West Virginia University's five-year preservice teacher education program prepares general education teachers for students with special needs. Using a strand approach, special education learning outcomes and competencies have been incorporated into core education courses. A survey of 72 program participants and 11 faculty members indicates…

This article describes the teacher preparation program in Texas that has evolved from a traditional 4-year program, to an alternative certification route, then to a post-baccalaureate certification. An analysis of each program's results indicates teachers who completed the traditional undergraduate program were better qualified to teach than those…

This article describes the implementation of a self assessment process based on competencies and validated behavioral indicators used statewide in Georgia for personnel in early intervention. An analysis of 3500 self-assessment forms found that self assessments were useful as one measure for evaluating the effectiveness of training. (Contains…

This article discusses teacher misconceptions of gifted students and gifted programs and the effects of a postgraduate teacher education program in Australia called the Certificate of Gifted Education. Results of the program indicate powerful changes in teachers' attitudes and support the need to provide every teacher with training in gifted…

This paper focuses on standards-based teacher licensure in Alaska. Section 1, "Introduction," examines the history of schooling in the United States, noting different periods of reform. Section 2, "School Reform Since 'A Nation at Risk,'" discusses how that report shifted the focus for reform. Section 3, "Education…