Teacher Education in Arizona: Evolution or Revolution. The Report of the Governor's Task Force on Teacher Education.

Overview & Synopsis

The recommendations in this task force report by the Task Force on Teacher Education are based on information on the academic program, student profiles, research efforts and pedagogical programs obtained from site visits to the colleges of education in the three state universities in Arizona. The first section of the report discusses the educational system in Arizona, presenting an historical perspective, reflections on teacher effectiveness, and a consideration of the decline in teaching quality. Recommendations, presented in the second section, cover the following areas: (1) content of the education program for teachers; (2) structure within the colleges of education; (3) admission to the colleges of education; (4) departmental responsibility outside the colleges of education; (5) clinical education; (6) the student-teaching experience; (7) the role of the community college in teacher education; (8) orientation of newly hired teachers; (9) continuing professional development; (10) broadening recruitment; (11) the role of the principal; (12) minority teachers; and (13) the profession. (JD)