A Shared Vision: Policy Recommendations for Linking Teacher Education to School Reform.

Overview & Synopsis

This publication presents recommendations for state policy that are meant to promote the simultaneous reform of both K-12 education and teacher education. The main body of the document consists of recommendations based on recurring themes gleaned from interviews with state leaders: (1) the state legislature should adopt statutory provisions declaring that the state expects cooperation from institutions of higher learning and public schools; (2) the state legislature should designate the parties responsible for directing the simultaneous renewal of teacher education and school restructuring; (3) the state should set standards for basic-skill levels, teaching performance, and knowledge base expected for licensure; (4) through standards, the state should indicate its expectation for critical conditions and programs to undergird all teacher education programs; (5) the state should view beginning teacher induction as an integral part of teacher preparation; (6) the state should require recertification programs; (7) the state should adopt funding mechanisms for establishing the components of a comprehensive teacher education and school renewal program; and (8) the state should adopt a plan for evaluating the effectiveness of the teacher education system. (LL)