Teacher Education

Should schools reform focus on teachers?

Introduction

An influential report last year presented a blistering indictment of public education in America, especially the quality of teacher training. The National Commission on Teaching & America's Future said bold steps are needed to professionalize the nation's 2.7 million public school educators. Supporters of that view, including lawmakers, education experts and national teachers' unions, are pushing initiatives ranging from toughening licensing standards to eliminating poorly performing teachers. Advocates hail the new emphasis on teaching as unique in the long history of attempted education reforms. But some skeptics say that reforming teaching without making more fundamental changes in the nation's public schools won't accomplish nearly enough. Others question where the funding would come from.

(Photo Credit: National Education Association)

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