In this paper, the author presents a study which explored K-8 preservice teachers' concept images and mathematical definitions of polygons. This study was carried out in which K-8 teacher candidates enrolled in an elementary mathematics content course were asked to sort, identify, and provide definitions of such shapes including triangles,…

The disproportionate representation of minority students in special education programs has been a persistent problem in American education. Being labeled as disabled often has a negative impact on social relationships and self-concept and long-term outcomes such as graduation and employment. Disproportionate identification of students from certain…

Learning to teach is a developmental process. This process begins in some fashion when a person enters formal schooling and ideally continues throughout life, with good teachers always becoming better teachers. Teaching is perhaps the only career in which people have such an extended term of development. Unfortunately, nearly all of this growth in…

In the 1990s, fueled by the momentum of the inclusive schools movement, where students with disabilities were being encouraged to participate in their neighborhood schools and adults with disabilities were self-advocating for a chance at community independence, the collaboration model among professionals burgeoned as best practice for serving…

In teacher education settings, the extent of collaboration is far less evident than in K-12 education. There is some evidence that suggests, however, that this may be changing. Teaming among higher education faculty has been identified as one way to provide teachers with greater exposure to diverse fields of knowledge and practice, as well as to…

This article addresses how teacher preparation programs can best respond to the broad, complex calls for reform in ways that are locally meaningful and honor academic integrity, but that are also true to the intent of the reform mandates. The authors begin with an overview of some of the federal and state initiatives that are presenting challenges…

Introduces a theme issue concerning the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and certification, presenting a brief history of the NBPTS and reviewing the collection of articles, which highlight such issues as moving toward a research agenda, social and cultural contexts of NBPTS certification, NBPTS certification and special…

Discusses four key areas that help define and focus teacher educators' move toward a comprehensive research agenda (program design, professional development, personnel, and P-16 student learning and achievement). Summarizes literature that supports findings relevant to P-12 education (professional development of candidates, leadership development…

Explored the experiences of local teachers of color exposed to the professional development opportunity of National Board Certification (NBC). Data from interviews with teachers and principals indicated that there were small numbers of local NBC teachers from diverse ethnic backgrounds. Among these teachers, barriers to NBC included lack of…

Examines the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards National Board Certification process, noting the legitimacy of this process for teachers of special needs students and concluding that while National Board Certification is beneficial to the teaching profession at large, for special education, it needs to be reconceptualized and…

Presents lessons learned by following M.A. candidates who were supported by California State University, Los Angeles, as they pursued National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) certification. Discusses the introduction of NBPTS certification to M.A. candidates, launching certification projects, and what NBPTS certification…

Makes a case for using the tenets of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in redesigning the Mathematics and English Subject Specialist Master's Programs at California State University, Northridge, by going through the constructed cohort program semester by semester, discussing coursework and portfolio activities, highlighting the…

Teacher education in California is currently under attack. Politicians and the general public have lost confidence in the entire educational system. While some critics argue that too many credential courses are required, the majority seem to criticize Colleges of Education for simply failing to produce quality teachers. One question asked by both…

Elementary school mathematics teaching begins with the teacher's understanding of the mathematical content to be taught. The teacher knows how to "do" the mathematics, i. e., understands the concepts and truths concerning that mathematics. The teacher then decides how to present the mathematics. Based on the students' background in mathematics,…

Service learning can be a vehicle to promote democracy in the teacher education classroom. Incorporating service learning into a teacher education program is an uphill battle: teacher candidates lead complicated lives with professional and family responsibilities, some continue long-standing volunteer commitments to their communities, and course…