Discusses how to teach culturally diverse students, questioning current practice in multicultural teacher education. The University of Alaska's alternative program helps prospective teachers understand multicultural classrooms and communities, design instruction to make connections between subject matter and student diversity, and learn to learn…

Examines how Connecticut's alternative teacher certification policy objectives have been met during the Alternative Route program's first three years. The program has successfully brought qualified individuals into teaching who contribute excellent subject matter knowledge and professionalism. It has been an external catalyst for change in…

A study compared the performance of six cohorts of family physicians (711 practice-qualified physicians certified in 1971, 1972, 1973 and 1,233 residency-trained physicians certified in 1977, 1978, 1979) recertified in 1977-1991. Results indicate declines in performance on each recertification examination and better performance by…

Using data from 22 students in a year-long teacher certification program, the authors explore the analysis of personal teaching metaphors as a means of facilitating the professional development of beginning teachers. Strengths and weaknesses of the approach are identified, and implications for teacher education are discussed. (SLD)

In New Hampshire, a field-based competency-based program of independent study allows rural teachers to earn special education certificates. This Pool Expansion Plan (PEP) involves individualized assessment and training under the supervision of experienced mentors. Employer follow-up indicates a high degree of satisfaction with the competencies of…

Contends that recent progress in improving geography instruction at the precollegiate level is not yet reflected at the college level. Maintains that a successful effort to create consensus guidelines for college geography majors would enhance geography's reputation as a science discipline and improve student skills and creativity. (CFR)

Reviews the impact of reports written as a result of British educational policymakers' trips to the United States during the late 1980s. Examines crucial areas that caught the attention of the policymakers. (CFR)

Describes the origins and development of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, noting challenges it faced; critical documents guiding its work; five core propositions central to its work; the role of teachers in defining and improving their profession; and the partnership of teacher unions, local school districts, and schools in…

Presents an interview that shares the perspective of North Carolina's governor, Jim Hunt, who was a founding member of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). In the interview, Mr. Hunt offers insights on the role of states in National Board Certification and reflects on the future of the NBPTS. (SM)

Four authors provide a profile of one school district's efforts to recruit and support a teacher willing to meet the challenge of National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification. A partnership among the district's teacher union, the superintendent, a school principal, and the teacher emerged to produce the district's first…

Despite China's efforts in recent years to improve teacher education, it is still imbued with problems which must be addressed effectively and immediately before teacher education can meet with China's desire for modernization. The problems are based on the unattractive social and economic status of the teaching profession in China, so the…

Examined Alabama's teacher certification assessment practices. Alabama's colleges of education determine which assessment methods to use. Data from a state summary report and surveys of Alabama's higher education institutions investigated assessment practices and reactions to pending legislation requiring nationally normed certification…

Investigated the cumulative effects of alternative certification (AC) on the public school teaching force and the comparative characteristics of teachers certified traditionally and alternatively. Data from the 1993-94 national Schools and Staffing Survey indicated that AC had mixed results in terms of fulfilling its promises, with some of the…

A California program permits noncertified teacher interns to serve as special education teachers while enrolled in a preparation program. Interns receive support services from both the university and school district. Three case studies involving intern teachers of students with mild disabilities illustrate the implementation of the program,…

In the context of the movement in the United Kingdom toward competency-based certification for teachers, it is argued that the qualification of postsecondary teachers be based on an interactive model of competence, and that teacher trainers be involved in development of competency statements that reflect occupational roles without prescribing them…