According to a recent National Education Association (NEA) news release, teachers are more educated and experienced than ever before. The majority of the nation's three million teachers have at least a master's degree and an average of 15 years of experience. Additionally, more than 75 percent of all teachers participate in professional development related to their grade or subject area. According to NEA's research and other sources, today's teachers are primarily white, female, married, religious, and on average are 43 years old. NEA points out five major trends that have emerged over the past five years.

1. America's public schoolteachers are the most educated, most experienced ever.
2. The work of teachers is being transformed (teachers are learning new skills, sharpening the ones they've already developed and enriching their lessons with technology).
3. The number of teachers leaving the profession is increasing.
4. The teaching corps in public schools does not reflect the diversity of the student population.
5. Male teachers are a dwindling breed. 

Read more here.

Source: National Education Association news release [May 2, 2006]

TECHNOLOGY COUNTS 2006

Education Week has published the ninth edition of Technology Counts 2006, a report which examines how technology and education policies are evolving to support the use of data to improve student achievement. The report also includes detailed state reports. One study found that only nine states are able to link student and teacher identifiers in their state data system. These identifiers track information about students and teachers as they move across districts, schools, and classes within the state. Read more here. Read the Technology Counts 2006 report here.

Source: Edweek.org [May 4, 2006]


NEW REPORT: NEARLY HALF OF U.S. CHILDREN UNDER 5 ARE MINORITIES

A new census report indicates that nearly 45 percent of children under five years of age are racial or ethnic minorities. Hispanics are the nation's largest and fastest-growing minority group. The study shows that Hispanics accounted for 49 percent of the country's growth from 2004 to 2005. Additionally, the increase in young children is largely Hispanic, accounting for 70 percent of growth in children under 5. The report also indicates that approximately one in three U.S. residents is a member of a racial or ethnic minority group. Read more here. Read the report here.

Source: ASCD SmartBrief [May 10, 2006]

QUICK LINKS

New Teacher Quality Research and Policy Brief
The National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality (NCCTQ) has published its first edition of TQ Research & Policy Brief - an online publication focusing on the key issues affecting the quality of teachers in our nation's most at-risk schools (high-poverty, low-performing schools). One of the goals of NCCTQ is the successful implementation of the No Child Left Behind Act's teacher quality requirements through the dissemination of critically reviewed research, strategies, practices, and tools. View the quarterly brief here. Source: NCCTQ [April 2006]

US DOE Online Toolkit
The U.S. Department of Education has created an online toolkit to help states and districts do a better job of teaching and testing students with disabilities. The kit offers a compilation of current information that will move states forward in improving results for all students with disabilities. The kit provides guidance and resources in four areas: instructional practices, assessment, behavior and accommodations. The kit will be supplemented in the future to include more information designed to support states’ efforts and to communicate the results of research on teaching, learning, and assessments. View the toolkit here. Source: ECS e-Connection [May 10, 2006]

STATE BY STATE. . .

Michigan Community Colleges Expect More Online Enrollments
A new state law now requires that high school students in Michigan take an online course before they graduate. The law could result in sharp increases in online enrollments in community colleges. Michigan community colleges already accept dual enrollments from many high-school students. Read more here. Source: The Chronicle [May 12, 2006]

Approximately 1,750 U.S. Schools Ordered to Restructure
Approximately three percent (1,750) of U.S. schools have fallen short of President Bush's No Child Left Behind requirements. Many schools have been ordered to restructure, which could mean mass firings, closure, state takeover or other moves aimed at wiping their slates clean. Schools make the list by falling short in math or reading for at least five straight years. Read more here. Source: ECS E-Clips [May 10, 2006]