Interesting. California is testing the hell out of its new teachers who get certifications. On the other hand, just about anyone can be a substitute teacher. I hate it when my kids get substitutes, and if your child gets one, be wary, be vigilant, and complain early and often if the class seems to be stagnating.
Although testing certainly doesn't tell anyone if a teacher can teach, it is a step in the right direction- and high school teachers should be able to pass rigorous tests in the subjects they want to teach. I am a Biology major, with a degree in law, but I took the Praxis in English (and the Single Subject test as well) because I wanted to teach English. The test was fairly difficult. I studied off materials for the GRE in English, and could easily have passed the GRE and done well, so I left an hour before the test had ended, in both sections- but I felt it was a good test, and would test the ability of the test taker in English, and tested it broadly in mechanics, general knowledge, literary interpretation, and written expression.
I don't know what other states do, but I think California is making a real effort. I don't know how they will get enough people who want to jump through all the hurdles and stay in teaching, though. That's the main problem, I think, at this point- retaining people who are qualified or attracting them in the first place. |
