Background for Teacher Education Program Evaluation

Abstract

The need for improved evaluation of teacher education programs has been well documented over the past two decades. In the past five years, most states have mandated substantial reforms in teacher education programs. These reforms have included: strengthening the general (liberal arts) education for prospective teachers, developing of five year programs leading to initial licensure, developing alternative routes to licensure for liberal arts graduates, and developing and implementing total field base programs operated within a school district.