Implications of new market realities for social work practice are examined, including changing fields, increased credentialing and third part reimbursement, and cost-containment measures. It is suggested that social work educators can prepare students better by supplementing existing course content with material that reflects shifting conditions…

Discusses the teacher assessment system of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). The article explains the NBPTS policy on assessment and describes the NBPTS assessment model, which includes school site and assessment center modules. The assessment system leads to rigorous standards, national board certification, and…

The system of pharmaceutical education in France is explained including the structure of the doctoral curriculum, internships for specialization, the system of diplomas, classification and certification of a pharmacist, and locus of responsibility for program quality. (MSE)

Three major models of adult English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) literacy professional development are discussed: craft or mentoring models, applied science or theory to practice models, and inquiry or reflective practice models. Each is outlined, examples are provided, and innovative K-12 teacher development practices are suggested. (Contains 50…

Studies problems of 69 traditionally prepared and 162 alternatively certified first-year elementary school teachers in Houston (Texas). Results show that alternatively certified teachers appear to have more problems after two months, but differences disappear by eight months, supporting the utility of alternative certification. (SLD)

Describes a 12-month, field-based, alternative teacher preparation program for individuals holding baccalaureate degrees in areas outside education who want master's degrees in early childhood education. The program involves collaboration between the State Department of Education, the Early Childhood Department of an urban university, and four…

Reports on a study of the preparation of secondary social studies teachers at major state-supported research universities. Finds relatively few institutions have followed the Holmes Group recommendations and many continue to prepare broad field social studies teachers leaving them deficient in some social science fields. (CFR)

Reports on a study of the history/social science content of 139 preservice elementary teacher education programs. Finds that, although most require preservice elementary teachers take courses in history, there is little assurance that they will take courses in the social sciences. Indicates that less than half the programs require multicultural…

To maintain teacher quality, the use of assessment mechanisms and instruments are necessary. Suggests a general teacher evaluation framework ranging from preservice teacher education through professional development and peer-controlled certification. Argues that valid, fair, and reliable methods of teacher evaluation require adequate financial…

Describes a personnel-preparation program for unendorsed teachers of students with severe disabilities in Virginia. The program was designed to be inexpensive, to allow supervised application of content schools, and to meet state endorsement requirements for teaching those with severe disabilities. Evaluation results indicate participants were…

Directors (N=203) of mental-health agencies responded to a survey designed to examine their level of acceptance and satisfaction with licensed professional counselors (LPC) in Ohio. Responses suggest a preference for hiring social workers over counselors; starting salaries were similar for both groups with comparable educational levels.…

Presents one administrator's perspective on the importance of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), describing the history of NBPTS certification in Colorado, discussing her experiences as a school administrator supporting teachers through NBPTS certification, examining the NBPTS's five core propositions, describing the…

Describes how Kappa Delta Phi members will be involved in the conceptual process for improving education, explaining how in that involvement, they will face new certification processes and new ways of evaluating preservice and inservice experiences. Looks at the new certification process, noting that performance criteria, not coursework, will be…

Reviews the institutionalization of high-stakes testing for prospective teachers and implications of high-stakes tests for minority and bilingual teachers. Discusses shortages of minority and bilingual teachers, demographic disparities between teachers and students, Hispanic pass rates on Texas exit tests for teacher certification, and the lack of…

Investigates observations that teacher candidates majoring in elementary education exhibit a world view very different from teacher candidates majoring in a science discipline while obtaining teacher certification in elementary education. Contains 43 references. (DDR)