Site-Based, Collaborative Early Childhood/Elementary Preservice Program.

Overview & Synopsis

A program plan was developed at Butler University (Indiana) which responds to the call for teacher education reform. The Butler response incorporates research of the professional educational community; reflects the direction of the university at large and the college of education in particular; addresses the needs of students at the university; and speaks to the children, teachers, and administrators who teach and learn at the elementary and early childhood levels. The document is organized into three parts. Following an introduction, a rationale articulates and defines elements crucial to quality educational preparation (teacher thinking, technique, and behavior), along with a profile of a Butler student. The second part, Distinguishing Features of the Program, includes theoretical elements, programmatic elements, course elements, and evaluation. The final section offers course sequence, a three-block design, and a program certification plan. Four appendices contain copies of the Butler College of Education Competencies; Early Childhood Certification; Faculty Load; Clinical School Descriptions; and Course Syllabi. (LL)