The presenters are engaged in the development of a teacher education program within a university setting.
Clinical education plays an important role in the evolution of the program.
Through field-based courses, including Field Laboratory I, Field Laboratory II, and Internship, preservice teachers progressively gain the ability to demonstrate their knowledge of teaching and apply their understanding of teaching practices in school settings. It has become evident that the portfolio is an effective means to motivate interest in teaching and learning and to document outcomes in ways that are accountable to the education profession. To assist preservice teachers in the preparation of their portfolios the presenters formed a development team and created a CD-ROM disc. The primary purpose of the project is to improve urban achievement, the preparation of teachers for urban schools, and the ongoing professional development of urban educators. Project activities are organized along a clinical continuum from early field experiences at the community college, through urban field experiences during preinternships and internships, to professional development for experienced urban educators.