ERIC Number: ED335356
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1991
Pages: 4
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Preparation of Middle School Teachers. ERIC Digest 90-1.
Harnett, Anne Marie
This digest reviews some of the literature on middle grades teacher preparation focusing on the following topics: (1) characteristics and needs of early adolescents (aged 10-14); (2) the kinds of schools and programs suited to early adolescents; and (3) characteristics of a teacher education curriculum that would adequately prepare teachers for these schools and programs. Early adolescent learners have special personal, social, and educational needs that, according to the literature, can be met more appropriately in a middle school (grades 6-8) than in an elementary or junior high school. Studies have recommended that middle schools be staffed by teachers who are expert at teaching early adolescents and have the appropriate education and training. According to many studies, teacher education must focus on the characteristics and needs of early adolescents and include content and methodology that are directly related to middle school programs. Recent studies underscore the need for both school-level professionals and teacher educators to involve themselves in restructuring teacher preparation for the middle grades and for greater cooperation between State Departments of Education and teacher training institutions to ensure adequate preparation and appropriate certification of middle school teachers. (LL)
Descriptors: Adolescent Development, Educational Needs, Higher Education, Institutional Characteristics, Intermediate Grades, Junior High Schools, Middle Schools, Preservice Teacher Education, Program Content, Student Characteristics, Teacher Certification, Teacher Education Curriculum
ERIC Clearinghouse on Teacher Education, One Dupont Circle, Suite 610, Washington, DC 20036-1186 (free).
Publication Type: ERIC Publications; ERIC Digests in Full Text
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Office of Educational Research and Improvement (ED), Washington, DC.
Authoring Institution: ERIC Clearinghouse on Teacher Education, Washington, DC.
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A