An introduction to the field of education designed to motivate novice teachers and encourage them to be more reflective, analytical, and self-aware. The book focuses on the four main aspects of teaching: * General characteristics * The varied needs of today's learners * Approaches to management, teaching, and assessment * The influences of technology, philosophy, sociology, and history on today's teachers The text shows the present day reality of teaching in this age of economic reform. It strives to help teachers to record their growth towards becoming a certified teacher through the Initial Development Portfolio feature. Organized into three parts, The Changing Profession, Working with Students, and Forces Shaping Educational Policies and Practices, this revised edition continues to help both undergraduate and graduate students develop a broad understanding of the complex world of education.

Table of Contents

PART 1: THE CHANGING PROFESSION Chapter 1 How is Education Changing? What Are the Foundations? The Complexity of Teaching Coping with Change Chapter 2 What Does it Take to Become a Professional Educator? Preparation as Process Professional Development Phases Two General Professional Organizations Professional Ethics Teaching Portfolios Roles for Educators A Professional Educator Chapter 3 What are the Proposals for School Reform? Change: Educators' Constant Companion Systemic Reform School Choice No Child Left Behind School Business Partnerships Full Service Schools Teaching in a World of Change PART 2: WORKING WITH STUDENTS Chapter 4 Who Are the Students? Varying Impressions of the Young Selected Characteristics of Learners Patterns of Development Developing a Sense of Efficacy Chapter 5 How Has Diversity Changed Education? Benefits of Diversity Mutlicultural Education Gender Issues Goals and Suggestions Exceptional Learners Chapter 6 What is Taught and How is it Taught? The Curriculum Instructional Expertise and Teachers' Dispositions Chapter 7 How Do We Know Students Have Learned? Understanding Assessment Assessment Purposes Assessment Terms Assessment and the Instructional Process Planning Assessment Measurement Options PART 3: FORCES SHAPING EDUCATIONAL POLICIES AND PRACTICES Chapter 8 How Did We Get Here? The Historical Perspective The European Legacy Development of American Education Chapter 9 What is the Role of School in Society? Education and Tensions in Society Sociological Modes of Analysis Sociological Perspectives on Educational Issues Are Schools Failing? Chapter 10 How Do Philosophical Perspectives Influence Education? The Importance of Philosophical Perspectives Philosophical Perspectives Educational Applications of Philosophical Ideas Building a Personal Philosophy of Education Chapter 11 How is Technology Changing Education? Looking Ahead Technology and Behavior Today's Technology: Some Promises Today's Technology: Some Challenges Chapter 12 What Do You Need to Know About the Law? The Need to Understand the Legal Environment Learner Rights and Responsibilities Teacher Rights and Responsibilities Chapter 13 Who Controls and Finances Education? The Structure of Educational Control Financing Education