Considers the contrasts and changing nature of teaching in France, England, and the United States. Reveals that sweeping public policy directives in the early 1960s created radically different educational institutions in England and France. By contrast, the United States has remained fairly constant with its emphasis on local autonomy. (MJP)

Asserts that the debate about competency-based teacher education is in its early stages and is hampered by lack of conceptual clarity. Discusses the importance of considering competence within a framework that includes higher order thinking. Describes competence as a state where behavior, cognition, and feeling are balanced. (CFR)

Contends that secondary school teacher careers have been transformed in the past 25 years. Asserts that the increased influence of educators with broader curricular and administrative responsibilities is at the expense of heads of traditional subject departments. (CFR)