NATION : First-Time Teachers Optimistic

Nine out of 10 first-time teachers this fall are brimming with optimism that all children can learn, but many fear they lack adequate training to reach increasingly troubled students.

A survey of 1,002 fledgling teachers released today found that 93% “strongly agree,” and 6% “somewhat agree” that “all children can learn.”

But 58% said they wish they had more practical training before entering the classroom. Two-thirds said they believe all teachers should be required to take a national standardized test to prove their qualifications to teach.

The survey was sponsored by Metropolitan Life Insurance Co., the eighth in a series of polls of teacher attitudes conducted by the insurance firm since 1984.