In this article, I draw several lessons learned about how to assess student, classroom, and teacher effects, with a specific focus on performance-based teacher evaluations. One lesson is that hierarchical linear modeling techniques are helpful in sorting out the magnitude of impacts at these three different levels of the education system. The…

Discusses teacher-quality issues related to current and projected teacher shortages, including out-of-field teaching, teacher certification, working conditions, and salaries. Asserts that nation is currently experiencing a crisis in teacher quality, with a disproportional impact on disadvantaged urban students. (PKP)

To encourage talented teachers to remain in the profession, their rewards and opportunities must be expanded. Also, a level of quality teaching must be established and maintained by organizing schools for continuing improvement. Recent research on improving technical competence and collegiality among teachers offers guidance towards accomplishing…

Investigates problems besetting United States teacher education institutions. Cites curricula, the relatively low status of teachers in American society, and low salary expectations as reasons behind the present need for better teachers and improved teacher education. Discusses current reform efforts to attract talented persons to the profession.…

Offers recommendations for developing a system of teacher staffing and evaluation that would improve teacher performance and the state of education in general. Discusses incentive and reward systems, performance evaluation, career advancement and enrichment, and other issues. (KH)

Proposes categories of teacher ability that make it possible to increase Soviet teacher salaries depending on the results of certification, seniority, and class size. Urges economic motivation as an incentive to attract better candidates to the teaching profession. Criticizes the present practice of awarding salary increases for length of service,…

This report outlines current research on teacher policy, summarizes legislation from the 1997 legislative session, and forecasts teacher policy trends for 1998. The report is intended to assist states in examining and improving teacher policies by providing information about how other states have approached the issue. Current research demonstrates…