Essays by education policy analysts discuss results of the 1985 NEA Conditions and Resources of Teaching (CART) survey, including an overview and appraisal of the survey results, their relation to other similar studies, and the potential for and projected costs of change in the allocation of resources for teachers. The first paper, by Samuel B.…

This brief overview of a larger report focuses on a study of flaws in teacher selection and suggests improvements. It is noted that students do poorly in school because they often have new, inexperienced teachers. When these teachers get seniority, they transfer to "easier" schools, leaving new positions open to be again filled by novice teachers.…

Two issues of "Plantings," are presented. The 1986 issue is a panel discussion that considers the results and future plans of faculty development programs in three Minnesota institutions. In addition to the moderator, Robert Young, of the University of North Dakota, the panel consisted of Norman Noonan (Augsburg College), Chandra…

A national survey of teacher attrition was conducted by means of interviews with a sample of former teachers who left public schools within the last five years to work in other occupations. Graphs and charts accompanied by narrative discussion are presented, covering the following topics: (1) profile of former teachers compared to current…

Seven major areas of reform that are bringing significant changes in teaching and teacher education are documented and discussed: (1) improving the academic quality of students entering teacher education programs; (2) upgrading the standards for the accreditation of teacher education institutions; (3) raising teacher certification standards; (4)…

This document presents a summary of the purpose, activities, and findings of the National Commission for Excellence in Teacher Education, focusing on the Commission's Final report "A Call for Change in Teacher Education." The report was organized around five themes: (1) supply and demand for quality teachers; (2) programs for teacher…

This study examined how student teachers spent their time during student teaching and the structural conditions in the classroom that may have influenced these activities. Specifically, the nature of student teachers' activities was investigated relative to time spent in subject areas, grouping arrangements, and observing and teaching. Data…

Ways to promote successful reform of colleges and schools in the 1980s are discussed. Attention is focused on issues pertaining to the curriculum, the teacher, and the student. Ways that colleges can contribute to reform of the schools are also addressed. It is claimed that many students have difficulty when they must use higher-order academic…

With critical teacher shortages projected and competition from business increasing, the importance of attracting and retaining teachers cannot be ignored. Drawn from a research base, this study recommends means by which principals, school districts, education schools, and teachers, themselves, can collaborate to provide opportunities for teacher…

This booklet describes major issues in teaching and significant initiatives to strengthen teaching in New York State's public schools. The following topics are covered: (1) recruitment and preservice education; (2) teacher certification; (3) staff development and other improvements in the condition of teaching; (4) recognition of outstanding…

Forty-four teachers enrolled in special education graduate courses were surveyed to find out how much time teachers are spending on the development of individualized education programs (IEPs) and to discover implications regarding instructional time lost in the IEP process. Literature was reviewed on the field of education prior to P.L. 94-142…

This document offers perspectives on the concepts of environment and order related to the classroom setting. Environment is explained as the physical milieu, action structure, and the fit between these phenomena. Order can refer to the system being "in order" or to the participants being on task. Examples are presented of relationships…

This article reports on the relationship between the informal behavior of teachers and the formal organization of the school. A field study was conducted over a six month period at one high school. Research questions focused on patterns of behavior which were created by teachers to sustain individuals on the job and to promote continuation of…

A compilation of essays deals with two vital ethical issues: (1) in such matters as genetic research, human subject research, and behavior modification, the conflict between freedom in scientific research and protection of the immediate public; and (2) the question of whether ethical guidelines have to be developed for teachers, or academic…

Arguing that reform of undergraduate education is more urgent at a time of retrenchment and will require making teaching a collegial activity if it is to compete with research, the author proposes a reorganization into teaching clusters of perhaps 15 faculty, 10 graduate students, and 200 students in a "theme center." (JT)