Minnesota Association of Colleges for Teacher Education Commission for Excellence in Teacher Education Report.

Overview & Synopsis

This report on the current status of teacher education in Minnesota, and plans for program improvements, is based on responses to a survey distributed to all 26 institutions of higher education approved to prepare teachers, and random samples from public and private school teachers and principals. The issues covered in the report include: (1) teacher recruitment; (2) admission and retention; (3) teacher education curriculum; (4) clinical experiences; (5) exit standards and licensure; and (6) research and development. Recommendations follow each issue section. Appended are the responses to a survey of policies, practices and perceptions regarding teacher education and a sample questionnaire on administrator and teacher attitudes toward preservice teacher education. Open-ended responses from teachers and administrators are summarized and recommendations are made for further study. (JD)