The study discussed in this paper examined the pedagogical content knowledge of prospective secondary mathematics teachers with respect to the content area of functions and graphs. The pedagogical content knowledge was examined through an analysis of the transformation of knowledge and beliefs about the content and the learner into instructional…

The Center for Educational Policy and Management at the University of Oregon has developed a professional development term for improving teaching skills of secondary school teachers. The content of the program has been drawn from two major categories of instructional research: (1) classroom management and organizational strategies that promote and…

This report represents one aspect of the development of a competency-based, interdisciplinary cooperative program called Project SAVE (Special And Vocational Education). It focuses on Phase I, which, using a taxonomic approach, analyzed prior research and development efforts directed at implementing competency-based personnel preparation programs.…

As part of the Austin Independent School District's revision of its Professional Personnel Evaluation System, a study was conducted to determine the components of a teacher competency-based evaluation instrument. The procedure was comprised of: (1) identification of resources for compiling essential teacher skills--such as literature reviews,…

In this paper (Part II of a presentation titled "Early Childhood Education in Urban America") four broad questions are discussed: (1) What are the goals of early childhood education? Continuing dilemmas in compensatory early education are articulated, and the questions of how should resources be allocated and who should benefit are raised. (2) Who…

To help combat the problem of beginning teacher/high attrition rate, the Cincinnati Initiative for Teacher Education (CITE) program was piloted in the '93-'94 school year with University of Cincinnati students and the '94-'95 school year with the Cincinnati Public Schools. In '95-'96, students participated in half-time teaching internships. For…

This case study explores the student teaching experience of a Spanish language teacher candidate through her own eyes. It sheds light on how the participants' prior learning experience and beliefs inform her initial practice, how she develops her teaching skills, what contextual factors affect her learning-to-teach process, and the sources from…

This monograph identifies key policy areas that support the concept of teaching for understanding. Part 1, "Teaching for Understanding," explores the mission and practices associated with teaching for understanding, presenting this practice from the viewpoint of the student, teacher, and school system. Part 2, "Policy Areas,"…

The Tennessee Career Ladder Evaluation system, which uses a multiple data source approach to assessment, was developed to identify excellent teachers. It is used to determine whether or not the teacher should receive increasing career benefits. Evaluation data are generated by three evaluators, the teacher candidate, the school principal, three…

This paper discusses who will teach American children in the current political environment. Americans consider education a top political priority. The conversation must be moved from campaign rhetoric to real dialogue about education's critical role and the readiness of all schools to help shape the nation. Major trends transforming society…

This study examined the effectiveness of a Professional Development School (PDS) student teaching program within one university's teacher education program. The program is field-based during students' entire senior year, which is divided into a PDS semester and student teaching. During the PDS semester, students are placed in PDS sites around a…

This study evaluated Metropolitan State College of Denver's Teacher-in-Residence (TiR) alternative licensure program. To participate, teacher candidates must possess a baccalaureate degree, have a teaching contract in a participating local school district, enroll in the TiR program, and pass a state content test. This study examined what Metro…

Consistent with educational reform efforts, regular educators are being asked to meet the challenge of addressing the needs of special education and at-risk students along with "normal" students in the regular classroom. This paper examines how teacher education programs can assist in better preparing educators to meet this challenge and…

The Central Texas College Europe Campus (CTCEC), in Hanau, Germany, provides associate degrees for American Armed Services personnel stationed in Europe. Between 1980 and 1990, part-time faculty at CTCEC increased from 60% to 80%. In order to meet the training needs of this growing number of adjunct faculty, a Committee for Professional…

Professional teacher educators recognize that the body of knowledge about teaching and learning is today more substantive, consistent, and authoritative than ever before. It should also be acknowledged, however, that too little of that knowledge is incorporated into the preservice education of teachers. This volume, containing 12 papers presented…