A program designed to improve learning through improved teaching competencies, the IOTAH program (Instrument for the Observation of Teaching Activities in Higher Education) is reported. This program for instructional improvement involves three stages: introduction, training, and implementation. The introductory stage can be accomplished through…

The project reviewed, tested, and analyzed the National Occupational Competency Testing Institute's (NOCTI) test series (written and performance for skilled occupations), using a sample of 16 examinations, to determine their appropriateness for use by the State of Georgia in their selection and certification of vocational and technical educators.…

Twenty-five instructors from 11 different community colleges and 13 different disciplines participated in a six week institute at Texas A&M University, geared to improving teaching in junior and community colleges. The participants had an average of 5.08 years of experience in college level teaching, and all had at least a master's degree.…

These guidelines are designed to help anyone considering the use of open and distance learning for teachers. They answer eight major questions and identify options available to planners and strategies for choosing them. Eight sections include: (1) "What is Wrong With Teacher Education?" (e.g., what it consists of and who the teachers are); (2) "Is…

This executive summary describes a resource about innovative teaching that profiles and analyzes the work of eight educators working in secondary school communities in Australia. Each case study in the resource is intended as a stand-alone snapshot of good practice in which voices of students, colleagues, principals, and community members…

This report highlights Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) states' recent legislation affecting teachers. Section 1 examines teacher licensure and certification, looking at such action taken by states as requiring teachers to know how to use technology in order to get or renew licenses and addressing the issue of teachers' content knowledge…

Analyzes the results of a questionnaire given to psychology departments offering doctoral programs. The survey asked department chairs to identify pedagogical responsibility and training components for teaching assistants and to rate teaching assistant supervisors. Includes a statistical analysis regarding specific teaching functions and training…

Profiles two middle school teacher-education programs: (1) the undergraduate program at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro; and (2) the graduate program at Maryville University in St. Louis County, Missouri. Emphasizes the need to provide special preparation to the teachers at this level. Discusses problems related to the rarity of…

Recounts the development and implementation of a portfolio assessment program for student teachers. The program developed a set of goals for the portfolio experience and tied these to reflective questions concerning classroom management, reading/language arts, and videotaped lesson teaching. The portfolio assessment resulted in significant student…

Provides a concise yet thorough overview of the roles, responsibilities, and standards developed by various national agencies, organizations, and boards. Includes a list of basic questions concerning music teacher assessment and suggested answers. Examines deficiencies and problems within undergraduate music teacher preparation. (MJP)

Discusses conditions in community colleges which demand faculty with professional expertise and values. Calls on institutions to reconsider current preservice education models to ensure faculty obtain necessary skills. Stresses importance and presents examples of preservice and inservice training programs developed through cooperative efforts.…

Identifies qualities found in master music teachers by observing one teacher's performance when conducting a fifth grade class. Praises these teachers' devotion; musical skill; inspiring classroom practices; and diligence. Highlights theatrical skills used in music classes. Suggests that these teachers derive enormous satisfaction from their work.…

Explores alternative ways teachers can serve linguistically and culturally diverse student populations. Two Philadelphia elementary teachers have successfully created learning contexts for bilingual literacy. This article describes ways they adapt their teaching for biliterate development and for the particular bilingual contexts and media of…

Presents information from the first year of the California Formative Assessment and Support System for Teachers (CFASST), suggesting that it offers a way to diagnose teaching systematically and facilitate improved student academic achievement. Open-ended feedback from support providers all over California on the first CFASST events indicates that…

Demonstrates a process for creating a preservice teacher evaluation instrument utilizing the expertise of teacher educators who conduct the evaluations. Highlights how one college developed such an instrument using the Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS). Preservice teacher supervisors participated at all stages of development of the rating…