Current programs, administrative procedures, and concepts of science teacher preparation in selected colleges and universities of the United States

The primary purpose of this research is to study and describe the preparation programs for science teachers in selected colleges and universities representing the 50 states of the United States. The investigation includes the various facets of teacher preparation such as academic requirements, administrative practices, certification requirements, and current trends in science education. The science education programs are compared with programs recommended by educators in the selected institutions, curriculum study groups, and various professional scientific organization in an attempt to determine if the present teacher preparation programs are meeting the demands faced by science teachers today. Data for the study were gathered by means of a questionnaire sent to 125 selected colleges and universities and through personal communication with directors and administrators of the curriculum study groups and the professional organizations. College catalogs were also examined to provide further data for the study. Certification requirements were obtained from each state and from the National Education Association. ..