A study of 188 Texas education majors suggests that ACT (American College Testing) scores and GPA are reliable predictors of success on the PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Test) and the ExCET (Examination for Certification of Educators in Texas). Implications for teacher educators are considered. (IAH)

Establishment of professional practices boards (PPB) would serve the public interest and help move teaching toward full professional status. Topics include national and state PPB, board composition, the PPB role in assessing candidates for entry into teaching, and recruiting and retaining minority teachers. (IAH)

Self-efficacy theory is used to explain the reluctance of regular educators to comply with requirements of Public Law 94 142 and the Regular Education Initiative as well as to suggest changes in teacher preparation programs and state certification processes. (DB)

This article takes issue with recent proposals to eliminate teaching experience as a requirement for principal certification. A principal relies on teaching experience in five areas: (1) employing teachers; (2) supervising instruction; (3) leading and managing teachers; (4) understanding and working with students; and (5) conferring with parents.…

Describes the purpose and history of guidelines posed by the National Association for the Education of Young Children for teacher education in baccalaureate and advanced degree programs. Summarizes the result of the review processes, describing how the new curriculum guidelines differ from the earlier versions and how the guidelines can be used to…

Three issues related to Japan's recent passage of an amendment designed to reform two teacher education regulations are discussed: (1) circumstances surrounding implementation of the amendment; (2) essential points of the amendment; and (3) some controversial issues that emerged from consideration of the amendment in the national legislature. (IAH)

Discusses the role and consistency of judges' interpretations of teacher performance as part of an evaluative scheme for complex performance, with reference to the ideological framework of professional standards. The tension between assessment decisions and the recognition that assessment involves interpretation is explored. (SLD)

This study examined the current status of middle school social studies teacher preparation at 74 universities. Reviews of current undergraduate catalogues found only 13 institutions offering separate, distinct programs leading to licensure of middle school social studies teachers. The history/social science requirements for middle school licensure…

Discusses the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and its plan for voluntary national certification of elementary and secondary teachers. Suggests reasons for the lack of national standards for teachers in the past. Describes a proposed certification system that involves performance-based evaluations and an emphasis on independence…

Analysis of responses from 42 (of 50) state-level vocational special needs consultants revealed that 10 states currently offer certification in vocational special education and another 9 states are recommending or developing specific policies in this area. Comparison to data from the early 1980s revealed minimal progress in the status of…

Reviews 14 selected conferences and 11 key reports and documents regarding professional preparation and the development of professional standards in health education, starting with a 1943 statement from the American Public Health Association. The review was developed from an analysis of original documents containing conference proceedings and…

Second-wave reforms that will affect vocational education are (1) national goals, testing, and accountability; (2) school choice; (3) teacher education and certification; and (4) site/school-based management. Vocational education must go beyond adaptation to changes and consider the broader context of general educational reform. (SK)

The findings from this study of Georgia teachers generally support the contention that condensed pedagogical preparation and a supervised internship are a reasonable alternative to traditional teacher preparation programs for persons with degrees in the subject they will teach. (IAH)

A national survey of state directors of education concerning the certification requirements for teachers of students with learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, and mild mental retardation found inconsistency in six areas: differing certification levels, differing certification categories, combinations of grade levels and certification…

Describes a review by the British Columbia (Canada) College of Teachers of the origin, nature, and role of the College of Teachers and of teacher education in British Columbia. The paper outlines the comprehensive, collaborative review procedures; it explains the findings, resulting recommendations, and actions taken by the college. (SM)