By Robin Chait, , Michele McLaughlin
Download the full report (pdf)
Download the executive summary (pdf)
WASHINGTON, DC—The Center for American Progress released a report today that outlines the policies that are needed to effectively develop and expand robust alternative teaching certification programs.
The report’s authors, CAP Senior Education Policy Analyst Robin Chait and Vice President of Federal and State Policy for Teach for America Michele McLaughlin, analyze the needed policies and put them into three categories: minimizing participant burden, ensuring program quality, and encouraging innovation and growth. A large body of evidence indicates that efforts to improve student learning will not be successful without increasing the supply of effective teachers, particularly in high-poverty and low-performing schools. Alternative certification programs are a promising strategy for addressing that necessity. Yet, for the benefits of alternative certification programs to be realized, policymakers need to institute policies that ensure the programs are able to attract and retain talented participants and provide them with high-quality preparation programs.
Download the full report (pdf)
Download the executive summary (pdf)
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