Professional teacher educators recognize that the body of knowledge about teaching and learning is today more substantive, consistent, and authoritative than ever before. It should also be acknowledged, however, that too little of that knowledge is incorporated into the preservice education of teachers. This volume, containing 12 papers presented by eminent scholars at the February 1983 Annual Meeting of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (AACTE) in Detroit, Michigan, represents some valuable current research into essential knowledge for beginning educators--that is, what educators must know to teach effectively. This book concentrates on research into generic components of preservice preparation programs. Those elements, as identified by the program committee of the AACTE meeting, include: (1) instructional planning; (2) management of instruction; (3) management of student conduct; (4) context variables; (5) diagnosis and measurement; and (6) evaluation. In this volume, as at the meeting, two researchers address each area. Also included in this work is a summary paper prepared for the AACTE meeting by B. Othanel Smith and an introduction by Virginia Koehler. The introduction presents a perspective on the evolving state of the art of research dealing with teaching and learning. The summary paper presents a statement and offers clear direction for the improvement of teacher education. (JMK)