ERIC Number: ED590793
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 2018-Feb
Pages: 3
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
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Can Moving Teachers between Grade Levels Actually Hurt Student Learning?
National Council on Teacher Quality
A great deal of attention has been given to the learning loss that can take place under brand new teachers, but there is a growing body of research that shows moving teachers between grade levels, or "grade switching," can actually be harmful to student achievement, too. While grade switching is a common practice for many reasons (about a quarter of all teachers in a school have switched grades any given year), there are a few things to consider when determining teacher assignments for the coming year. This document discusses the following topics for consideration: (1) Grade switching is not good for teachers; (2) The negative impact on student learning is big and can still be measured two years out; (3) "Strategic" grade switching may actually backfire; (4) The most vulnerable students are more likely to be assigned to a teacher who switched grades; (5) Teachers who switch schools see an even bigger decline in effectiveness; and (6) Keeping teachers in the same grade also helps retain teachers. Recommendations for school leaders are included.
Descriptors: Instructional Program Divisions, Teacher Distribution, Program Effectiveness, At Risk Students, Teacher Effectiveness, Teacher Persistence, Leadership Responsibility
National Council on Teacher Quality. 1420 New York Avenue NW Suite 800, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-393-0020; Fax: 202-393-0095; Web site: http://www.nctq.org
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: National Council on Teacher Quality
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