Improving teacher quality

August 21, 6:23 PMIndianapolis Public Education ExaminerJeanette Gorin

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Taking aggressive steps to ensure that all children in Indiana "have high quality, effective teachers," Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Tony Bennett has proposed reform measures to improve teacher quality. Reform measures were the result of many failing Indiana schools (examiner.com article- "Indiana schools fail to meet AYP) along with research that indicated teachers were not only instrumental in impacting student achievement but also "Indiana's high poverty schools face the greatest challenges in attracting and retaining quality teachers," according to a news release by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE).

Following is a synopsis of the proposed changes by the DOE:

1. Increase content-area requirements for elementary and secondary teacher licensure

2. Provide an option for elementary and secondary teachers to be eligible for licensure certification 
    from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE)

3. Eliminate time-consuming requirements for new teachers and replace them with more effective
     programs

4. Replace portfolios and mentor requirements with a "Beginning Teacher Residency Program"

5. Facilitate expertise acquisition by streamlining licensure renewal for current teachers

Overall, the DOE perceives the proposed changes will empower building-level administrators regarding professional development for teachers, simplify adding content areas to teaching licenses and provide greater flexibility in hiring the best candidate for teacher and administrative positions.