California, in response to pessimism about the efficacy of public education, adopted the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), a three-part test of reading, writing, and mathematics required of teacher applicants. This paper takes a critical look at the genesis, passage, implementation, and consequences of the CBEST legislation. In…

In spring 1988, the Johns Hopkins Center for Research on Elementary and Middle Schools (CREMS) conducted a national survey of principals in 2,400 public middle grade schools that include grade 7. Using the 1988 survey date, this document presents an overview of educational approaches and practices in schools that serve early adolescents. Topics…

This paper is a combination of two separate essays, both of which examine changes in standards for student and teacher performance in various states over the past two years. Part 1 examines changes in standards for graduation from high school and the introduction or expansion of statewide programs of testing. Changes in the overall units for…

Information on teaching in Canadian public schools is the primary focus of this booklet which answers frequently asked questions, received by the Canadian Teachers' Federation, on teaching conditions and requirements, resources, and institutions. Topics covered are: (1) the roles, duties, and qualifications of teachers; (2) teaching outside the…

SCHOOL SIZE AND ORGANIZATIONAL PATTERNS WERE INVESTIGATED AND DETERMINED TO BE BASIC INFLUENCES AFFECTING THE QUALITY OF SECONDARY EDUCATION IN 11 SOUTHERN STATES. DATA WERE OBTAINED FROM OFFICIAL RECORDS FOR THE 1962-63 SCHOOL YEAR ON FILE IN STATE DEPARTMENTS OF EDUCATION IN EACH OF THE 11 STATES. DATA AREAS UTILIZED WERE (1) EXTENT OF…

The guidelines for the establishment or improvement of services for students who need special attention cover law and state board regulations, teacher qualification and certification, and state and local administrative responsibilities. Also considered are the definition, incidence, and identification of the following handicapped groups and the…

This amicus curiae was filed by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) in the case of the United States of America and North Carolina Association of Educators v. North Carolina, which involved the validity of North Carolina's use of the National Teacher Examinations (NTE). The NTE, a battery of achievement tests designed to measure the academic…

A new certification regulation for social studies teachers in the state of Minnesota has been developed by a Task Force to Study Programs Leading to Certification of Teachers in the Areas of Social Studies. This Position Paper includes the rationale for a competency-based certification program and an analysis of the regulation, including…

One of the key features of this legislation is an emphasis on teacher quality. A growing body of research has documented the importance of teacher knowledge and skill in improving student achievement. The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001 includes specific criteria for considering a teacher highly qualified, and other specific requirements…

As long as students with limited English language skills have attended California schools a debate has raged among educators and policy-makers regarding how best to educate these children. A major focal point of this debate is bilingual education. That is, the viability, advisability, and effectiveness of using students' primary language in…

This booklet presents a plan for improving Oklahoma's K-12 education. Section 1, "Getting Serious about Standards for Both Students and Teachers," includes: developing high quality student standards linked to high quality teacher standards; establishing state professional standards boards; professionally accrediting all schools of…

State laws and regulations governing teachers' certificates are recognized as a means of promoting higher standards of qualifications of the teaching corps. Information concerning progress which the different States are making in improving such laws and regulations is of interest and value as an incentive to progressive measure facilitating…

Examines the efforts, in four European countries, to increase the professionalization of teacher training. France recently elevated the status of teachers to civil servants and strengthened certification procedures. Germany retains a high degree of academic excellence and professional training. England and Wales have increased local autonomy and…

Reports on a small-scale study that examined deficiencies in pre-service geography teachers' subject knowledge. The British pre-service teachers were all studying for Post Graduate Certificates in Education and answered questions regarding their subject knowledge and educational background. Documents definite weaknesses and identifies areas for…

Reports on a study of 212 first-year members of the National Art Education Association to discover the nature and extent of preservice preparation to teach art to students with disabilities. Finds that most felt unprepared to teach art in mainstreamed, integrated classrooms. (CFR)