This paper analyzes the effectiveness of teacher selection practices with reference to literature sources and recommends experimentation with a structured interview approach based on life style themes. The first variable in selection involves identification of characteristics of effective teachers. Some agreement concerning particular teaching…

A one-page introduction is followed by summaries of articles and documents on teacher competency testing. George F. Madaus argues that, although tests serve some useful functions, treating them as a major mechanism for reforming education is questionable. Peter A. Garcia examines the negative impact of testing on minority teachers and minorities…

This paper assesses the credibility of a single total instrument score and various logical sub-scores derived from a series of summative judgments about the quality of teaching performance. The objectives were to compare the generalizability of alternative Teacher Performance Assessment Instrument (TPAI) scores, to compare the dependability of…

This study addresses four questions: (1) What types of performance appraisal policy for educational staff have been adopted by Ontario school boards? (2) To what extent have these policies been implemented in practice? (3) What types of appraisal policies are most effective? and (4) What processes have school boards used to develop and implement…

This report, the fourth and final volume of a series, examines in a summary fashion the results from a massive study of performance appraisal policies and procedures currently used in Ontario school boards. The study, a two-year undertaking, focused on appraisal practices for certified educational personnel in Ontario: teachers, principals,…

As schools primarily use human resources to accomplish their mission of developing the potential of students, their success is contingent upon the quality of the people employed by the schools. Thus, the selection and development of professionals within the schools is the most important responsibility of the school board and superintendent. The…

A report is given on the attitudes of elementary and secondary public school teachers toward public education in the United States. Data were obtained by a nation-wide survey of 1,981 teachers. The report summarizes responses and information on: (1) major study findings; (2) a profile of teachers in the United States; (3) the job satisfaction of…

This module, one in a series of performance-based teacher education learning packages, focuses on a specific skill that vocational educators need to create appropriate learning environments and to plan and manage instruction that is well-suited to the learning and psychological needs of today's adults. The purpose of the module is to teach…

Designed to help principals in rural and small schools, this volume contains 29 articles under the three broad headings of new possibilities in everyday practice, applications of recent research, and initiatives to help schools and communities grow. The editors' introduction notes the challenges facing small school administrators, the problems…

Test specifications for the Texas Examination of Current Administrators and Teachers (TECAT) are presented in detail. These specifications are designed to help teachers prepare for the TECAT, and should also be made available to administrators and persons preparing review courses. This test focuses on reading and writing skills. In the test…

This paper describes two case studies of testing programs at local levels. The work was conducted as part of the Assessment Development and Use component of the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory's (NWREL) Assessment and Development project. Two school districts were recruited to participate in this effort--McMinnville, Oregon, and Kyrene,…

In this report of a working conference, experts in the teacher education field considered the adequacy of current research on teaching practices and obstacles in the implementation of changes based on research findings. In "How Useful Are the Findings from the Research on Teaching," Jane A. Stallings discussed findings from research on teaching…

At this workshop, representatives of Canadian provincial teachers' associations came together to share information and discuss appropriate policy directions related to the evaluation and supervision of teachers. This report contains the texts of four major presentations and a summary of a panel presentation made at the meeting. The first…

After listing the conference schedule, planning committee, program speakers and presiders, this document reprints materials related to 11 conference workshops and an exhibit on creating teacher-made preschool materials. The keynote address is summarized in the form of short restatements of child development principles. Materials from the workshops…

The effectiveness of grade point average (GPA) as a predictor of elementary school teaching performance during student teaching and after graduation was examined. Measures of student achievement, attitudes, and teaching ability, as reported by student teaching supervisors and by school principals where the graduates are employed, were compared for…