The goals of this study were: (1) to develop a methodology for describing competent classroom teaching performance; and (2) to analyze components of competent classroom decision making to be used in improving preservice and inservice teacher training programs. The study investigated differences in: (1) experienced and novice teachers' reports of…

A sense of crisis in public schools is helping to make teaching a stressful occupation. Prospective teachers should develop the capacity to cope with the institution as it changes to meet societal demands. They should have the ability to analyze problems and choose appropriate coping mechanisms. A positive outlook on teaching, with the support of…

An overview is presented of a study conducted to obtain teachers' perceptions of their personal and professional development. Focused interviews were conducted with 13 female and 2 male elementary school teachers whose teaching experience ranged from 4 to 28 years. Interpretation of the data resulted in an exploration of: (1) interactions between…

A rationale is presented for both investigating the context of educational organizations and building in a program renewal capacity as an essential operational component of every such organization. The findings of several program evaluation studies conducted at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Education are reviewed. These studies were…

The purpose of this journal, addressed specifically to educators, is to describe, introduce, or translate results of research and development work funded by the National Institute of Education. The first article examines two secondary schools that are undertaking comprehensive efforts to improve their practices with help from the Wisconsin…

This two part transcript of a public radio broadcast deals with the topic of teacher burnout. Numerous personal interviews were conducted with teachers in order to understand the causes behind this problem from the vantage point of their personal experiences. A young teacher in a ghetto school relates his experiences. Another teacher cites the…

This three-chapter document concerns the problem of finding competent individuals to teach in the community. Chapter 1 describes an Education Professions Development Act (EPDA) project involving lay citizens, professional teachers, students, and educational authorities gathered together to pinpoint the necessities for competent teacher…

The rapid industrialization of agriculture has necessitated the implementation of programs which more effectively coordinate state supervision activities, industry participation, and teacher education. In order to meet this need, a structured occupational experience was designed to provide beginning teachers with agricultural industry-related…

The purpose of this study was to measure the effects of the 1971 summer training program conducted for 19 vocational instructors beginning their first year in teaching without previous teaching experience and training in teacher education. Hired from business and industry because of their technical competence in their field, the program…

The purpose of this study is to determine how recent elementary education graduates and their principals perceive, in terms of competencies, preparation for teaching. A poll was taken of a group of teachers in their first year of teaching in elementary schools. Their principals were asked to respond to a similar poll. The study was designed to…

Even in schools termed "outstanding" by local and state reviews, few teachers demonstrate artful, inspired classroom instruction. Probable causes include (1) the emphasis in schools on order, competency, and basics, (2) random minilectures, (3) teachers' growing old in place, and (4) the dearth of younger career teachers. (IW)

This document outlines what beginning classroom teachers and arts education specialists should know and be able to do to teach the arts effectively. The volume serves as a guide for individual states, professional organizations, and teacher education programs as they develop and refine their standards and practices. The Interstate New Teacher…

This CD-ROM presents six videos that feature veteran middle and high school teachers in action in their classrooms. Each video offers links to supplemental education resources, including innovative lesson plans. The six videos are: "Monsters and Myths" (a humanities unit for middle school students); "The Bleeding Edge" (a thematic…

Nine San Francisco (California) second-year teachers who had conducted structured weekly meetings during their preservice program continue to meet monthly with two Stanford University researchers. At these meetings they discuss emerging values, philosophies, and pedagogical practice. The meetings involve formal check-in times for individuals to…

This digest provides a summary at-a-glance of critical legislative activity and related reports that have addressed many facets of California's teacher recruitment and development challenges over the decade. The nine chapters focus on: "Teacher Recruitment,""University-Based Teacher Preparation,""Teacher…