Census-based estimates suggest that at least 3.5 million children in the United States are limited-English-proficient or non-English-speaking. Half of all U.S. teachers have one or more of these children in their classes, but only one in 17 has any specific training to teaching English as a second language (ESL). Of those actually teaching ESL…

This paper presents results of a study examining the relationship between the American Board of Surgery's In-Training Examination and its Qualifying Examination. 1982 Test scores on both examinations of 764 candidates in their fifth year of training as Chief Residents were analyzed. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and standard errors were…

The Pennsylvania State University served as the Pennsylvania Coordinator of Occupational Competency Assessment (OCA). It managed the Pennsylvania OCA Program, which provides the secondary public schools of the state with competent vocational instructors as a component of teacher preparation at Temple University, Indiana University of Pennsylvania,…

As an adjunct to the California State Board of Education's 1983 report, "Raising Expectations: Model Graduation Requirements," this paper presents legislative and administrative recommendations on teacher quality and on the principal's role. The State Board's Master Plan Committee, which also produced "Raising Expectations,"…

Recommendations concerning postsecondary accreditation in California are presented, with attention to public reliance on nongovernmental accreditation. After a review of the history of accreditation and its role in institutional oversight, attention is directed to national accreditation of colleges, regional accreditation by the Western…

This policy statement provides a framework for thinking about the many issues involved in developing assurance of adequate child care opportunities for infants and toddlers under 3 years of age. Specifically, the statement discusses (1) the special needs of infants and toddlers; (2) public policies to provide both financial and emotional support…

This paper describes the advantages of the vendor/voucher child care delivery system model developed by the consulting firm of Freis and Miller and Associates. An overview of the current situation discusses (1) the increasing demand for child care; (2) the cost-effectiveness of public child care assistance programs that enable low income families…

The State of Georgia has been experiencing a critical shortage of secondary teachers in the fields of science, mathematics, and foreign language. It is predicted that this shortage of fully trained science, mathematics, and foreign language teachers will continue into the foreseeable future. In order to attract additional individuals into these…

To improve the teaching of writing in public schools, pre-service teachers should be trained in the theories and practice of composition and rhetoric through new courses in rhetoric, regardless of the teacher's subject area. Although the academic discipline of composition studies is now established, many public school teachers are not familiar…

To meet the need for trained teachers for rural special education, especially for teaching the severely/profoundly handicapped, the Severe/Profound Handicaps Training Program was established by West Virginia University. The program consists of 20 hours of coursework and 9 hours of practicum experience, leading to a Master's degree and/or teaching…

A qualitative case study involving five educational institutions assessed the use of competency testing as a prerequisite for high school graduation, criterion for admission into college, criterion for teacher certification, and statewide assessment tool. Focus was on persons and processes involved in setting educational standards associated with…

This paper reviews the major studies and reports about the development and reform of teacher education over the past century, focusing on the chronic issues and recurring themes in this body of literature. Part 1 reviews the historical development of teacher education in America over four periods: advancement and transformation from normal schools…

The Special Education Program at West Virginia University offers graduate degree/teacher certification programs in mental retardation, learning disabilities, and behavior disorders. Practicum experiences are included in the program, and have created a need for faculty supervision that could not be met by existing resources. A program was designed…

An introduction by Barbara S. Plake and Joseph C. Witt defines the task of this book as presenting nine conference papers discussing probable directions for the field of measurement and testing. In an effort to contribute to the improvement of test construction and test usage, areas of present concern and potentially important areas for the future…

A study examined the role of computer and information technology (CIT) instruction in the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). A number of successful local YTS training schemes and initiatives are identified and analyzed in the first part of this report. This process resulted in the formulation of specific policy recommendations that are spelled out in…