Leslie L. Huling

The case for a third alternative : One university's trip

Today, the nation is facing an unprecedented teacher shortage, which will undoubtedly result in increased attention to alternative certification programs as a possible means of addressing the school-staffing crisis. For the past decade, much has centered on the tensions between school, college, and department of education (SCDE) programs and alternative programs, and the relative merits and drawbacks of two delivery systems—one in which candidates complete initial certification prior to employment and one that provides training to candidates while they are employed as full-time teachers. The authors advocate a third alternative for midcareer teacher candidates, one that encompasses the strengths and minimizes the weaknesses of the two predominant delivery systems currently available. This alternative is the comprehensive, accelerated, customer-oriented teacher preparation program, coupled with an intensive induction support system. The authors describe one such program and discuss the compelling reasons for SCDEs nationwide to consider moving in this direction.

Three Projects Show How University/School Partnerships Can Improve Effectiveness.

School practitioners for a variety of reasons have not im plemented research findings to any great advantage. The authors explore how to turn the situation around and achieve effec tiveness in the process.

Turning a Disruptive Study Hall into an Effective Learning Center

Study halls do not have to be havens for dis ruptive students. These authors in trodoce a program that helps both dis ruptive students and students in need of extra attention.