Hi Paul,
BTW, I wanted to commend you on some of the responses you've made to the
Ivan Illich thread. Particularly your comments about why wouldn't the
education system simply arise out of the ashes of the dismantled system
again, and also your remark about why is your neighbor qualified to
judge such occupations as doctors, etc... These were right on!
But, back to the reply on this topic...
You wrote:
->       The State of Washington is now proposing a teacher testing
-> process in an attempt to weed out teachers who are underqualified in
-> term of their own academics.
->
->       I was wondering if anyone has already studied the effectiveness
-> of doing this process? Do students learn better with teachers
-> who have or can complete such a process?  Are these tests effective?
Unfortunately, I can't point you to any research like you are seeking.
But I thought I could add that in California there has been a test in
place since the early 80's called the CBEST (California Basic
Educational Skills Test???). It came about because the California State
Legistlature decided that teachers in the classroom were not well-enough
prepared and that they should have to demonstrate their academic
abilities yet once again before being allowed in the classroom. The only
requirement to be a substitute teacher in most public school districts
in this state, is that you pass the CBEST. Well, you probably have to be
fingerprinted, too.
In order to even enter a credentialing program in California you must
first pass the CBEST. Since you cannot receive your credential without
the CBEST, most universities figure that you should pass it first, for
if you cannot any time spent on the credential program would be a waste.
Sheila
--- PCBoard (R) v15.22/M 10
---------------