[Casmeo-di] FW: "Training background of teachers to be disclosed" NBS 1528 S/R

[Weinand, Stacey]

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Sent: Tuesday, August 27, 2002 1:16 PM
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Subject: "Training background of teachers to be disclosed" NBS 1528 S/R



NATIONAL ALLIANCE OF STATE SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS COALITIONS
News Brief #1528  Category: Education Study Report
TITLE: "Training background of teachers to be disclosed"

A new study by the Education Trust reveals that one in four classes at public middle and high schools is taught by a teacher not trained in the subject.

In 12 states, minimally trained teachers teach more than 30 percent of core subject classes. The problem is the worst in middle schools, where an average 44 percent of core subject classes are taught by out-of-field teachers.

Craig Jerald, the study's lead author, blamed school administrators for continuing to assign teachers out of field. Statistics on teacher qualifications have not changed since 1993, he said.

But Paul Houston, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators, said many administrators have no choice. "If the people aren't there and aren't willing to work for these [school] systems, you're going to have a problem," he said.

The No Child Left Behind Act requires principals to send a note home notifying parents if an instructor is assigned to a subject he or she is not qualified to teach. Jerald said he hoped that requirement will eventually "embarrass state and local officials to do something on a system-wide basis."

SOURCE: Dallas Morning News, 22 August 2002
WEBSITE: http://www.dallasnews.com/localnews/education/stories/082202dnnatteachers.9948e.html

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