A national shift toward greater state and district control of the teacher recertification process and a trend toward a reduced role for higher education institutions is reported. Certificate renewal requirements in 36 states and problems of quality control that might arise in locally directed programs are noted. (PP)

Administrators of teacher education programs should exert more leadership and insist on higher standards and adequate resources for their programs. Ohio's new teacher education standard provides for a ratio of one faculty member for every 14 students. (PP)

This humorous sketch contains speculation about what teacher education programs might be like if they were conducted in heaven. (PP)

This article, the last in a series dealing with deficiencies in teacher education programs, analyzes methods and criteria used in program accreditation and requirements for certifying teachers. Inconsistencies and inadequacies are pointed out, and recommendations are made for upgrading accreditation and for basing certification on demonstrated…

Data were collected on attitude changes, perceptions of problems, and instructional behavior of elementary and secondary school teachers as they gained teaching experience. Subjects were chosen when they were student teachers at Western Kentucky University and sampling was continued over six years. Needs of beginning teachers are noted. (PP)

Cross-cultural research findings are summarized in an effort to inform multicultural educators of subtle differences in how children from various cultures learn. Differences in spatial conceptualization, cognitive learning, nonverbal communication, personality, and general attitudes are discussed. Research methodology is noted. (PP)

A review of educational literature indicates that the term "student teaching" mistakenly has been applied to all professional laboratory experiences for preservice teachers. As a result, these activities have concentrated on the development of practical teaching skills whereas clinical laboratory experiences should encourage inquiry and…

An annotated bibliography of journal articles and documents in the ERIC database is provided concerning changes in the roles that various educational constituencies play in the teacher education process and in teacher certification. The roles of teacher educators, accreditation agencies, school districts, state governments, and teacher…

Three possible avenues for the future of teacher education are: (1) continue current practice and risk diminishing public confidence and teacher quality; (2) allow state legislation to improve teacher education programs; and (3) combine a more rigorous selection and preparation process in professional schools of education with extended periods of…

A discussion of information obtained from a study of 53 teacher centers focuses on approaches to inservice needs and the factors influencing teacher participation. Various characteristics of teacher centers are discussed. (FG)

Six problem areas were identified by 197 cooperating (classroom) teachers in dealing with student teachers: (1) students' orientation to teaching; (2) understanding the role of the university; (3) lack of student and university interest in school norms; (4) students' attitudes and skills; (5) low student enthusiasm; and (6) students' lack of…

Results of this study provide empirical support for the inclusion of early field experiences in teacher preparation programs. While the effects of early field experiences in subsequent course achievement are modest, these effects are substantially greater than those reported for field experiences in conjunction with course work. (FG)

This study determined the relationships of field placement characteristics and students' potential field performance abilities to final clinical experience performance ratings of early childhood student teachers. The study also examined if there were differences in these relationships during successive field experiences. (FG)

Two studies evaluated student teachers' preferences for directive or nondirective supervision. Both studies revealed a significant preference for the directive approach, contradicting much current theoretical writing. A third followup study showed student teachers' initial preference for the directive method gave way to the nondirective approach…

Second in a four-part series on campus-based programs in teacher education, this article considers the problems inherent for teacher education in: (1) an undefined body of professional knowledge; and (2) an insufficient amount of professional studies in teacher preparation programs. Implications, possible courses of action, and barriers to…