Four alternative approaches to the standard teacher education program are currently being offered at Michigan State University. Each alternative program provides instruction on the effective teaching of school subjects, but each option emphasizes a particular aspect of the teacher's role: (1) fostering academic learning; (2) teaching in heterogeneous classrooms; (3) decision making under conditions of multiple and competing demands and expectations; and (4) fostering personal and social responsibility. The thematic emphasis of each program allows the student to obtain both a broad preparation for teaching subject matter and an indepth preparation in one of the major role requirements of professional teaching. All coursework required for professional preparation, including student teaching, is taken as part of a coherent program of study. Students proceed through each program as members of a group. The conceptual focus, objectives, and special features of the program that centers on teacher decision making is described. An evaluation of these alternative teacher preparation programs in their initial stage of implementation is presented. (JD)