The initial purpose of this study was to assess the differences between five physical education majors and five elementary education majors at the entry level of a teacher education program. Elementary education majors pursue a certification in elementary education (classroom), but must also work on a certification in one other elementary specialization (i.e., physical education, health, reading). An experimental teaching unit (ETU) with pre- and posttests was used to determine student achievement and differences between the two entry level groups in various criterion process variables. Both entry level groups of student interns were also compared to five student teachers in physical education, who were from the same teacher preparation program and had completed the same ETU the previous year. Results indicated that the two entry level groups were fairly equal in overall teaching effectiveness. When the two entry level groups of interns were compared to the student teacher group, it was concluded that the entry level groups were more effective teachers. This conclusion was generated after data analysis indicated a significant difference (P < .05) between groups on student skill gain (pre- to posttest in ETU), management time, activity time, and engaged motor. A restructuring of this teacher preparation program is recommended.
