This narrative case study describes the use of improvement science methods to strengthen the effectiveness of field experiences for teacher candidates. As part of a networked improvement community, we sought to reduce variation in the quality of field experience by providing a cohesive network of high-quality coaching supports. Using design-based…

Recent policy and scholarly reports, accreditation agencies' guidelines, and professional association efforts have called for teacher preparation programs to incorporate more frequent and rigorous clinical experiences. Directing three elementary and secondary education programs in two states, we recognized that one reason they--and perhaps other…

To evaluate the impact of the emergent national teacher performance assessment (TPA) on student teachers, this study examined a pilot implementation at one university in Washington State during Spring 2011. The qualitative research focused on the lived experience of those directly affected by TPA implementation: student teachers, mentor teachers,…

Although classroom video is well recognized as a valuable reflective resource for student teachers, we know very little about how university supervisors' pedagogical practices are shaped by creating and using videos with their student teachers. This study explored how 12 supervisors developed greater stances of inquiry toward their practices as…

The field-based mentoring of student teachers is often an idiosyncratic and nuanced practice in which mentors' conceptualizations of their interactions with student teachers are generated through personal experiences with teacher education. If teacher educators and programs are to strengthen the tie between campus and field-based teacher…

This article chronicles the perspectives of two teacher candidates who displayed comfort with cultural issues and teaching for social justice, in contrast with many of their peers in the program who were uncomfortable with diversity. Their field experiences in a piloted urban reading practicum are documented, as part of a partnership with a…

Emerging field experience trends are analyzed, and five models of the classroom teacher educator are presented. Alternative governance arrangements are identified, and different types of contractual agreements described. (JD)

Direct feedback from classroom pupils assists student teachers in improving their teaching methods and behaviors. (JD)

West Virginia's "Master Plan for Public Education" calls for a Professional Performance Assessment of student teachers in field-based programs. The challenge is to incorporate the assessments in the least intrusive manner. While there is skepticism, some cooperating teachers hope the screening will result in better-prepared student…

A study on the effects of increased field experiences on the perceptions and performance of 238 secondary school student teachers indicated that an increased number of required field experiences had little impact on student teachers' evaluations of their teaching ability or on supervising teachers' final evaluations of student teachers'…

A study of 10 social studies education students at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign focused on consequences of pairing student teachers in a field experience program. Most of the findings suggest that the paired student teacher concept may have constructive implications for budgetary considerations and peer support relationships. (FG)

A partnership between a historically black urban college and a rural university provides urban-rural early field experience exchange for preservice teachers, offers joint educational seminars, prepares preservice teachers for the National Teacher Examination, provides technological training, recruits minorities for careers in teaching, and…

This study investigated the reflective insights preservice secondary teachers constructed about their curriculum and instructional practices during one course and related field experiences, analyzing lesson plans, reflective papers, videotaped lessons, and interviews. Teachers felt responsible for creating environments that facilitated student…

Assessed whether integrating classroom management and a Wednesday field experience would increase preservice teachers' knowledge and ability to connect theory with practice. Preservice elementary teachers wrote weekly reflections on topics they observed while in their assigned classrooms. The experience empowered most of them by helping them…

Using data from a study of two white student teachers in inner city classrooms, the paper analyzes differences in their success through the model of assisted performance (where knowledge is acquired through interaction between more competent and novice individuals in learning situations). Cooperating teachers powerfully influenced student…