January 14, 2013
National News
The Minneapolis Star Tribune
Minn. teacher certification lags
Teachers who have pursued the rigorous path of national board certification describe it as a label of excellence and a way to learn powerful skills that can lift their performance at mid-career. Minnesota used to produce dozens of newly certified teachers annually, but it’s now falling behind other states. Data released this week show that only 11 teachers in Minnesota gained the hallmark of certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards in 2012
The Los Angeles Times
Brown takes a page from Aristotle
Gov. Brown’s budget proposal includes a revolutionary plan to distribute future school funding much differently from the way it has been. Spending on poor children, English learners and foster kids would grow a lot faster. Funds for middle-class-and-up kids whose native tongues are English would grow more slowly.
State schools chief urges cut in number of tests next year
The state’s top education official has proposed reducing the number of standardized tests that students must take next year as California moves to a new testing system. Under a plan put forward Tuesday by state Supt. of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, second-graders would not be tested in math and English next year. Most high school tests would also be dropped.
Arkansas News Bureau
New program seeks to address teacher shortages in state’s schools
University of Arkansas and state education department officials are encouraging college seniors who are interested in teaching to apply for fellowships under the new Arkansas Teacher Corps program, which seeks to address teacher shortages in high-need subject areas and economically disadvantaged districts. Fellows will receive a $5,000 stipend per year in addition to their teacher salary.
Related Topics: Teacher Effectiveness, Teacher Preparation