Development of a Method for the Evaluation of Teacher Education Programs.

Overview & Synopsis

A description is presented of the "Qualitative Analysis of the University of Lethbridge (Alberta) Teacher Education Program" (QAULTEP). The overall objective of QAULTEP is to develop a model for the evaluation of teacher education programs and specifically to identify: (1) categories of pre-education variables that will best predict success in an education program; (2) changes in students (attitudinal, academic, skill development, etc.); (3) variables and categories of variables that are related to success within an education program; (4) variables and categories of variables related to teacher success; (5) characteristics of effective teachers; (6) characteristics of ineffective teachers; (7) characteristics of teachers who select themselves out of the program; and (8) the most important components of a teacher education program. The study is divided into three phases. Phase I deals with relationships between pre-education factors such as personality assessments, English competencies, admission grades and courses, and ratings in the first field experience course, and variables relating to success in the education program. Phase II examines relationships among variables within the education program such as evaluations of success in student teaching, fourth-year courses, and subject areas. Phase III relates success in the education program to placement and effectiveness in teaching. A description of studies completed in the QAULTEP data categories is presented; current studies are outlined; and future directions for the program are indicated. A bibliography of completed and current studies is appended. (MJB)