- Oct 17, 2011
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Students are losing out on months of learning as Texas becomes more reliant on uncertified teachers to fill vacancies, according to new research.
A study by Texas Tech University’s Jacob Kirksey examined the ramifications stemming from an explosion of uncertified teachers across the state.
Students with new uncertified teachers lost the equivalent of about four months of learning in reading and three months in math, Kirksey’s research found.
However, the data showed that if an uncertified teacher had previous classroom experience – such as working as a substitute – students performed on par with those taught by certified educators.
A Dallas Morning News analysis of state data found that roughly one in three new teachers hired in the state during the 2022-23 school year were uncertified.
Teachers in the early elementary grades are often tasked with screening students for dyslexia. The study found that students assigned to an uncertified new teacher in first grade were less likely to receive dyslexia services by third grade. [Either untrained teachers magically make their students not be dyslexic, or these kids are not getting the early intervention they need.]
Typically, to become certified in Texas, teaching candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, complete an educator preparation program, pass related exams, submit a state application and go through a background check. They are supposed to receive training in how to manage student behavior, plan lessons, serve children with disabilities and other classroom skills.
The path to becoming a teacher without state certification is less clear. The level of training can be wide-ranging. [Study data shows 18% of untrained teachers have no college degree.]
Uncertified educators made up 45% of full-time, new teacher hires in Kirksey’s examination.
Their distribution across the state was uneven. Rural districts hired these teachers much more often – at a rate four times higher than in non-rural communities.
A study by Texas Tech University’s Jacob Kirksey examined the ramifications stemming from an explosion of uncertified teachers across the state.
Students with new uncertified teachers lost the equivalent of about four months of learning in reading and three months in math, Kirksey’s research found.
However, the data showed that if an uncertified teacher had previous classroom experience – such as working as a substitute – students performed on par with those taught by certified educators.
A Dallas Morning News analysis of state data found that roughly one in three new teachers hired in the state during the 2022-23 school year were uncertified.
Teachers in the early elementary grades are often tasked with screening students for dyslexia. The study found that students assigned to an uncertified new teacher in first grade were less likely to receive dyslexia services by third grade. [Either untrained teachers magically make their students not be dyslexic, or these kids are not getting the early intervention they need.]
Typically, to become certified in Texas, teaching candidates must have a bachelor’s degree, complete an educator preparation program, pass related exams, submit a state application and go through a background check. They are supposed to receive training in how to manage student behavior, plan lessons, serve children with disabilities and other classroom skills.
The path to becoming a teacher without state certification is less clear. The level of training can be wide-ranging. [Study data shows 18% of untrained teachers have no college degree.]
Uncertified educators made up 45% of full-time, new teacher hires in Kirksey’s examination.
Their distribution across the state was uneven. Rural districts hired these teachers much more often – at a rate four times higher than in non-rural communities.
