Preparing Elementary Teachers for Florida's Classrooms.

Overview & Synopsis

This report documents the five recommendations made by the Florida Education Standards Commission relating to elementary teacher preparation. The recommendations are focused on teacher education program approval as well as on certification criteria. A review of preservice preparation of elementary teachers includes a survey of elementary principals in Florida regarding their perceptions of the preparation of elementary teachers, an analysis of randomly selected transcripts of individuals certified in elementary education in Florida, and a review of current preservice elementary education requirements. The five recommendations are: (1) the level for initial certification in elementary education should be K-6; (2) initial certification should be granted on the basis of graduation from a state approved elementary education program; (3) state developed preservice elementary program guidelines and indicators should serve as the state approval of elementary education programs; (4) an alternate teacher preparation program should be established; and (5) strong collaboration is needed between colleges, school districts, private institutions, and involved divisions of the Florida State Department of Education. Documentation is provided on the recommendations. (JD)