Texas Model: Go Directly to Class Without Teacher Training

By Michelle Galley

A new alternative-certification plan for teachers will likely go into effect this spring in Texas, even though it was rejected by the state legislature, barely passed the state Board of Educator Certification, and was voted down by a majority of state school board members.

If the educator-certification board approves it again next month, anyone with a bachelor's degree who passes both a subject-matter and a pedagogy exam would receive a two-year teaching certificate.

While proponents argue that the proposed rule—which applies only to teachers of grades 8-12—would help relieve the state's teacher shortage, critics claim it would staff...