Just a few years ago, tenure appeared low on the reform list for state policy makers and district administrators, viewed as too hot an issue politically to challenge. But it was front and center in the 2014 landmark "Vergara v. California" lawsuit, which challenged teacher tenure and related policies. Yet whether to grant tenure or not…

This report offers state leaders key areas for action to continue progress in implementing evaluation systems, even as federal policies on teacher evaluation relax state requirements. The Southern Regional Education Board (SREB) offers its current best thinking for how state agencies can make the smartest use of funds, time and partners to refine…

The 2009 "State Teacher Policy Yearbook" provided a comprehensive review of states' policies that impact the teaching profession. As a companion to last year's comprehensive state-by-state analysis, the 2010 edition provides each state with an individualized "Blueprint for Change," building off last year's "Yearbook"…

TEACHER-STUDENT INTERACTIONS WERE STUDIED IN (1) A TRADITIONAL MATHEMATICS PROGRAM, AND (2) A NEW MATHEMATICS PROGRAM BASED ON PROCEDURES ASSOCIATED WITH THE PROCESS OF DISCOVERY AND INQUIRY AND THE USE OF SYMBOLIC LOGIC. FORTY CLASSES OF REGULARLY ENROLLED FOURTH-GRADE STUDENTS PARTICIPATED IN THE STUDY. DURING OBSERVATIONS OF EACH CLASS, THE…

Describes the Technology Leadership Academy (University of Texas at Austin) whose mission is to develop a learning community among teacher preparation programs to improve technology integration. Explains the academy's development, which was part of a grant from the Department of Education's Preparing Tomorrow's Teachers To Use Technology…

For five years running, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) has tracked states' teacher policies, preparing a detailed and thorough compendium of teacher policy in the United States on topics related to teacher preparation, licensure, evaluation, career advancement, tenure, compensation, pensions and dismissal. The 2011 State Teacher…

Oklahoma teachers, asked their opinions about aspects of a new state law to upgrade teacher preparation, supported raising college admission requirements, requiring an entry-year internship for beginning teachers, and participation in staff development activities. The teachers questioned the value of minimum competency testing. (PP)

The Ponca City (Okla.) Public Schools set a higher literacy level as a goal, then developed a comprehensive plan to achieve that goal. A district focus, commitment, professional development for administrators and teachers, assessments to drive instruction, on-site coaching, monitoring, and careful record keeping all contributed to systemic reform.

One-third of all U.S. school children attend school in rural settings. Rural schools are much poorer than urban America, with most of the poorest counties in the United States located in rural areas. Equity is a concern not only in terms of race, class, gender, disability, and sexual orientation, but also in terms of being geographically located…

This guide is intended to acquaint administrators and teachers with legal requirements for staff evaluation and recent changes in Oklahoma teacher dismissal law. A State Board of Education policy statement and a glossary of legal terms follow the statutory description and explication of the intent of Senate Bill No. 249 and Senate Bill No. 308.…

Noting recent state legislation (HB 1706) in Oklahoma that is focused on the improvement of teacher preparation programs at the university level, this paper details the implementation of such improvements at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. The first section of the paper considers requirements for improved classroom preparation in both…