Nearly all of the states now provide or are considering some type of incentive program for teachers, from scholarships and loans for prospective teachers to career ladders for those already in the profession, according to a survey conducted recently by the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education.
The survey also found that 22 states allow alternative certification, often aimed at increasing the supply of mathematics and science teachers, for people who want to be teachers but have not completed teacher-training programs. Another 10 states are considering proposals to allow certification of prospective teachers who do not have a teaching degree but have a baccalaureate.
‘Serious Commitment’
The survey, “Teacher Education Policy in the States: 50-State Survey of Legislative and Administrative Actions,” was conducted last fall and updated last month following the aacte convention in Denver.
“The results of the survey indicate both the extent to which state government is making a serious commitment to address needed changes in the educational system and the variety of these efforts,” according to a statement by aacte officials.
Twenty-two states now requireel5lteachers to pass an examination prior to certification or graduation from a college of education, the survey found. In another 10 states, proposals are under consideration that would require prospective teachers to pass a test.
The survey also revealed that 20 states require students to pass a test for admission into teacher-training programs and that 13 states are considering such a requirement.
The increased state action on teacher-training issues has led the aacte board of directors to establish a state-issues clearinghouse to monitor developments, said Penelope Earley, director of federal and state relations for the association.
The clearinghouse will continue to survey states’ activity in nine policy areas, including standards for admission to teacher-education programs; incentives for students to enter the profession and for career teachers to remain; alternative certification models; teacher-education curricula and changes in certification regulations; resources for research; faculty development; and equity efforts.
Copies of the survey are available free of charge from aacte, 1 Dupont Circle, Suite 610, Washington, D.C. 20036; (202) 293-2450.--cc
