Economic Education for Future Elementary & Secondary Teachers: Basic Recommendations. Excellence in Economic Education, JCEE Checklist No. 359.

Overview & Synopsis

Developed by a committee of 13 experts in both economics and teacher education, these basic recommendations concerning economic education requirements for future elementary and secondary school teachers are intended to stimulate positive changes in preservice teacher education practices compatible with national efforts to improve teacher education. Following a statement of purpose, a rationale for requiring economic education for teachers focuses on the value of economic instruction, the increasing number of states mandating economics instruction, recent efforts to strengthen academic requirements, the current push for stronger standards of teacher certification, and the impact of preparation on teaching effectiveness. Nine recommendations in Part II deal with the general education and academic specialization of prospective teachers, the professional education of prospective teachers, and guidelines for states with certification tests. Biographical information is then given for each member of the Committee on Teacher Education. (LH)