Examining PCK research in the context of current policy initiatives

Abstract

Teacher education goals, standards, and policies were once considered to be mostly under the purview of university programs. However, with the advent of international tests, articulation of standards both for student achievement and teacher performance, and calls for more accountability, education policy is increasingly established by a wide range of stakeholders that extend beyond the traditional education community. These stakeholders are asking many questions related to who is qualified to teach a particular subject area; what types of knowledge, skills, and supports are needed for teachers to be highly effective; and what are the most appropriate ways to assess teacher quality? Despite t..