A plan recommended by a Massachusetts task force on teacher training would require that prospective teachers pursue a liberal-arts major in undergraduate school, receive clinical training with practicing teachers, and earn a master’s degree within five years of starting their careers.
In its final report, issued this month, the 35-member panel created by the Massachusetts Board of Regents of Higher Education and Department of Education modified6an earlier draft’s stipulations concerning the liberal-arts or sciences undergraduate major. The new version would allow some colleges, such as Wheelock College and Lesley College, which have strong undergraduate education programs, to create programs that integrate liberal-arts subjects with professional studies. (See Education Week, Sept. 9, 1987.)
The board of regents and the board of education are expected to consider the report next month. The legislature would also have to approve changes in certification laws and provide funding to free veteran teachers to train the newly certified teachers.
