This study examines the changes that have occurred in the ways colleges and universities in the Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) seek to prepare teachers. Particular focus is on the effects of state policies and on the role of college and university leaders in bringing about change. The study describes and explains changes in the way…

This study investigated the quality of day care in Pennsylvania. Observations and evaluations were made of 149 day care centers and family day care homes. Measures used included the Child Development Program Evaluation Licensing Scale--day care and family day care versions (CDPE), the Early Childhood Environment Rating Scale (ECERS), and the…

The ability to practice a profession is earned through educational preparation, experience, the passing of rigorous examinations, and commitment on the part of the practitioner to public service. Responsibilities are carried out by the professional in accordance with ethical standards developed through the years and in accordance with state laws…

This study was conducted to: (1) determine the validity of five Educational Testing Service (ETS) tests as measures of the knowledge and academic skills required for specific endorsements of professional public school personnel in Arkansas; and (2) formulate recommendations on minimum qualifying scores for tests that are valid to use for…

A report is given of the work of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and the implications of introducing a new status--the board-certified teacher--into the educational system. The newly formed board will sponsor the development of procedures for the voluntary certification of teachers to a standard of advanced competence--a…

A survey of 50 secondary state officials and one district official with supervisory responsibility for business education was conducted to assess business-subject-related certification/endorsement practices. More specifically, the instrument was designed to determine the following: (1) the number of different types/titles of…

Articles on improving preservice teacher education, with particular considerations on proposed five-year programs, are featured in this theme issue. In "Fifth Year Teacher Preparation: A Solution in Search Of a Problem," Alan R. Tom weighs the pros and cons of extending teacher preparation for a fifth year, noting the fact that…

The Florida Beginning Teacher Program was evaluated in 1985-86 to determine its impact on teacher performance and to study problem areas identified in the 1984-85 evaluation. A sample of 43 beginning teachers and their support team members (a peer teacher, a building-level administrator, and one or more professional educators) completed surveys.…

Teacher testing began in Arkansas when the governor threatened to veto a 1% sales tax if a teacher testing bill were not passed. With enactment of Act 76 in 1983, an instrument was developed for field testing in 1984 over objections of the Arkansas Education Association. The test, the Arkansas Educational Skills Assessment, is comprised of 50…

The lack of interest in the development of competent principals who can serve as instructional leaders of reading programs is apparent in three areas: (1) lack of clearly defined research on the role of the principal in the reading program (2) lack of involvement of reading professionals in setting standards for evaluating, certifying, and…

A survey of early childhood programs in 38 large-city school districts in the Council of the Great City Schools is discussed in this report. The results reported are based on 28 responding school districts. The information on prekindergarten programs which is presented concerns: (1) enrollment and budgets; (2) types of programs; (3) funding; (4)…

In brief response to a paper presented at a conference, the distinction between training and education is emphasized in terms of mission and institutions best equipped to provide each service. Discussion subsequently focuses on the need for the development of detailed descriptions of the various positions in child care, along with statements of…

From 1968 to 1970, three separate studies of North Carolina science teachers were conducted in the areas of biology (N=177), chemistry (N=101), and physics (N=71). The three studies shared three major purposes, to determine: the academic preparation of the science teachers being investigated, (2) the relationship between the level of academic…

A study examined the process of awarding credit to youth participating in a special group of employment and training programs. Using a student questionnaire, field researchers collected data concerning 21 Youthwork, Inc., Exemplary In-School Demonstration Projects with one of the following four program focus areas: academic credit for work…

A proposal developed by the Illinois Association for Professional Preparation in Health, Physical Education, and Recreation and the Illinois Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation for a program involving voluntary coaching certification in Illinois is described. Topics discussed include: (1) the certifying body's composition and…