In this report, teacher educators scrutinize the relationships between the standards and assessment movement in education and the United States' increasingly multicultural population. The papers include: "Foreword" (Jacqueline Jordan Irvine); (1) "Diversity and Standards: Defining the Issues" (Norvella P. Carter); (2) "Accountability and…

Presents a discussion by a panel of University of Utah faculty on recommendations made in the 1996 report, What Matters Most: Teaching for America's Future, produced by the National Commission on Teaching and America's Future. The paper focuses on the realities of education, standards and standardization, teacher professional development, National…

Although many factors combine to make a successful school, most people agree that quality teachers and school principals are among the most important requirements for success, especially when success is defined by the ability of the school to raise the achievement of its students. The central question for this study is how the quality of the…

These national standards document basic competencies required for individuals providing adapted physical education services. They define qualifications for professionals in this field and the knowledge and skills needed by individuals preparing for the certification examination. An introduction describes the development of the standards, including…

This paper explores some of the issues involved in assessing national-curriculum standards at the local level. Some of the things that might foster the use of high-quality assessments include: (1) feasible and assessable state content standards; (2) a clear purpose for each assessment; (3) an emphasis on valid, fair, and reliable classroom…

The purpose of this paper is four-fold. Following a brief review of recent policy recommendations, two failed attempts to restructure teacher compensation, merit pay, and career ladders are reviewed. Second, research-based recommendations for new approaches to restructuring teacher compensation are synthesized. Next, based on one of these…

Contends that, despite recent successes, the geographic education community faces serious problems based on its failure to create and maintain strategies for effect preservice teacher education. Argues that a broad cooperative program involving teachers, school district officials, geographic educators, and the community is a potential remedy. (CFR)

Asserts that the new voluntary arts national standards present educators with a important opportunity to improve music and arts education in K-12 schools. Outlines the role of the national standards movement. Discusses the interrelationships among the standards and the undergraduate curriculum, teacher certification, and advanced placement. (CFR)

This publication describes the pilot Teacher Dialogue Forums, which provided Georgia teachers with an opportunity to: learn about current research on teaching and the teaching profession; share their views and learn from colleagues; and let their voices be heard and used to shape practice and policy in teaching. A total of 250 teachers…

This book describes results of the work by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. Section 1, "Introduction," introduces the work of the National Board and discusses educational change and teacher improvement in general. Section 2, "Standard Setting in Teaching," explains that in order to appreciate the effects…

A Content Alignment Committee defined the subject matter that beginning teachers who complete the University of Houston-Clear Lake (UHCL) program must understand in order to provide meaningful learning experiences to public school students. The committee met during 1997 to examine content standards in English/language arts, mathematics, and social…

These guidelines help professional development chairs, administrators, and teachers collaboratively plan for the ongoing skill development and content acquisition of staff members. Section 1, "Missions, Mandates, and Regulations for Professional Development," describes the mission of professional development as supporting teachers in…

Discusses the professional partnership between the George Washington University Graduate School of Education and a local school system that led to the establishment of a successful program of support for National Board for Professional Teaching Standards teaching candidates and for teacher leadership opportunities. The paper focuses on four key…

Great Britain's Further Education Unit (FEU) completed field trials of the Training and Development Lead Body (TDLB) standards to explore the relevance of these national standards to staff in further education (FE). Seventeen colleges and four local education agencies that participated in field trials represented a cross-section of further…

Recognition of teachers as professionals can come with increased college preparation, professional participation of all segments of the profession with mutual respect for one another, and a more active voice by the profession in licensing and establishment of standards. Preparation requirements for teachers should be mandated nationally rather…