News Brief

01/14/13

S.D. Part of Push for Teaching Reform

Argus Leader (South Dakota) (01/14/13) Verges, Josh

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) teacher prep task force issued a variety of recommendations to improve the way colleges prepare teachers for their first post-graduation jobs. The task force has called for new forms of teacher licensing to encourage entry-level teachers to earn their full certification while on the job. Other recommendations include greater use of student achievement data to identify low-performing education colleges and the development of uniform licensing standards so that teachers can work in other states without having to take additional tests or classes. South Dakota Education Secretary Melody Schopp says the effort strives to ensure that universities are producing teaching candidates capable of teaching in a 21st century classroom from day one, which will mean that while in college, these candidates must become familiar with the Common Core Standards and new styles of student assessment and teacher evaluation. Schopp also states she would support the introduction of a requirement that all teaching programs in South Dakota include a year-long residency, though private schools may need additional time to catch up. The CCSSO report calls on state departments of education to take stronger stances on teaching college accountability and suggests that states place caps on the number of candidates in well-served programs.

This news brief was summarized for Chiefline, CCSSO's weekly newsletter. Click here to receive Chiefline in your inbox weekly. Newsbrief Copyright 2012 INFORMATION, INC.