Teach for America Study Reports Some Gains, but Obscures Failed Teaching Policies

Resource Keywords:
Alternative Certification

Publication Type:

Web Article

Authors:

Barnett Berry

Year of Publication:

2004

URL:

http://www.mathematica-mpr.com/publications/PDFs/teach.pdf

Abstract:

A recent study compared the performance of students taught by Teach for

America (TFA) teachers with the performance of students taught by a

comparison group of novice and veteran colleagues in the same schools.

The study found that students of the TFA teachers matched the other students'

performance in reading -- and performed slightly better in math. While

the study's authors viewed the results as evidence of TFA success, teaching

quality expert Barnett Berry believes the findings "illustrate the failed

teaching policies that plague our nation's urban schools."

Berry's analysis of the TFA study reveals that the student achievement

gains of both TFA teachers and the control group were "abysmal" and the

novice-teacher control group "actually had less teacher preparation than

their TFA counterparts in the study." He cites other studies supporting the

premise that more extensive teacher education can lead to substantial student

achievement gains.

Read Berry's complete review of the TFA study at:

http://www.teachingquality.org/tqresources/mathematicaresponse.htm

To view the TFA study, visit: