The aims of this project were to explore the challenges faced by Scottish primary teachers in implementing the science and technology aspects of the Environmental Studies guidelines, to illuminate the extent to which any problems might be related to their own understanding of those ideas they were expected to teach, and to assess the extent to…

This pilot study examines the influence of a diagnostic and post-test format as a continuous diagnostic tool to help one cohort of elementary preservice teachers address their mathematics content area deficiencies in a proactive way. Fifty-four percent of the preservice teachers in the cohort were persons of color, and 96 percent were female. The…

The mathematical growth of a pre-service elementary teacher over the period of a semester is detailed. This student had an unusual combination of very poor basic computational skills and a capacity for higher level problem solving involving algebraic notation. The extent to which one or two semesters of mathematics content, however…

This document contains the spring and fall 2001 newsletters of the National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented (NRC/GT). The spring 2001 issue contains the following featured articles: (1) "Using Gifted Education Strategies with All Students" (E. Jean Gubbins and NRC/GT Research Team); (2) "New Center for the Pyschology of…

This qualitative study explores philosophies, life experiences, educational preparation, classroom techniques, and perceived limitations that enhance or prevent a feeling of successful teaching practice for six middle school science teachers who have at least one but no more than four years of science teaching experience. The study was conducted…

Four variables have been identified by research as having a powerful influence on teachers' teaching practices and student learning. These are: (1) content coverage; (2) content exposure; (3) content emphasis; and (4) quality of instructional delivery. These four variables are important to the investigation of students' opportunity to learn…

The promise of education reform is that all children will receive a quality education. However, there are enormous challenges to reform, including resource inequities, an aging teaching force, and public doubts about school effectiveness. Moreover, school reform policies place enormous strain on teachers and students. Teachers need to implement…

This report presents the results of a mail survey conducted to ascertain Texas elementary teachers' opinions of their level of preparedness to implement the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) science curriculum. Most of the teachers (89%) had read the TEKS science curriculum requirements, and many (55.9%) did not think the requirements…

A revision of a 1992 publication, this booklet presents standards intended to assist in the establishment and evaluation of programs of teacher preparation, to guide the assessment of the qualifications of literacy professionals, and to inform private and state agencies, policymakers, and the general public as they shape literacy instruction now…

This report discusses factors affecting California's ability to compete for and keep quality teachers. It describes the qualifications of California's current teacher workforce and how they are compensated and discusses research and informed opinions on the influence of money and other factors on teachers' employment decisions. The report…

Environmental educators often maintain that elementary education should work to improve and protect the environment by producing environmentally informed, committed, and active citizens. However, research shows that implementation of environmental education in elementary schools is problematic and not very successful. This paper identifies a…

Teachers' views of the nature of science largely determine the way that they present science to their students. This study investigated the emerging philosophies of science and teaching in eight preservice science teacher interns. The study was conducted with a standardized open-ended interview format. Most interns viewed science as an exciting,…

One of the strongest predictors of quality programming for young children is teacher preparation. This report presents two studies: the first examining state early childhood teacher education requirements; and the second examining state curriculum guidelines for early childhood education. Section 1 of the report details the method and findings of…

Scores on professional licensure exams and transcript grades, used to evaluate the competencies of entry level teachers, fail to reflect the wide range of complex knowledge, skills, and dispositions that quality professional educators possess. As the demand for authentic, standards-based assessment of teacher performance continues to grow, teacher…

This paper critically reviews the specific role played by universities in initial teacher training. It highlights several unique contributions to good quality teacher training within the university setting. These include advanced subject matter training, research-based instruction, and a critical reflection on practice. The paper also identifies a…