In lieu of the Curriculum and Instruction course, University of Hawaii education majors may serve as interns at Kailua High School's alternative program, Community Quest (CQ). Interns learn to design, implement, and evaluate curriculum. This article describes the CQ course and presents evaluative comments from some interns. (Author/SJL)

The University of Hawaii's exploratory Observation-Participation Program trains education majors in observing a host teacher and working in a classroom. The author, a host teacher, describes the structure and content of the experience she presented to her trainees, secondary speech-communication majors. (SJL)

Describes the use of portfolio assessment in preservice teacher education, specifically elementary science methods courses. Presents both theoretical and practical considerations relative to ensuring the highest possible levels of validity. Includes a set of practical validation focus questions and comments from student portfolios. Contains 33…

Scientific illiteracy in society begins in grade school, but preservice elementary teachers typically take only one or two disconnected science courses towards certification. Faculty from four disciplines developed an integrated science course tailored for elementary education majors. Students learn the importance of a well-rounded scientific…

Twenty European American teachers-in-training estimated the grade point averages and IQs of four African American students significantly lower than those of four European American children. In another study, racial attitudes of 58 European American education majors predicted their evaluations of compositions by African American students, Results…

Fourteen word problems, half of which were problematic from a realistic point of view, were administered to 332 Belgian preservice elementary school teachers who also saw answers given by 4 students. Results revealed a strong tendency to exclude real-world knowledge from spontaneous solutions and appreciations of student-supplied answers. (SLD)

A survey of 96 graduate and undergraduate students in special education and general education courses found relatively consistent agreement or disagreement among the four groups concerning philosophical assumptions of the Regular Education Initiative but differences on the actual placement of students with disabilities in the general education…

Presents strategies to create a classroom environment in which preservice teachers can break the taboo of silence and begin discussion of cultural diversity issues, drawing on faculty experience. A community atmosphere and mutual respect are key elements in encouraging open discussion. (SLD)

Preservice teachers' beliefs and knowledge about educational equity and their experiences with equal education were studied with 992 education majors at four colleges. Results show that preservice teachers are no more accepting of diversity than is the general population. (SLD)

Analysis of written assignments and course and advising discussions with 182 undergraduate special education majors found that 75% of the students expressed at least one of seven beliefs considered detrimental to inclusive school practices. Teacher education programs are urged to seek antidotes to these beliefs. (Author/DB)

Reveals how preservice education majors feel about the California Framework for History-Social Science Education. Summarizes responses to a questionnaire dealing with the Framework's philosophy, scope and sequence. Presents students' ideas for methods of implementing the Framework. (LS)

Undergraduate grade point average and American College Test subtest scores continue to correlate as well with the new National Teacher Examination (NTE) Core Battery as they did with the old NTE Common Examinations. Subjects were 94 teacher education graduates. Implications for teacher education programs are discussed. (IAH)

A survey of prospective teachers preparing for elementary education careers investigated their perceptions of education reform as it relates to financial issues. Some of the following topics were addressed: (1) salary issues; (2) adjustments in the length of instructional time; (3) merit pay; and (4) pay for special assignments. Respondents were…

Describes a teacher education program designed to increase preservice teachers' confidence in their ability to instruct elementary children in hands-on science. (Author/MKR)

This article describes the People to People program initiated by the University of Nebraska at Kearney. The program requires students enrolled in introductory special education courses to spend a minimum of 10 hours working with children or families in 1 of 7 local programs. Guidelines for developing such a program are offered. (DB)