Most college students given an examination with questions from tests for seventh graders failed that examination. The paper examines how this is possible and discusses criteria for selecting curriculum content. It concludes that schools follow traditions that are difficult to justify, noting a lack of definition in how teachers are trained and,…

Two cohorts of Australian preservice teachers provided information on their teaching practicum concerns and the coping strategies they used. Survey data indicated there were significant reductions in stress from the first to the second practicum. Students' principal coping strategy was seeking the support of the supervising teacher, which…

The United Kingdom uses many different models of teacher self-evaluation. This paper identifies three grammars of self- assessment, highlighting the "Business Excellence Model" currently being implemented, which is characterized by creative grammar. The value of this self-assessment model and its impact on teacher professionalism are examined.…

Describes the development of narrative inquiry, highlighting one institutional setting, and discussing how narrative inquiry moved from being a research tool to a vehicle for curriculum within both graduate and preservice teacher development. After discussing theoretical resources for narrative inquiry, the paper examines criteria and terms…

Draws conclusions about preservice teacher education in England by critically analyzing the German system in Baden-Wurttemberg, highlighting: the statutory framework, preparation for teaching, assessment of trainee competence, and support available to student teachers. The paper examines the role of mentors, assessment of student teacher…

Discusses Germany's educational system, highlighting demands for more school autonomy. Over a decade ago, there were calls for more school autonomy, but only lately have educators and researchers realized this demand is in line with political discussions on the issue, which are linked to the European context in which educational policies are…

Drawing on insights from Albanian teacher educators and government representatives, this paper examines processes of change and types of reform (modernization, structural, and systemic reform) in Albania. It also discusses the initial implementation of one of the reforms, which was directed at the balance and role of school experiences, analyzing…

Investigated changes in German beginning teachers that occurred following interactions with diverse students during their 2-year probationary period. Pre- and post-probation interviews indicated that at the end of the 2 years, teachers coped with culture conflict in either synergy-oriented or ethno-oriented ways. Synergy-oriented teachers coped…

Teacher shortages are accelerating the development of Dutch teacher education curriculum and assessment in more competence- and school-based directions. Schools are developing and implementing teacher improvement plans, though student teachers are seldom part of those plans. Teacher educators in schools cannot yet meet professional standards, and…

Analyzes recent Slovenian elementary school legislation, considering its influence on elementary school teachers. This legislation is based on the belief that teachers must learn to feel confident with their own decision making. The paper outlines proposals for restructuring elementary education generated by the Restructuring Primary Teachers'…

Examined preservice teachers' concerns about transforming their academic knowledge into teaching activities (pedagogical content concerns). Prospective chemistry teachers individually prepared high school chemistry lessons. During group meetings, they presented and discussed the lesson plans. Data from interviews during individual and group…

Examined data from a surveys and interviews with British Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) staff and students about participation of ethnic minorities in PGCE, noting students': motives for entering teaching, images of teaching, factors influencing their choice, training experiences, and perceptions of constraints on minority…

Examined a group of science graduates who applied for a secondary postgraduate certificate in education course at one British institution, describing how preservice teachers were selected for the course and how graduates perceived criteria used in selection. Graduates were tracked during their course, and researchers compared the performance of…

Introduces an issue that begins with an article by John Goodlad on the theme of whither schools of education and then presents the responses of several other people. The issue also includes one paper not directly related to Goodlad's article which focuses on the rigors of institutionalized Professional Development Schools. (SM)

Examines the history and evolution of schools, colleges, and departments of education (SCDEs), noting the current congenital malaise and discussing: Dewey's thinking about SCDEs and the theory practice relationship; tensions within and outside of the academe; the research-practice dichotomy; the mission of schools of education; and lessons learned…