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ERIC Number: ED613970
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Jul
Pages: 46
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Driven by Data: Using Licensure Tests to Build a Strong, Diverse Teacher Workforce
Putman, Hannah; Walsh, Kate
National Council on Teacher Quality
Building a strong, diverse teacher workforce in sufficient numbers requires understanding of the points along the pathway into the teaching profession where aspiring teachers are most likely lost. Currently, policymakers, state education agencies, and teacher prep programs have limited insight into the obstacles along this pathway, largely due to incomplete or inaccurate data. This makes it hard to identify when and why prospective teachers, particularly persons of color, elect not to consider teaching or, having started down the pathway, exit prematurely. In this study, National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) focuses on a pivotal point for elementary teachers: when teacher candidates take their licensure tests on the content knowledge defined by states as necessary for the job of teaching. States generally expect elementary teachers to have foundational knowledge in English/language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Low rates of candidates passing licensure tests, especially for candidates of color, have become the subject of considerable debate in states across the country and have some states questioning their testing regimes. These low pass rates present a challenge for policymakers and educator preparation programs working to both diversify the profession and also ensure that every classroom is staffed with a well-prepared teacher. This paper provides the framework for the pass rate data available for each state. While the focus here is on elementary content licensure tests, the analysis can be applied to any assessment on any subject or grade span. [This report was funded by the Gates Family Foundation.]
National Council on Teacher Quality. 1420 New York Avenue NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-393-0020; Fax: 202-393-0095; Web site: http://www.nctq.org
Publication Type: Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: Walton Family Foundation; Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation; Sid W. Richardson Foundation; Barr Foundation
Authoring Institution: National Council on Teacher Quality
Identifiers - Location: United States; Virginia; Pennsylvania; Connecticut; New Jersey; Arkansas; Tennessee
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A