Policymakers know that improving teaching in our schools requires a systemic look at many policies related to educator effectiveness. For example, teacher preparation programs need to be dramatically improved and strengthened, but without accompanying reform in compensation, even highly effective and innovative schools of education are unlikely to…

Reports results of a five-state survey of 331 small school superintendents from Arkansas, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas which studied techniques and plans of action for teacher recruitment and teacher maintenance. (AH)

Alternative-certification programs for teachers are offered in 30 states and allow public-school districts to hire as provisional teachers people without traditional undergraduate degrees in education. The purpose is to expand and diversify the pool of teachers by giving midcareer professionals and minorities incentives to become teachers. (MLW)