Teacher Quality and Student Achievement

TLDR

This study investigates how teacher qualifications and other school inputs across 50 states influence student achievement, using data from policy surveys, case studies, SASS, and NAEP. The authors analyze state policy surveys and case studies to assess how policies shape teacher qualifications within and across states. The analyses show that investments in teacher preparation, certification, and related policies are strongly associated with higher student achievement in reading and math, indicating that state policies on teacher education, licensing, hiring, and professional development can improve educational outcomes and equity.

Abstract

Using data from a 50-state survey of policies, state case study analyses, the 1993-94 Schools and Staffing Surveys (SASS), and the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), this study examines the ways in which teacher qualifications and other school inputs are related to student achievement across states. The findings of both the qualitative and quantitative analyses suggest that policy investments in the quality of teachers may be related to improvements in student performance. Quantitative analyses indicate that measures of teacher preparation and certification are by far the strongest correlates of student achievement in reading and mathematics, both before and after controlling for student poverty and language status. State policy surveys and case study data are used to evaluate policies that influence the overall level of teacher qualifications within and across states. This analysis suggests that policies adopted by states regarding teacher education, licensing, hiring, and professional development may make an important difference in the qualifications and capacities that teachers bring to their work. The implications for state efforts to enhance quality and equity in public education are discussed.