Examined Alabama's teacher certification assessment practices. Alabama's colleges of education determine which assessment methods to use. Data from a state summary report and surveys of Alabama's higher education institutions investigated assessment practices and reactions to pending legislation requiring nationally normed certification…

Compared the beliefs of African-American (AA) and European-American (EA) elementary teachers about teaching and literacy development. Teacher interviews found no differences in child development perceptions and approaches to literacy. AA teachers placed more emphasis on the themes of universal educability and teacher responsibility, while EA…

Examined student teachers' knowledge of gender-equitable classroom practices and the relationship of that knowledge to egalitarian attitudes. Data from surveys, observations, and interviews indicated that respondents had a low level of knowledge of gender-equitable classroom practices. A relationship did exist between egalitarian attitudes and…

This study examined demographics, entry perspectives, attitudes toward teaching, and commitment to a lifelong teaching career among California teacher candidates, comparing the findings to national teacher profile data. Results found a lack of minority representation, a majority of nontraditional teacher candidates, and a lack of commitment to…

Reports a study that examined how one ethnically encapsulated white beginning teacher responded to African American students' unfamiliar ethnic behavior. Interviews, observations, and journal data indicated that he was underprepared to teach in multicultural settings and noted that ineffective interracial classroom relationships stifled learning…

Genetics, family dysfunction, separation/loss, learning disabilities, and lack of social support in school place adolescents at risk for depression. The article shares evidence that documents a link between structured cooperative learning and the resulting stronger social support relationships that evolve as peers help support, respect, and trust…

Surveys of female secondary principals examined their length of time in teaching or administration before becoming assistant principals or principals and investigated reasons for becoming administrators, barriers encountered, and use of mentors. Most subjects were over age 45, motivated by a desire to make a contribution, and satisfied with their…

Reports a study that examined images of teaching brought by entry-level students as they began their initial work in elementary education. Students were asked to describe and draw ideal teacher and student situations. Results indicated students entered teaching with complex ideas about pupils, the learning environment, and teachers' roles. (SM)

A survey of 100 preservice teachers in a public teacher training institution in California examined their educational values and beliefs regarding what schools are for. Results indicated that progressive and liberal beliefs were dominant, though those beliefs were not the real emphases within public schools, where practices tended to be guided by…

Reports a study that investigated the effects of professional coursework and clinical experience on the development of preservice teachers' knowledge. Surveys supported the contribution of professional coursework to the development of pedagogical knowledge but showed limited support for the contribution of student teaching. (SM)

Discusses the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards system of National Board Certification and the effect of the performance-based assessment on teaching and education. The article offers a rationale for National Board Certification, describes three general components (standards, assessment, and professional development), and examines…

Presents a rationale for the self-study of professional practice and illustrates how the inquiry process can help make sense of professorial practice in education. Excerpts are included from life history interviews, individual and collective reflective writing, and electronic mail exchanges to explore the role of questioning in developing…

Describes the experiences of two graduate education professors in initiating and expanding the use of portfolios as a primary assessment tool in Educational Administration and Curriculum and Instruction courses, comparing their experiences in individual class settings and their collaborative application of the concept to a class in authentic…