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Annie, I think you are absolutely right with your thinking. My daughter has certificates from three states now - Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York. Each one took time and money. The certification tests were all similar (actually don't think she had to take a test for NY) and she didn't study for any of them and scored very well. That kind of tells you that it's all about supporting the testing company IMHO.
Seriously, when are they going to come up with a national test rather than having each state determine testing and cert requirements? It's so ridiculous and dramatically beauracratic. I mean, if they can come up with a national test for lawyers (i.e. the BAR exam), why not for teachers? It would make everything much more efficient and practical.
I have been thinking about this for awhile. I went back to school as an adult because I want to finish my degree and teach. I go to the university in my area because this is where I live, for now, but I have absolutely NO intention of teaching in Illinois.
Why is it that a person who graduates from an accredited institution cannot immediately teach anywhere in the US where he/she gets a job? Really, wouldn't it be easier if there was one, standardized Teacher Education curriculum that all colleges could follow? It makes no sense to me that I can get a degree that will allow me to teach anywhere in Illinois but if I wanted, for instance, to go one mile over the border into Wisconsin, Missouri, Iowa, I would have to go through the whole involved (not to mention potentially expensive) process of obtaining a teaching license for that state.
I'm sure the argument could be made that if this were the case then all the teachers would flock to areas where the pay is higher, and I suppose that could be true. But in reality, when we live in such a mobile society, doesn't it make sense to have a teaching license be valid everywhere?
I think rather than "licensing," teachers should carry a "passport" that indicates their experience and competence in manners that indicate the value added they can provide. It is of little use to know a teacher has a B.A. or a teaching credential or has passed a psych-based standardized test (teachers exams are notoriously easy). It makes more sense to know their skills in particular areas. Also, their teaching experience and performance with real kids in terms of value added would be helpful.
If it's any comfort, it's the same for nurses, though once you have the licenese by exam, you can usually just fill out paperwork for the next state. Plus, my state is now in a big "pact" that actually licenses me for several states.
Seriously, when are they going to come up with a national test rather than having each state determine testing and cert requirements? It's so ridiculous and dramatically beauracratic. I mean, if they can come up with a national test for lawyers (i.e. the BAR exam), why not for teachers? It would make everything much more efficient and practical.
I think rather than "licensing," teachers should carry a "passport" that indicates their experience and competence in manners that indicate the value added they can provide. It is of little use to know a teacher has a B.A. or a teaching credential or has passed a psych-based standardized test (teachers exams are notoriously easy). It makes more sense to know their skills in particular areas. Also, their teaching experience and performance with real kids in terms of value added would be helpful.
Any such portfolio would travel well.
S.
Are you familiar with the Praxis tests? That is part of the different standards from state to state. What is the pass rate going to be is the major question that states answer for themselves.
Annie, I think you are absolutely right with your thinking. My daughter has certificates from three states now - Illinois, Pennsylvania and New York. Each one took time and money. The certification tests were all similar (actually don't think she had to take a test for NY) and she didn't study for any of them and scored very well. That kind of tells you that it's all about supporting the testing company IMHO.
Not sure why they took more time or money unless one state had a different Praxis test requirement. I am pretty sure that certification between Pennsylvania and New York is reciprocal in most majors as they both have very high standards. Illinois is no slouch and many states accept theirs. That doesn't mean they accept the other states back. There can be differences in organizational level certification.
If one state wishes to recognize a teaching certificate from another state, great. If not, too bad. We are a nation of 50 sovereign states that have the right to secede if their state rights are infringed upon by the federal government. There are several states that have passed resolutions putting the Obama Administration on notice that if he steps on their toes, there will be trouble.
Let's please not turn this into a political issue about Obama.
I think rather than "licensing," teachers should carry a "passport" that indicates their experience and competence in manners that indicate the value added they can provide. It is of little use to know a teacher has a B.A. or a teaching credential or has passed a psych-based standardized test (teachers exams are notoriously easy). It makes more sense to know their skills in particular areas. Also, their teaching experience and performance with real kids in terms of value added would be helpful.
Any such portfolio would travel well.
S.
I think this would be a fantastic idea!
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