Well-prepared middle school teachers: Common ground or subtle divide between practitioners and university faculty in the State of Oregon, United States

This qualitative study followed a survey study that investigated university faculty, classroom teachers, and principals' perceptions of well-prepared middle school teachers in the state of Oregon in the United States. A qualitative approach allowed the researchers to explore and interpret the participants' views (Denzin & Lincoln, 1998). In spite of many similarities, a number of differences in emphasis or priority were found among the groups, including views on assessment, curriculum development, and the importance of family and community connections for beginning classroom teachers. This study provides a foundation for deeper analysis and discussion among university faculty and practitioners concerning the "what" of middle school teacher preparation programs. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]