Multicultural Library |
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| Abstract: | While the debate over the merits of licensure testing for new teacher applicants continues in Massachusetts, many students who might have considered careers as teachers are discouraged and in some cases considering other options. This article looks at this issue from 4 interrelated perspectives: the Northeast's changing demographics, resulting in higher numbers of minority and language diverse children entering classrooms; the need for accurate and detailed information from the Massachusetts Department of Education on the pass rates of minorities taking the teacher tests; the argument from psychometricians that these tests are flawed; and, finally, the argument that a variety of measurements, beyond a single standardized test, should be utilized to ascertain candidates' classroom abilities. At a time when teacher shortages loom larger and larger, we should be welcoming minority and language diverse candidates into our ranks instead of raising the stakes even higher. |
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