News Briefs
Better ed schools yield better trained newbies
Nov 15, 2007 2:47 PM
Teacher unions stress experience, mentoring and credentials from high-quality institutions as keys to placing and retaining quality teachers in the classroom. A Louisiana study of 22 in-state teacher-preparation programs says new teachers can begin to match their experienced colleagues but only if colleges vastly improve their teacher training.
Looking at three alternative-certification programs — studies of formal college programs will follow — psychologists at Louisiana State University found the programs produced 155 new teachers in math, science and social studies in 2005-06 who were indeed comparable to their more experienced peers.
Of all U.S. teaching colleges, just half are nationally certified. Under new Louisiana rules, every program must work toward national accreditation and be aligned with state and national pre-K-12 content and teacher standards.
The study, “Value-Added Assessment of Teacher Preparation in Louisiana: 2004 – 2006,” is available at www.regents.state.la.us
Education Week, Oct. 31
