A model for a desired state master's degree in science education was generated by identifying the training needs of teachers presently teaching science in southern Florida. The model includes an analysis of the current master's program, recommended changes, and rationale for these changes. Implications for noncredit inservice activities are noted.…

A teacher's academic preparation is crucial to classroom performance. Answers nine frequently asked questions about teacher education so that board members may be better able to act responsibly in making personnel recommendations. (MD)

Opinionnaires were sent to one person in each of the 50 states who was knowledgeable about minimum competency testing. Results showed significant differences in opinion, but there was agreement that tests should be used to improve instruction and identify students needing remedial help. (JHZ)

The national higher education accrediting, consulting, information, and regulating agencies of 36 Eastern and Western European, North American, and Mediterranean countries are listed, and some addresses are given. (MSE)

The Missouri legislature changed the state policy of requiring institutional accreditation by a regional agency as a prerequisite for state certification of the teachers graduating from that institution as the result of a Bible college's philosophical refusal to obtain accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. (MSE)

A Maryland county addressed the problem of finding and keeping qualified science teachers by starting a program to certify teachers in areas most needed and to upgrade skills for current science teachers. Needs assessment, program courses, and university cooperation/course offerings are discussed. (DH)

The European trend toward transition education--programs designed by governments to ease the transition between compulsory education and work--is analyzed, including the variety of programs underway, differences between transition and other school-based education, administrative issues, and assessment of qualifications and certification. (MSE)

Presents results of nationwide survey to determine certification requirements for school library media specialists (name of certificate, number of hours of education, audiovisual hours/terminology, accredited/approved programs) and the various competencies and skills required (administration, audiovisuals, cataloging, reference, literature,…

Looks at the ways in which health professions test for competence and improve training and testing programs. Discusses the controversy concerning medical licensing, criterion-referenced exams for nurses, and continuing education evaluations. Finally, testing in the teaching professions is examined, including competency-based and continuing teacher…

Policies now being enacted by many states to reform teacher education include testing, alternate routes to certification, scholarships and loan forgiveness, incentives, and overhauling certification packages and institutional standards. However, these policy initiatives are not likely to provide many lasting benefits, based on performance to date.…

Comprehensive reform in the ways teachers are recruited, trained, evaluated, and rewarded is required if the status of the teaching profession and the present quality of education is to be improved. A new career structure, simplification of certification, and reconceptualization of the teaching role are possible remedies. (KH)

Describes science education programs established in Indonesia for high school graduates. The one-, two-, and three-year programs were established in response to the severe and growing shortage of secondary teachers in this country. A complementary inservice distant learning scheme to upgrade semi-qualified graduates of these programs is also…

The American Board of Internal Medicine has requested that residency program directors certify the clinical competence of their candidates. The clinical evaluation exercise (CEX) was used by residents at the University of Michigan Hospitals and the results raised questions as to the validity of the CEX. (Author/MLW)

To learn what visual arts education training early childhood and elementary teachers are receiving, questionnaires were mailed to 50 state departments of education. Results showed that children below the age of six are being taught by teachers with little training in the visual arts. Teacher education is needed. (RM)

Offers a taxonomy of state policy mechanisms (structural organization, revenue generation, resource allocation, personnel training and certification, program definition and accreditation, curriculum materials selection and development, and student testing and assessment) for promoting one or more of three competing goals (efficiency, equity, and…