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Economic Analysis and the Design of Alternative-Route Teacher Education Programs

Southern Illinois University

Paul T. Sindelar

University of Florida

David Denslow

University of Florida

James Dewey

University of Florida

Michael S. Rosenberg

Johns Hopkins University

Few studies have addressed the effects of teacher education generally, no less the specific program elements necessary to prepare competent and caring teachers. As a result, to address teacher shortages in science, mathematics, and special education, alternatives to traditional preparation have been proposed, and their development has proceeded apace. In the absence of guidance from research, alternative program designs have dramatically varied, even on such fundamental considerations as program length and the amount of preparation trainees require before becoming teachers of record. However, research on teacher education is only one potential source of guidance for program design. In this article, the authors use economic research and theory to identify principles of effective design. Considerations include program location, candidate selection, program cost, financial support, program requirements, practice teaching, and mentorship. They use these principles to compare and contrast fast-track programs and programs for midcareer changers.

Key Words: teacher preparation • program design • alternative routes • economic analysis • economic theory

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Journal of Teacher Education, Vol. 58, No. 5, 422-439 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/0022487107306395


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Chifeng Dai Articles by Rosenberg, M. S. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?