This fourth module in a sequence of instructional modules for preservice elementary teachers deals with the laboratory approach to mathematics. The module focuses on laboratory activities aimed at readiness, concept development, concept synthesis, recall, application, planning, evaluation, and remediation. Objectives for the module, prerequisites,…

This module for preservice elementary school teachers contains an extensive collection of ideas and materials for planning, modifying, and implementing mathematics laboratory activities. Objectives for the module are stated, pre- and post-assessment activities are listed, and six instructional activities to be completed by the preservice teachers…

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…

The article presents the rationale behind development by the Council for Learning Disabilities of a set of competencies for teachers of learning disabled children. Competencies cover the areas of oral language, reading, written expression, spelling, mathematics, cognition, behavioral management, counseling/consulting, career/vocational education,…

Faculty certification increases the chances that online instruction in higher education will successfully meet the needs of students. This paper introduces a new approach to designing a program of faculty certification for online instruction. This curriculum includes preparation in core competencies as well as in enabling and sustaining…

Increased emphasis has been placed on student teachers' practical experiences in Scottish schools resulting from government policy specifying teacher competencies, student teachers' views of their learning experience, and research into the nature and contribution of practicing teachers' knowledge. Addresses implications concerning this shift of…

This article describes the Migrant Special Education Training Program at the State University of New York (New Paltz). This specially designed master's level teacher training program employs a field-oriented, competency-based approach which includes experience at a migrant education center, cooperative learning, and tutoring experiences. (DB)

The changing emphasis in teacher education from a theoretical perspective to a practical, performance-based perspective has forced teacher educators to revise and rethink their instructional techniques and styles. The Hearing Impairment Teacher Training Program at Eastern Kentucky University is currently being restructured in response to the new…

There is increasing pressure to evaluate and document the capabilities of students exiting teacher education programs. A professional portfolio can serve as an effective tool for documenting this process. Faculty wishing to institute portfolios in pre-service teacher assessment should be aware of the difficulties that arise during discourse and…

This study investigated the effects of a newly redesigned teacher education internship program at West Texas A&M University, the STEP (Student/Teacher Expanded Program) program, on teaching interns' performance. STEP participants were placed in 1-year internships and paid 75 percent of a beginning teacher's salary. Carefully screened teachers who…

As part of a Funds for the Improvement of Post Secondary Education (FIPSE) grant, the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Central Missouri State University is redesigning its 28-hour Secondary Professional Sequence (required for secondary education majors). The department identified and developed 45 teaching competencies reflecting 7…

This study identified specific assessment and diagnostic competencies seen as important for masters level special educators. In Phase 1, objectives were gathered from the assessment courses of 61 universities preparing special education teachers. In Phase 2, an initial list of 128 competency statements (71 knowledge statements and 57 skill…

One of nine competency-based training modules for personnel preparation in early childhood special education, this guide focuses on family collaboration. All modules are adaptable for use with a general audience, direct service personnel, or administrators and are based on the following principles of the Ohio Department of Education's Division of…

The first of the two guides presented in this document is intended for preservice and inservice teacher trainers who want to include technology as an integral part of special education training. The guide is divided into five sections. The first summarizes planning issues for university-based programs. The second explores the planning of inservice…

This paper examines some impacts of basic skills proficiency testing of teachers in Arizona. A discussion of some legal issues involved in teacher proficiency testing is presented. Specific cases are cited which illustrate the fact that the courts have ruled that testing must show "job-relatedness" and a "rational basis for…