Mass. elementary teachers must pass math test
Candidates to teach elementary school in Massachusetts will now need to pass
both a general knowledge test and a math proficiency test to earn their license,
even though 3 out of 4 failed the new math section when the test was given for
the first time in March. "To raise student achievement in math we must strengthen the math knowledge
of our teachers," said Education Commissioner Mitchell Chester. "This is an
assessment that will ensure that aspiring teachers have a deep understanding of
math concepts and how what they teach in the early grades connects to the more
advanced math their students will eventually have to master. "
The state says it is the first state in the country to institute a
math-specific proficiency exam for elementary certification. The Board of
Elementary and Secondary Education voted in 2007 to require new elementary and
special education teachers to pass a test of math proficiency to improve the
level of math education students receive in early grades.
Recently the board ruled that for the next three years teacher candidates who
score between 227 and 239 out of 300 points on the test will earn their
preliminary or initial license. They will then be required to score at least a
240 on a retest over the next five years before renewing their license or moving
to the next stage of licensure.
When the test was given in March to more than 600 would-be educators, 27%
scored 240 or above; 42% scored above 227. This transitional provision will be
in effect for three years, and will end in 2012 when the passing score will be
permanently set at 240 for an initial license.
Veteran elementary teachers will not have to take the exam. Previously,
elementary school teachers could receive a state license without answering a
single math question correctly on the general curriculum exam, reports the
Boston Globe. Now math is being scored separately as a subtest of that
exam.
Administrators and representatives of teachers unions blame teacher
preparation programs for failing to adequately train elementary school and
special education teachers in math instruction.
"BESE Approves New Math Requirement for Aspiring Elementary Educators,"
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education press release,
May 19, 2009; "Aspiring teachers fall short on math," by James Vaznis, Boston
Globe, May 19, 2009.
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