Why Educator Preparation Matters
Well-prepared teachers are essential for student achievement.5 Particularly with the
adoption of more rigorous college- and career-ready standards, the rigor of EPPs must
match the quality of classroom instruction expected in the field. Public school students
across the country are also more racially and ethnically diverse, with students of color
collectively now surpassing white student enrollment.6 Teachers must receive adequate
preparation to meet the needs of these diverse learners. A growing field of research
also suggests that better-prepared teachers are more likely to stay in the classroom.7
Although the scope of research on educator preparation is broad, this brief addresses
five specific areas that could have a significant impact on advancing effective teaching
during an educator’s first years in the classroom. These areas include admission requirements, rigor of programs, clinical experience, licensure, and performance assessments. This brief highlights research in each of these areas and provides examples of
promising local and state policies to improve educator preparation.
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