Excellence in Our Schools. Teacher Education: An Action Plan.

Overview & Synopsis

The purpose of this document, which presents suggestions for needed changes in teacher education, is to provide guidance in the development of improved teacher education programs. Elements outlined in the document include: (1) the major functions of teaching (facilitating learning, classroom management, professional decision making); (2) learning, skills, and field-based experiences derived from the major functions of teaching; (3) setting standards for approving college of education programs at the national and state levels; (4) standards for approving college of education programs (program planning, implementation, personnel, content, and membership in the profession); and (5) characteristics and powers of proposed autonomous State Teacher Education Agencies. An evaluation checklist, designed to assess state agencies which currently approve teacher education programs, is included. (JD)