This brief paper summarizes data from a survey of state education agencies (SEAs) on changes related to Braille instruction since the passage of the 1997 amendments to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Major findings from analyses of the 44 responding agencies include the following: (1) 25 SEAs have counts of the number of…

The teacher is the most important factor in the school; the selection of teachers is the most important and difficult duty of school officers. Public funds and children must be guarded against incompetent teachers. To do this, all the States of the Union have by law provided for the examination of applicants and for some form of license or…

Research evidence demonstrates that a high-quality early education can ameliorate the effects of disadvantage and produce positive outcomes not only for children and their families, but society as well (Barnett, 1998; Vandell & Wolfe, 2000). One of the most consistent indicators of quality is the presence of qualified teachers who have…

Presented is a position statement on science preparation for preservice elementary teachers. Areas addressed include: preparation in science content; science teaching methods; field experiences; faculty preparation; facilities, equipment, materials; and professional orientation. A list of recommended standards (intended to provide a framework for…

An annotated bibliography of journal articles and documents in the ERIC database is provided concerning changes in the roles that various educational constituencies play in the teacher education process and in teacher certification. The roles of teacher educators, accreditation agencies, school districts, state governments, and teacher…

Discusses new job opportunities for teachers trained in both early childhood and special education. (Author/RC)

In discussing the role of education in assuring equity of opportunity for greater social and economic mobility, the conflicts among equity, open access, and the oversupply of educated labor are recognized. It is proposed that colleges can deal with these difficulties through improved advisement, instruction, and certification procedures. (AF)

Summarizes survey findings from the 50 state departments of education on state accreditation, approval, licensure, and teacher certification of private elementary and secondary schools. Availability: Private School Quarterly, P.O. Box 21587, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33335. (MLF)

The 55 medical students from the University of Alabama who used a commercial test-coaching company's services to prepare for the National Board of Medical Examiners Part I examination scored significantly higher than students with comparable basic science grade-point averages. The impact of such coaching on licensure is discussed. (Author/JMD)

Provides nationwide data on the use of part-time instructors in the community college, focusing on the economic and social benefits derived from part-time faculty, the increasing numbers of part-time students, varying standards for part-time teachers, and trends in community college employment practices. Illustrates positive responses to managing…

Thirteen evaluation methods are analyzed by orientation. Typically, clients want politically advantageous studies; evaluators prefer questions-oriented studies; audiences favor a values orientation. Evaluators must recognize the narrow scope of question-oriented studies and the perspectives of client and audience. (CP)

The National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education with the assistance of the International Society for Technology in Education has written standards for educating teachers. This article describes strategies used by Chestnut Hill College (Pennsylvania) for meeting the standards (guest lecturing by applied technology faculty, workshops by…

This study assessed the predictive validity of the Urban Teacher Selection Interview (UTSI) for 68 traditional, alternative licensure, and professional development school placement teacher candidates. The UTSI attempts to predict students who will become successful teachers. Results identified only a limited number of significant predictors while…

Presents the official position of the National Association for the Education of Young Children on the role of early childhood programs in preventing child abuse. Outlines recommendations on early childhood program policies; staff screening, recruitment, and retention policies; and policies to promote close partnerships with families. Offers…

This article discusses urban teacher shortages, the interaction between poverty, ethnicity, and academic performance, and how licensure contributes to poor results in urban schools. Two partnerships between local universities and school districts to address these shortages are described. The need to prepare general and special education teachers…