Teacher Certification Testing: Perspectives and Issues

Abstract

The increase in the number of states using some form of competency testing prior to the certification of teachers is substantiated by Flippo in this article. The author includes an update on teach er certification testing activities across the United States as well as a discussion of some of the issues and concerns as sociated with testing programs. While certification testing appears to offer a solution to certain problems related to quality control and teacher selection, it also creates new issues that should be addressed by states that are considering the development and implementation of competency testing for certification. Flippo discusses some of those issues and makes specific recommendations for policymakers and educators.