Professions have theoretical knowledge, autonomy, public sanction, an ethical code, a professional culture, and credentialing. The articles included here present considerations for professionalizing health education, leisure, dance, aquatics, and coaching. Each area is represented by a national association of the American Alliance for Health,…

Describes four graduate-level distance education programs granting diplomas in teacher-librarianship that were investigated by the author during a study visit to southeastern Australia. Some themes and approaches common to the one-year programs are identified, and key learnings related to the provision of distance education programs are suggested.…

Lists, by state, colleges and universities that offer licensure or certification programs for entry-level professional positions in school library media programs, including bachelor's, postbachelor's, master's, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact information and accreditation status are provided. Institutions in Canada and Puerto Rico are…

Examines two trends of thought central to current discussion on teacher education reform, both of which separate technical aspects of teaching from educational aims and purposes. The paper presents four propositions to make teacher education more educative and to challenge the assumptions of training (certification, work context, biography, and…

The National Policy Board's design for principals, by recasting preparation programs to reflect the real world school environment, stressing the learning environment, focusing on decentralized management and collective problem solving, designing a new knowledge base with performance standards supported by a national certification process, and…

Reports on a survey of 664 institutions with graduate programs in education which examined how they were moving toward teacher certification programs extending beyond the traditional four-year baccalaureate. Results indicate that teacher education is still primarily an undergraduate activity and that diversity continues to be the defining…

Identifies questions related to the processes and consequences of alternative teacher certification (AC), answers questions with research-based facts, proposes key elements of a model AC program, and draws conclusions about the directions AC may take and its probable effects on educational reform and on the professionalization of teaching. (SM)

Criterion-related validities of 2 laboratory practitioner certification examinations for medical technologists (MTs) and medical laboratory technicians (MLTs) were assessed for 81 MT and 70 MLT examinees. Validity coefficients are presented for both measures. Overall, summative ratings yielded stronger validity coefficients than ratings based on…

To meet new North Carolina requirements for "infant credential" and "preschool handicapped" certification, teachers and other professionals working in 19 (mostly rural) early intervention programs received on-site training that combined seminars, consultation, and trainee projects. Evaluation revealed program characteristics…

Number-correct scoring was compared to empirical option weighting for estimating domain scores and making pass/fail decisions that are typical of certification, licensing, competency, and proficiency testing. The usefulness of the option-total correlation option-weighting method was illustrated with a sample of 1,000 high school students. (SLD)

A survey of 1,139 Virginia family practitioners and internal medicine specialists investigated interest in pursuing geriatric education, including such factors as preferred form of education, preferred topics, intent to take the geriatric medicine qualifying examination, geriatric care provided, home visits, prior participation in geriatrics…

Reports on a study of state requirements for initial licensing of elementary and secondary social studies teachers. Finds that most states are reluctant to follow educational reform reports to increase general education requirements and decrease emphasis on professional education. Also finds declines in mandated multicultural/human relations…

This updated compilation of state certification requirements for library media specialists lists titles of certificates or endorsement areas; academic preparation, experience, and recommendations needed; and required standardized tests. A second table lists knowledge/subject areas/competencies related to administration, technology/audiovisuals,…

Describes the Pathways program at Armstrong Atlantic State University, which attempts to answer Georgia's need for minority teachers by offering noncertified school district employees, most of whom are paraprofessionals, tuition and support so that they can earn degrees leading to teacher certification. Factors leading to program success are…

Asserts the need for a universal system of credentialing across the nation's community and technical colleges. Suggests that professionally recognized skill certifications are being demanded by employers, and that community colleges will do well to respond. Proposes the development of a national/state credentialing system based upon industry…