the following two articles and discusses the challenges of integrating educational technology in teacher education programs, the stress and frustration of using educational technology, and the need to remember the value added in teaching, research, and providing services using technology enhancements in teacher education…

Discusses the development of the Associate of Arts in Teaching (AAT) degree in Maryland, which represents an outcomes-based, statewide articulation of the two-year degree in elementary education to public and private four-year institutions. States that if the AAT degree works in all iterations, it will serve as a national model for collaboration…

Describes the efforts of St. Petersburg College (Florida) to offer teacher education baccalaureate degrees in elementary education, special education, and secondary education in math and science. States that community colleges seeking to offer the baccalaureate degree should be aware of the demands posed by funding, curriculum, marketing, student…

Reviews accrediting standards, assesses the ability of community colleges to meet these standards, and suggests accreditation models appropriate for community colleges. Contends that community colleges and traditional colleges and universities should seek joint accreditation for community college feeder or transition programs, which would…

Recognizing the many outside pressures early childhood teachers face from parents, students, administrators, and policymakers, this article contends that early childhood teacher preparation must encourage and support leadership by promoting autonomy for teachers. The article asserts that teacher educators must consider developmentally appropriate…

In order for schools of teacher education to prepare teachers as creative curriculum planners, students must be taught in situations that encourage creativity, and they must experience models of creative teaching. Several direct strategies for fostering creativity in the teacher education curriculum are outlined. (IAH)

Complaints have been made that in teacher preparation programs foundations courses are practically irrelevant and methods courses intellectually unchallenging. Prospective teachers should understand that an extensive grounding in the psychological, historical and sociological foundations of education prepares them to make effective decisions on…

The article discusses how historically Black institutions are addressing standardized test proposals for teacher certification in such areas as admissions, coursework and practice, and post-graduation activities. General recommendations are included, emphasizing formalized, gradual, knowledge-based development into the teaching profession. (CB)

Discusses the implications of five-year teacher preparation programs. Argues that different strategies and curricula should be tested and evaluated before mandating major system-wide changes in teacher certification requirements. (FMW)

This paper examines issues related to preparing teachers to instruct students with severe disabilities, focusing on the values that drive best practices, the content knowledge that should exist within teacher training programs, and processes that may impart and support the continued application of both values and knowledge. (Author/JDD)

Urges science teachers and their students to gain an understanding of the nature of science. Describes this field as a blending of various aspects of the social studies of science such as the history, sociology, and philosophy of science. Contains 118 references. (DDR)

Explores the perspectives of two high school science teachers on teaching for conceptual change as they work with graduate level preservice teachers. Details the conceptual change model employed by the teachers. (DDR)