The article examines the recent redesign of the processes and standards of the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education from the perspective of the history of efforts to establish national standards for teacher education in the United States. Lessons and possible pitfalls for these continuing efforts are drawn, based on challeges…

Ways of attempting to ensure competence in teaching reading have changed dramatically over the past 60 years. By comparing tests designed to be administered to 1923 and 1983 teacher candidates, this article illustrates the ways in which they are qualitatively different and considers the implications of those differences. (MT)

Historically, public schools have been expected to fulfill social, economic, and political mandates that were unrealistically optimistic. Given past and current social priorities and resources, perhaps the public expects too much from the schools. (PP)

The influences of the federal, state, and local governments are viewed in their historical relationship to university and school practices. Education in the Colonial period of American history, the 1800s, and the twentieth century is discussed. (JN)