This study evaluated a new secondary school teacher education program initiated in 1980 at Pennsylvania State University. Major differences between this program and the old program were: (1) an increase of three credit-hours in foundations and methods courses; (2) the addition of five credit-hours of field experiences; (3) an increase of two credit-hours in student teaching; (4) a decrease of five to seven credit-hours in content preparation; and (5) a decrease of two to seven credit-hours in electives. The major purpose of the study was to compare perceived needs and proficiencies of student teachers in the new program with those of student teachers in the old program. Thirty-four generic competencies were assessed and compared. There were 55 students in the old program and 31 students in the new program. Data were gathered by use of a questionnaire and were analyzed by use of t-tests and correlations. Findings indicated significant correlations for both groups for perceived needs and proficiencies. Although no significant differences were found between the two groups, university supervisors judged the competencies of new program students to have been demonstrated better than were those of students in the old program. Five tables containing study data are appended. (Author/JMK)