Nonetheless, the Bay State s unions are fighting the proposal, claiming that the test's fairness has not been confirmed and that it would circumvent the state's Education Reform Act. With the pressure on education schools to demonstrate effectiveness, exit tests have become high stakes for both teachers and teacher preparation institutions. But there is a problem, says George Cunningham, an education professor from University of Louisville. For example, to pass the test, a prospective teacher must answer reading items based on whole language rhetoric, not phonics or even systematic instruction. The problem is not the concept of using an objective assessment of teacher or teacher education institution effectiveness.
Assessments are crucial accountability measures.
The real problem is the content of the ETS test, as it promotes practices not validated by research. Maine s Educator Recruitment and Retention Commission issued a series of recommendations last week aimed at ending the state s shortage of teachers, according to a report in the Press Herald. With a shortfall of funds, however, the proposal may be difficult to implement. To find out more, read Answer to Crisis. According to an article in the New York Post, the Big Apple faces a potential experience drain, as 11,000 veteran teachers, principals and others will be eligible to retire with maximum pension benefits by the end of the year.