This commentary addresses the content of this issue from the perspective of educating bilingual learners. Several articles propose the kind of coursework and field experiences needed for the preparation of teacher candidates to be qualified to work effectively with bilingual populations. Others report on specific aspects of teacher preparation.…

This paper discusses the effects of an experimental fieldwork course. The course incorporated cultural responsiveness and action research to impact the future teacher identity of students in a teacher education program at an urban community college. Elements of future teacher identity were discovered for all students; however, the experimental…

This study investigated preservice teachers' beliefs and attitudes about teaching culturally and linguistically diverse students when progressing through specially designed courses. Data were collected using the Teacher Multicultural Attitude Survey and semi-structured interviews. Analyses indicated that preservice teachers who received more…

When an instructor reframed the social studies methods course to include a service-learning project, both education certification students and a museum's outreach program benefited. University students gained practical teaching experience leading a children's summer class about local prairie dogs, and the museum gained quality teachers.…

This account by a student teacher of her alternative field experience teaching homeless children highlights racial issues, the dependence cycle, and classroom management. (SK)

Laboratory schools for preservice teacher education are challenged by operational and philosophical dilemmas such as equity and increasing public school placements. Professional Development Schools face similar challenges in becoming institutionalized. They need strong connections among schools, colleges, and communities; a balance of innovation…

At several intervals, 54 preservice elementary teachers in cohort learning groups depicted their images of a typical teacher, which became more realistic over time. Initial apprehension about cohort learning gave way to recognition of the benefits of peer support and collegial relationships. Students enjoyed service learning more than field…

The struggle for control over teacher education in recent years is changing the traditional dominance of schools of education. The author discusses the power struggle on accreditation, certification, and inservice and preservice programs, and makes some proposals for reform of teacher education and its governance. (MF)