A discussion is presented of the component in the Educator Improvement Act (mandated by the state of South Carolina) which provides an evaluation procedure for prospective teachers beginning in the freshman year in college and ending during the first year of teaching. A description of the basic skills Educational Entrance Examination includes information on the ratings of selected public and private colleges for fall, 1984. Figures show some of the National Teacher Examination Specialty Area Tests required by the State Board of Education, along with their qualifying scores and performance ratings of South Carolina students. A description is given of the Assessment of Performance in Teaching (APT) instrument, which was designed to measure minimal competency in planning, teaching, classroom management, communication, and attitude. A summary is also given of APT procedures. The performance of South Carolina students on the APT is discussed. Evaluation procedures and special assistance for first year teachers are described. Appendixes include an outline of the South Carolina Teacher Area Examinations and minimum scores, and samples of test items. (JD)