The end of this school year marks a deadline for states to meet the NCLB requirement that most teachers be “highly qualified.” But even proponents of the mandate are saying that it has been a disappointment, with some conceding it hasn’t resulted in better and more sensible standards to ensure teacher quality. In recent testimony before a congressional committee, meanwhile, science teacher and Teacher Leaders Network member Valdine McLean told lawmakers that teacher-quality initiatives have focused too much on entry requirements and not enough on providing resources and support to enable teachers to thrive in their careers.
What’s your view? How could schools best ensure that their teachers are truly highly qualified? If you were a member of Congress, how would you change the NCLB “highly qualified” teacher provision?
