Selective research studies were examined to determine the competencies necessary for successfully mainstreaming handicapped students. An understanding was sought of: (1) the problems associated with competency development for mainstreaming situations; (2) the areas of training for both regular and special education personnel; and (3) the…

Study examined science methods courses and characteristics of instructors (n=65). Of the responding institutions, 24% had only a general methods course. Most science methods courses were for three credits. Instructors were mainly male with an average age of 50 years. Differences were found between three groups of faculty teaching science methods:…

The overall assessment of teacher education students by means of testing may not be the best indicator of competence in a professional field. Assessors must possess both valid and reliable ways of discerning which students have the necessary skills to be effective in the classroom. Portfolio analysis is one way to get better, more valid data about…

A teacher education conceptual model, Teachers Reflecting, Engaging, and Collaborating (TREC), is presented that guides an innovative teacher education program's goals, processes, outcomes, and evaluation. The model, which presents the teacher as a reflective practitioner, is not an instructional sequence model, but rather a conceptual model that…

By examining the role of supervision in the induction process of second career teachers, this study provides a new lens both for examining the career transition of second career teachers and for viewing the role of instructional supervision. Using case study methodology, the transitions of three cohorts (N=38) of participants in a teacher…

Effective integration of technology as a learning/teaching tool requires present and future educators not only to be trained in computer use but also to have effective and practical models of computer integration. At Alverno College (Wisconsin) an introductory computer course was redesigned to emphasize technology as a teaching tool rather than…

This task force report addresses three questions fundamental to the reform of teacher preparation: (1) what do teachers need to know? (2) what academic, professional, and practical experiences should be provided? and (3) what are the most efficacious relationships between a Faculty of Education, other faculties and schools in the University, other…

There is general agreement that the current teaching of secondary science is not as good as it should be. Different critics identify different weaknesses, but there is agreement that students are not learning how scientists make knowledge claims and use this knowledge. This paper assumes that one powerful influence on the development of teachers…

The academic productivity and financing of 64 teacher education programs in state universities and land-grant colleges in 37 states are analyzed to better understand the nature of these teacher education programs, and to assess their relative condition. A survey instrument was mailed to 111 state universities and land-grant colleges. Deans from 64…

The four papers in this volume address questions raised by the Dean's Grants Program. Among the themes addressed are the potential of deans to fulfill the role of change agent, techniques used in decision making and exercising authority, and faculty members' and deans' perceptions of the dean's role. Carole R. Sivage, in "Advocates of Change:…

The academic productivity and finance of 63 teacher education programs in state universities and land-grant colleges in 37 states are analyzed. The purpose of the analysis is not only to better understand the nature of these teacher education programs, but also to assess their relative condition. A survey instrument was mailed to 111 state…

The National Network for Educational Renewal (NNER) consists of higher education institutions and partner K-12 schools promoting simultaneous renewal of teacher education and K-12 schools. The network helps renew teacher education by preparing educators who will: (1) provide all students with equitable opportunities for becoming educated,…

Noting that the quality of services provided to young children and their families depends on the quality, consistency, and accessibility of professional preparation programs in early childhood, this book articulates the early childhood field's agreed-upon standards for the preparation of early childhood professionals. Section 1 of the book…

Project 30 is a collaborative effort involving 30 representative institutions of higher education whose mandate is the redesign the way that prospective teachers are educated at the nation's colleges and universities. Faculties of arts and sciences and faculties in education are engaged in joint action for fundamental reform. The 30 participating…

This paper reports the findings of a year-long study of 11 preservice teachers' perceptions of the first year of a teacher preparation program. These students were interviewed individually at least four times, and reported that learning concrete teaching methods was one of the most valuable aspects of their preparation because these methods could…