Describes a study of the professional qualifications of high school physics teachers conducted by the American Institute of Physics (AIP). Concludes that high school physics teachers are better trained than they are given credit for, and that instances of utterly unqualified instructors are rare. (WRM)

One of the strongest predictors of quality programming for young children is teacher preparation. This report presents two studies: the first examining state early childhood teacher education requirements; and the second examining state curriculum guidelines for early childhood education. Section 1 of the report details the method and findings of…

State standards for certification in the area of Health Enhancement reflect a merger of the standards which traditionally have fallen into the separate disciplines of physical education and health education, thus requiring teachers to develop skills and knowledge in both disciplines. This study, a partnership between faculty at the University of…

This summary examines public opinion research about teacher quality and strategies for improving U.S. teaching quality. Researchers examined surveys of teachers, school board members, principals, students, and the public. This review investigates: what constitutes quality teaching; how to define good teachers; the importance of teacher quality;…

This report is introduced by a history of the development and implementation of the Nevada Competency Testing Program for Educational Personnel. The study examined the test taking histories of persons entering the Nevada educational system to determine how well the competency testing program was accomplishing its purpose of ensuring that new…

The Educational Testing Service is developing a new series of assessments intended for use by states as part of the process of licensing or certifying teachers. Stage III assessments in this series will evaluate the beginning teacher's application of teaching knowledge and skills. Stage III assessments will be performance-based. Job analysis…

This report presents a balanced picture of the debate on teacher quality in the U.S. and focuses on the aspects of teacher policy dealing with attracting, recruiting, developing and retaining effective teachers by synthesizing relevant research, identifying innovative and successful policy practices, facilitating exchanges of lessons among…

This executive summary of Wisconsin's 5-year state improvement plan outlines goals and objectives for improving special education services to students with disabilities and progress toward these objectives in Year 2. The first goal (students with disabilities will demonstrate skills that will engage them to become independent, productive, and…