PDK/Gallup Poll: Most Americans Want Better Prepared Teachers. Politico (9/17, Emma) reports in its “Morning Education” feature that according to a new PDK/Gallup poll, most “Americans want better prepared teachers in the classroom — and a vast majority think educators should be required to pass board certification and submit to licensure standards like doctors and lawyers.” Moreover, 70% of respondents said new teachers should spend a year teaching under direct supervision of a certified mentor teacher, and 60% “said the entrance requirements for teacher training programs need to be more rigorous.” The Detroit Free Press (9/16) reports that the survey points to a desire for teacher prep programs to “demand more of those who want to become teachers,” but notes that “views on teacher evaluations in some ways run counter to current trends,” with only 38% in favor of “using test scores to evaluate teachers; 61% are opposed.” Nevertheless, 77% say “helping teachers improve their teaching skills should be a key reason for evaluations.” US News & World Report (9/16) reports that respondents “want a higher bar for those entering the profession and more support for the men and women educating their children.” This article quotes PKD CEO Bill Bushaw saying, “There’s a lot of interest in teachers and teaching, and stressing the need for high-quality teachers in the classroom. Support for a board certification similar to what doctors have, support for higher entry requirements to become a teacher, all indicate to me that Americans see the need to attract the best teachers we can in the classroom and to help them grow professionally.” The Atlantic (9/17) and PBS’ Newshour With Jim Lehrer (9/17) also cover this poll.
Posted on: Wed, 17 Sep 2014 15:34:33 +0000
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