A serious teacher shortage is causing some school leaders to reconsider differentiated staffing within the teaching profession--the idea that individuals with differing levels of expertise and different titles can enhance other staff's effectiveness. Higher salaries and publicly disclosed diplomas and licenses are essential. (MLH)

The urban school districts of California have a well-publicized shortage of teachers. But nontraditional candidates--namely recent college graduates and career changers who have not attended a standard teacher-preparation program--often encounter serious roadblocks, even with the state's full endorsement of alternative certification programs that…

Chicago's efforts to encourage and support National Board Certification in its public schools serve as a model for a broad community focus on teaching and learning. Thanks to a coalition of Chicago public and private organizations committed to promoting National Board Certification, the number of National Board Certified Teachers in the nation's…

Advanced Placement Program Summer Institute (APSI) courses provide teachers with an overview of the curriculum, structure, and content of specific AP courses. Attention is devoted not only to the development of curriculum but also to teaching strategies and the relationship of the course to the AP Examination. During the summers of 2006 and 2007,…

As the world economy continues to evolve, businesses and industries must adopt new practices and processes in order to survive. Quality and cost control, work teams and participatory management, and an infusion of technology are transforming the way people work and do business. Employees are now expected to read, write, and communicate…

"I am shortlisting a candidate with GCSE in English and another with Level 2 in Literacy; does it mean they have the same skill at the same level? Also what is Key Skills in Communication? I am confused!" There are many different qualifications available in the lifelong learning sector and it is not always easy to see how they relate to…

Qualified special education teachers have a strong foundation in pedagogy and are experts in the characteristics of students with disabilities. They have successfully completed several supervised field and clinical experiences, are adept in the skills of their respective specialty, and have passed the certification or licensure exam attesting to…

In the present study, alternatively certified 5th-grade teachers used textbooks and worksheets as primary teaching materials because of their limited access to trade books. The limited number of trade books that these teachers used were mostly scientifically accurate. However, a large proportion of the trade books integrated into the science…

Paraprofessionals represent a growing segment of district employees seeking professional licensure. National preparation programs through the American Federation of Teachers, national testing programs, and state initiated portfolio programs offer a variety of options for meeting the stipulations set under No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation…

Fewer than 20 states require middle grades certification; in most states, credentials overlap so that both elementary and secondary certified teachers may teach in the middle grades. Moreover, in many urban districts, getting teachers for the middle grades is a challenge. Despite this crazy-quilt of certifications and a growing body of work on…

Like a steady drip from a leaky faucet, the experimental studies being released this school year by the federal Institute of Education Sciences are mostly producing the same results: "No effects," "No effects," "No effects." The disappointing yield is prompting researchers, product developers, and other experts to question the design of the…

This book presents up to date information on the state and regional certification differences and changes in the various educational fields. Certification standards for early childhood, elementary, and secondary teachers, pupil personnel services, administrators, special educators, special school service personnel, counselors, school librarians,…

The increasing populations of students with special academic needs included in general education classrooms in American public schools are providing a growing teacher preparation challenge. The purpose of this study was to analyze both strengths and weaknesses in how general education teachers perceived their pre-service preparation for teaching…

Secondary career and technical education (CTE) is a field in transition. It is moving from a primary focus on preparing students for entry-level employment to preparing them for continuing education and training as well as employment. The rapid pace of change in technology and the global economy has created a demand for workers who are able to…

"Strategic Management of Human Capital in Education" offers a comprehensive and strategic approach to address what has become labeled as "talent and human capital." Grounded in extensive research and examples of leading edge districts, this book shows how the entire human resource system in schools--from recruitment, to selection/placement,…