Views on Educational Roles and Objectives. Position Papers in Early Childhood-Elementary Education.

The papers contained in this volume are the result of nine seminars conducted during 1972 and the first half of 1973. One concern that dominates many papers is the preparation of individuals for the teaching role. O'Neill reports the evaluation results of a preservice program that maximizes the use of field experiences; Duffey discusses the results of his study designed to evaluate undergraduates in social studies methods courses; Ashlock presents a rationale for the need of certification for elementary school mathematics specialists; after analyzing texts used in reading methods courses, Moretz and Davey assert the need for more consistent use of reading terminology; Amershek urges professional competence as the criterion for the selection of staff members for preschool programs. Another concern reflected in many of the papers is the nature of school programs for learners. Maley describes the impact of a reading emphasis industrial arts program; Gantt advocates a focus on the child's educational environment; Shields discusses reading in the kindergarten; and Hall and Ribovich build a rationale for teaching reading as a form of communication. Following each paper is a brief summary of participant reactions. (WR)