Principals in Texas are required to complete surveys for teachers in their first year of teaching service . Surveys are only required for teachers who completed a Texas preparation program .
Research Findings
Studies mostly show weak positive associations between scores on academic tests , such as the ACT and SAT , and teaching effectiveness levels .
In one study , preparation programs rated most highly by the National Council on Teacher Quality for admission requirements ( ACT of 24 / SAT of 1120 ) were associated with increased effectiveness , on average . 8 Other studies have found small positive associations . 9 Still other studies have found no effect of teacher ACT / SAT test scores on teaching effectiveness . 10 Although strong academic scores may be important , more factors should be taken into account than just ACT / SAT scores when selecting candidates . For instance , Teach For America ( TFA ), though highly selective , also includes several personality screenings of the program ’ s candidates to learn how their dispositions may contribute to classroom success . Lipscomb University , in Nashville , conducts personal interviews with all teacher-training program applicants . A study of various pathways in North Carolina revealed that alternative entry teachers who were not in TFA were initially less effective in math and science than traditionally certified teachers . Thus , systematically reducing requirements for teacher candidates may prove harmful to student achievement , particularly in the first few years of a teacher ’ s career . 11
Principals in Texas are required to complete surveys for teachers in their first year of teaching service . Surveys are only required for teachers who completed a Texas preparation program .
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