Recruitment attitudes and behaviors of home economics teachers were studied. Findings indicate that greater emphasis in preservice teacher education should be placed upon recruitment techniques, home economics career education should be taught at the middle school/junior high level, and college-university home economics faculty should speak to…

This report presents the results of survey research that collected responses of graduates (N=113, Fall 1999 through Fall 2001) from a reform-based mathematics and science teacher preparation program. All graduates' responses were compared to smaller subsamples of employed new elementary and middle school teachers with responses of a larger sample…

The purpose of this study was to ascertain middle school student and science teacher perceptions of the science inquiry experiences fostered in their science classrooms and to develop a science inquiry profile based on survey information from students and teachers. Nine hundred seventeen middle school (grades 6-8) science students and their…

Twenty-one rural middle school teachers participated in planning an inservice program based on their own needs and strengths. Before and after the experience, participants rated themselves on their competence at 24 teaching functions. Perceived competence in 20 of these functions increased significantly. The list of 24 skills is included. (SJL)

The "Shadow" program at a middle school in Atlanta allows fifth graders to "shadow" sixth grade middle students to ease transition from elementary school. This study used questionnaires to compare the social adjustment of program participants and non-participants, as well as teacher attitudes toward the program. Results showed…

Explored how middle level integrativist teachers working in a conventional school district sustain their commitment to integrativist learning. Used ethnographic interviewing, which uncovered four themes in these teachers' perspectives: (1) the very different nature of relationships among teachers and with students; (2) struggles with instructional…

Examined the relationship between public school uniforms and student self-worth and student and staff perceptions of gang presence and school climate. Surveys of middle school students and teachers indicated that although students' perceptions did not vary across uniform policy, teachers from schools with uniform policies perceived lower levels of…

A survey of 50 teachers of gifted programs (grades K-9) found they had familiarity with at least one or more theory-based models for gifted identification or education. When asked if they follow a specific model, 26 of the teachers stated they did not. Ranking of program goals varied by grades. (Contains references.) (CR)

The author provides a few personal impressions from his visit to the People's Republic of China concerning middle school science education, particularly the physics curriculum; the typical, working-week schedule of a physics teacher; the status and morale of teachers, in general; and the Chinese viewpoint of the examination process and gender…

The results of questionnaires given designed to provide information on the effect of student teaching on the attitudes and career interests of secondary mathematics preservice teachers are presented. The recommendations/suggestions obtained from the questionnaires concerning the secondary mathematics and middle school methods courses and a copy of…

Reports on a study of strategies used by U.S. History teachers at the eighth-grade level to motivate students to learn and student's views about teacher's strategies. Finds that teachers attribute less importance to the relevance of subject matter than to their attempts to stimulate student interest. (SR)

Challenges vague, underconceptualized notions of teacher professional community. Findings from an exploration of two California middle-school teacher communities suggest that current models obscure significant differences in beliefs and practices. One community stresses teachers' individual rights and responsibilities; the other is driven by a…

Investigated the connection between teachers' beliefs and instructional practices when the beliefs were informed by formalist thinking related to truth and caring. Responses to a teaching problem posed to middle school students and language arts teachers indicated that teachers' instructional strategies were guided by formalist beliefs, which…

Examined the impact of a preservice program that modeled effective teaching practices for early adolescents and incorporated collaboration between school teachers, preservice teachers, and instructors. Participant surveys and interviews following their first teaching year revealed the relative ease of program implementation within an existing…

Profiles the shifting view of an effective literacy program for the middle years. Discusses results of a teacher survey that explored the gaps between this evolving view of effective middle years literacy programs and teachers' perceptions of their current practice. Concludes with a model of teacher support to bridge the gap between current and…