This study investigates the teaching practices of newly certified elementary teachers in an alternative master's degree program. This study evaluates questions concerning teaching methodology utilized by the respondents in the major curriculum areas of elementary education. The questions ask about the new teacher's use of direct instruction,…

In response to shortages of science and mathematics teachers in the U.S., many states have promoted alternative routes to certification in which individuals with non-education undergraduate degrees can become certificated in shorter timeframes than in traditional programs. One consideration in designing alternative programs is how to arrange…

The U.S. Department of Education predicts that more than 2.2 million teaching positions in kindergarten through 12th grade will need to be filled over the next 10 years. Given the demand for classroom teachers, 48 states and the District of Columbia have created alternate route (AR) teaching certification programs to recruit individuals who have…

Although some factors seem to be moving to allow greater decertification of the school principal profession, other factors, moving in the opposite direction, call for greater oversight by government. Four factors - perceived shortage of principals, accountability and the changing role of principals, growing influence of the state over school…

This meta analysis examined the results of 24 studies in which traditionally certified teachers were compared with teachers with a variety of other kinds of certificates. The 24 studies allowed for the computation of 192 effect sizes, and 7 kinds of comparison were performed. Findings suggest that traditional teacher training is at least as…

Used a framework of critical analysis to examine shortcomings of traditional programs of teacher education in Canada and considered some characteristics of alternative approaches from the literature. Stresses the importance of attention to program design and delivery and stakeholder collaboration. (SLD)

Introduces a theme issue concerning the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) and certification, presenting a brief history of the NBPTS and reviewing the collection of articles, which highlight such issues as moving toward a research agenda, social and cultural contexts of NBPTS certification, NBPTS certification and special…

Evaluated the Urban Learning (ULRN) program at California State University, Los Angeles, which combines undergraduate and teaching credential programs to address the state's shortage of credentialed teachers. Found that ULRN students exhibited higher motivation to learn and took fuller course loads compared to other undergraduates; compared to…

Teacher licensing, accreditation, and advanced certification must be fully developed, strengthened, and supported as in other professions. Some alternative approaches are less rigorous shortcuts that do not ensure effectiveness. (SK)

The unique needs of alternatively certified teachers merit a customized induction program. This paper presents data from a recent study of beginning alternatively certified teachers in Oklahoma, examining characteristics of the teachers studied, frustrations among new teachers, insufficient resources and materials, training needs, relationships…

Argues that providing the best prepared teachers will require the cooperation of faculty in education, in the arts and sciences, and in the public schools. Draws on the example of the City University of New York's teacher education program and cooperation with the city's public schools, and offers six principles of effective teacher education. (EV)

Technological approaches are being implemented in an alternative licensure program for career and technical education teachers at the Ohio State University. Course assignments often require the use of the computer and many courses are Web-enhanced--they are offered primarily on campus and provide Web-based information or testing. (JOW)

Teacher shortages have encouraged initiatives to tailor training programs to meet the demand in both past, current and future contexts. Such programs have been streamlined to ensure a rapid response to shortages, in addition to also drawing participants from non-traditional groups as a source of potential educators. More broadly in teacher…

The influence of traditional and alternative teacher preparation programs on student achievement and instruction in high-need urban secondary schools was investigated through a mixed-method comparative design. Three research questions were addressed: (a) Does the type of teacher training influence the academic achievement of students in…

"The Secretary's Fifth Annual Report on Teacher Quality" presents the most current information for 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and outlying areas, on the implementation of the teacher quality provisions of Title II of the "Higher Education Act of 1965, as amended" ("HEA") and the mandates of the…