In response to the need to remain a leader in teacher education in Missouri, Southeast Missouri State University analyzed a variety of sources that suggested new directions in teacher education. A review was conducted of current literature, and a study was made of the revised National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE)…

If lack of excellence in the public schools is a problem, it does not follow naturally that teachers and their preparation are the only elements in society at fault. However, it may be that teachers and teacher preparation have not kept pace with societal changes and expectations. To most students it appears that the purpose of education is to…

Three basic assumptions which underlie the public attitude toward the teaching profession should be challenged. The first of these is that people should teach because they love it; the rewards of teaching are intrinsic. The second is that teaching is primarily the transmission of content. The third is that teacher preparation should consist of…

Two major issues in inservice teacher education are: (1) Who is responsible for teaching these professional education courses?; and (2) Are these courses worthy of graduate credit? College faculty members generally agree that institutions of higher learning are obligated to assist practitioners, but universities have been reluctant to offer…

Teacher educators should foster the development of teachers who create and maintain humane learning environments (such as those needed to fulfill the legacy of Public Law 94-142) by creating similar supportive environments (i.e., teacher education programs that accept students as they are, treat them with respect, and nurture joy in learning).…

Three possible avenues for the future of teacher education are: (1) continue current practice and risk diminishing public confidence and teacher quality; (2) allow state legislation to improve teacher education programs; and (3) combine a more rigorous selection and preparation process in professional schools of education with extended periods of…

Second in a four-part series on campus-based programs in teacher education, this article considers the problems inherent for teacher education in: (1) an undefined body of professional knowledge; and (2) an insufficient amount of professional studies in teacher preparation programs. Implications, possible courses of action, and barriers to…

Describes the author's organization and opening of the first Montessori elementary program in South Africa. Describes the first school and the development of local training programs for teachers. Details the current standing of Montessori education in South Africa, its expansion to five schools, and goals of further training, support, and…

Examines the history behind and current status of the professional preparation of teachers in Britain, specifically teachers who are knowledgeable about and appropriately qualified to work with the youngest children in a range of educational environments. Describes the development of an alternative pathway for student teachers with a specific…

One of four articles in the fourth section, "Aspects of Evaluation of PDS," this article argues for systematic evaluation of professional development schools. The paper provides specific suggestions for evaluation in three areas: evidence that K-12 students profit, that the preservice teacher education program is effective, and that continuing…

Knowledge gained from personal involvement in radical reform is used as the starting point for this discussion of various conceptual and practical aspects of change. Guidelines for considering projects of change are identified and examined in light of a particular case involving teacher education reform at a public research university. (IAH)

Information Technology education in Namibia faces problems such as inability of students and teachers to speak English and the absence of technology, books, and classrooms. Measures are being taken to upgrade schools and learning through the development of Information Science syllabi, modular book collections, and education for school…

This article examines leading proposals from the past four decades, the 1950s through the 1980s, for the reform of teacher education and outlines guidelines for determining the inherent worth and substance of teacher education reform proposals. (IAH)

Uses research findings to challenge assumptions and myths about teacher education and educational reform, focusing on health education. Trends in accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and alternative certification are analyzed. One possible extended six-year preparation program model is offered. (Author/SM)

Reviews issues related to preservice teacher education in dance. Asserts that the development of national standards in arts education has led to a consensus on teacher education. Maintains that, for the first time in U.S. educational history, dance is included in the fine arts curriculum, rather than in physical education. (CFR)