The Professionalization of Teaching: Centerpiece of Kentucky Reform. Policy Issues

• Main Authors: Leighton, Mary S, Sykes, Gary
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• Published: 01.10.1992
• Subjects: Developmental Stages; Educational Improvement; Elementary Secondary Education; Faculty Development; Field Experience Programs; Kentucky; Knowledge Base for Teaching; National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; Performance Factors; Policy Formation; Professional Guidelines; Professionalization of Teaching; State Departments of Education; State Standards; Teacher Certification; Teacher Recruitment; Teaching (Occupation); Kentucky

In 1990, the Kentucky legislature established the Education Professional Standards Board as part of a systemic program of educational improvement. This report was commissioned to facilitate discussions about how best to configure certification requirements and related professional development activities. The first three sections identify, review, and analyze the professional knowledge base regarding learning development, the learning needs of children in each developmental stage, the role of field experiences in professional education, and certification trends in the states. The last section suggests policy options supported by the knowledge base and describes issues that will arise as new policies are implemented. The document concludes with nine policy recommendations which include improving internship, developing and implementing performance-based assessments, and designing effective recruitment strategies. Three tables provide information on selected developmental events that affect teaching and learning; National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification levels and specialties; and certification levels and specialties recommended for Kentucky. (Contains 70 references.) (LL)