Notes specific concerns with Dickinson's (2002) assertion that the processes used to measure the quality of out-of-home care for young children have begun to lag behind recent developments in the field and that there is a lag in the National Association for the Education of Young Children's accreditation standards. Questions the usefulness of…

To test the validity of the National Literary Braille Competency Test (NLBCT), 181 Florida teachers of students with visual impairments were asked if they transcribe Braille using a Braillewriter, a slate and stylus, Braille computer programs, or transcriber aides. The majority transcribed using computer software or a Braillewriter. (CR)

Traces the national reform movement in teacher education. making connections between elements of that reform and statewide reform in Maryland. Components in the Holmes Group, Carnegie Commission, National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), and National Board for Professional Teaching Standards are compared and contrasted to…

In 1991, the New Jersey Association of School Business Officials was selected as a nontraditional provider and asked to develop and implement a new state-approved certification program. The idea was to produce administrators who are adept at strategic planning, financial management and accounting, school law, personnel management, facility…

Addresses teacher qualifications and certification as mandated by the No Child Left Behind Act. Teachers must know the subjects they teach. Briefly discusses teacher-preparation programs; teacher-retention rates; different pathways into teaching; teacher pay; and districts' role in assigning out-of-field teachers. (Contains three graphs.) (WFA)

Explores the successes and setbacks in developing and implementing a middle grades teacher education program as part of the Excellence in Teaching Partnership (ETP) in Pennsylvania. Focuses on the preservice teachers involved over the last 3 years, the effectiveness of the ETP partnership, and the lesson learned from creating and implementing an…

The objectives and content areas of knowledge included in competency testing programs for beginning teachers in the areas of learning disabilities were analyzed. Similarity was found in state requirements. Tables detailing objectives addressed by state tests offer guidance to teacher training programs. (Author/DB)

Describes efforts by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, a private, nonprofit corporation, to develop a national system of advanced, voluntary teacher certification based on accomplished practice. Discusses efforts to develop new, flexible criteria for measuring actual teaching performance. Reviews implications for private…

This article identifies several reasons for demands for teacher and student accountability. Minimum competency testing of students and teachers is discussed within the context of the accountability movement, and the implications of such testing as an evaluation tool are considered. (IAH)

This article examines various policy responses to the need for more mathematics and science teachers and discusses characteristics of alternative teacher preparation programs. A program model for alternative certification of math and science teachers, developed at Texas A & M University, is presented along with lessons from its implementation.…

Identifies and discusses some of the issues and problems associated with computer literacy education for teachers. Topics discussed include the role of technology in education; the role of programing in computer literacy; certification requirements; computer training for teaching educators; teacher attitudes; and classroom implementation of…

Discusses the reasons why kindergarten teachers have an "identity crisis" and have come to be in professional limbo in terms of their historical roots, educational background and training, and certification procedures. (BB)

Standard-setting practices in states using the National Teachers Examination (NTE) were examined. Passing score-setting procedures, recommended study scores, passing scores established by the states, and the implications of the passing scores were studied. States have typically adopted standards lower than cut scores recommended by advisory…

Notes that criticism of the training offered by universities to future chemists is well documented. Suggests a 17-step model for the planning of a chemistry course that utilizes a competency-based training program. Explains each step and lists sample objectives. (MVL)

Recent Texas legislation eliminates undergraduate degrees in education and requires academic majors for certification. Intended and unplanned consequences of the legislation are examined. Discussed are implications for teacher shortages, accreditation of teacher preparation institutions, specific areas (e.g., physical education, elementary…