There is a demand for math and science teachers in Wisconsin that is not being met by Wisconsin's universities and alternative certification programs.
We have introduced Assembly Bill 235 and Senate Bill 175 to create an alternative route for obtaining a teaching license in math and science for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and are looking for a career change. This legislation will help attract new, quality individuals to high need schools in shortage subject areas.
Under our legislation, the Department of Public Instruction is directed to recognize the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence's (ABCTE) program as an alternative route for teacher certification. ABCTE is a nonprofit organization funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Its program is recognized in nine states. ABCTE requires candidates to hold a bachelor's degree, pass professional teaching and subject area examinations and a criminal background check, and provides a one-year mentoring program. The legislation limits the alternative certification program to 200 licenses per year for teachers in math, general science, biology, chemistry or physics for grades 6 to 12. The program will sunset in 2015.
The data on ABCTE has shown that the program is effective, the testing is rigorous and the results justify a pilot program to determine if this program can help schools that desperately need math and science teachers. ABCTE has certified more than 1,800 new teachers across the country. The average age of their candidates is 39, one-third of the candidates are men, and 22 percent of the candidates are minorities.
There are many people, especially in these tough economic times, who are looking at making a career change. Many career changers who want to teach are not able to go back to school full-time because of work and family commitments. The alternative certification programs currently offered in Wisconsin can take up to two years to complete and are tied to specific geographic areas. The pilot program created under our legislation will allow ABCTE to work with school districts statewide that desperately need math and science teachers.
Several recent studies have found that alternative teacher certification programs are an effective approach to increase the supply of quality teachers. Students of alternative and traditionally certificated teachers were found to perform similarly in reading and math. President Obama has embraced alternative certification programs as a means to address shortages in math and science education.
We are committed to making sure every student in Wisconsin has a great math and science teacher. This legislation is the perfect way to bring knowledgeable people with hands on experience into the classroom.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
We have introduced Assembly Bill 235 and Senate Bill 175 to create an alternative route for obtaining a teaching license in math and science for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree and are looking for a career change. This legislation will help attract new, quality individuals to high need schools in shortage subject areas.
Under our legislation, the Department of Public Instruction is directed to recognize the American Board for the Certification of Teacher Excellence's (ABCTE) program as an alternative route for teacher certification. ABCTE is a nonprofit organization funded through grants from the U.S. Department of Education. Its program is recognized in nine states. ABCTE requires candidates to hold a bachelor's degree, pass professional teaching and subject area examinations and a criminal background check, and provides a one-year mentoring program. The legislation limits the alternative certification program to 200 licenses per year for teachers in math, general science, biology, chemistry or physics for grades 6 to 12. The program will sunset in 2015.
The data on ABCTE has shown that the program is effective, the testing is rigorous and the results justify a pilot program to determine if this program can help schools that desperately need math and science teachers. ABCTE has certified more than 1,800 new teachers across the country. The average age of their candidates is 39, one-third of the candidates are men, and 22 percent of the candidates are minorities.
There are many people, especially in these tough economic times, who are looking at making a career change. Many career changers who want to teach are not able to go back to school full-time because of work and family commitments. The alternative certification programs currently offered in Wisconsin can take up to two years to complete and are tied to specific geographic areas. The pilot program created under our legislation will allow ABCTE to work with school districts statewide that desperately need math and science teachers.
Several recent studies have found that alternative teacher certification programs are an effective approach to increase the supply of quality teachers. Students of alternative and traditionally certificated teachers were found to perform similarly in reading and math. President Obama has embraced alternative certification programs as a means to address shortages in math and science education.
We are committed to making sure every student in Wisconsin has a great math and science teacher. This legislation is the perfect way to bring knowledgeable people with hands on experience into the classroom.
I want to hear from you, so please feel welcome to express your thoughts or let me know if I can be helpful to you in any way by calling (888) 534-0080, e-mailing me at Rep.Davis@legis.wi.gov or by writing or stopping by 11 West, State Capitol, Madison, WI 53708.
- Rep. Brett Davis, R-Oregon, serves the 80th Assembly District, which includes all of Green County and parts of Lafayette, Rock and Dane counties.
