This study examined certifiable teacher education graduates to determine if there were ability and achievement differences between those who did and did not commence teaching careers. The findings suggest that the most academically talented graduates do not enter teaching. Implications for the teaching profession are discussed. (MT)

The author argues that social institutions such as schools and universities have an obligation to teach American consensus high level values as right and true and to inculcate in the students a methodological concept of authority in solving problems where there is no agreement. A response by Asa Hilliard III is offered. (MT)

An educational psychology course incorporating elements of motivation training was taught to preservice teachers and their performance compared to a control group taking the same course without the motivation training. Results indicated that trained students achieved higher academic performance, had more responsible causal perceptions, and showed…

This study examined the attitudes, knowledge bases, and practices of 20 cooperating teachers and 20 student teachers regarding evaluation of pupil progress. Teachers often wrestled with balancing district demands for grading with pupil needs for affirmation and guidance. The complexity of the process and implications for teacher educators are…

This article describes the merger of teacher education programs at neighboring institutions and the problems and benefits accruing from the merger. The efficacy of the merger concept is examined. (MT)

The essence of teacher maturity can be synthesized into personal, professional, and process domains. Although overlapping, these categories add a multidimensional approach to the search for what is good in teaching and provide a model for professional development. (MT)

Newly adopted policies for initial teacher licensure in Oregon shift evaluation focus from the acquisition of knowledge (approved program approach) to demonstration of successful application of that knowledge, as demonstrated by pupil achievement data. Rationale, implementation mechanisms, and implications for individuals, institutions, and…

This article discusses Texas Senate Bill 994, the political climate that spawned it, efforts by teacher education institutions to comply with the legislation, implications for teacher supply and the professionalism of teaching, and steps which can be taken by teacher educators in other states to avoid the Texas experience. (IAH)

Results of a comparative case study of four states (Illinois, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Texas) revealed the existence of identifiable sociopolitical systems (policy domains), at the state level, for determining teacher education standards. State systems for the governance of teacher education are described with regard to participants and how…

The central research question addressed at the National Center for Teacher Education is, "What do teacher education programs contribute to teachers' learning?" This article describes how this question is explored, conceptualization of key terms in the question, data collection strategies, and contributions and limitations of the Center's research.…

This article reports results of a comparative study of 332 undergraduate teacher education students and 382 experienced classroom teachers. Teaching beliefs and orientations are compared and contrasted. Also examined are the relationship between years of classroom experience and teachers' opinions and beliefs about teaching. (IAH)

The traditional characteristics of academic graduate studies and preservice teacher education are inherently similar. This article reviews, summarizes, and strengthens the justifications for graduate-level preservice teacher education. (IAH)

Library research skills instruction aids the development of critical, evaluative faculties in teacher trainees. This article describes a problem-solving simulation method (guided design simulation method) for teaching library skills, and discusses gains accruing to teachers and pupils from such instruction. (IAH)

Results of a survey of 129 doctoral-granting institutions indicate that only 26 offer teacher education as a separate academic program on the doctoral level. Some agreement exists among these institutions about the topics that should be studied. These topics are indicated in the article. (IAH)

This article discusses problems of beginning teachers and suggests two categories of solutions: increased support during the initial year and increased involvement of principals in the preservice preparation program. Several responsibilities for principals in relation to student teaching are recommended. (IAH)