Secondary Teacher Preparation: New York

Analysis of New York's policies

New York requires that its secondary teacher candidates pass a content test to teach any core secondary subjects. Unfortunately, New York permits a significant loophole to this important policy by allowing a general social studies license, without requiring subject-matter testing for each subject area within the discipline (see Goal 1-H).

Further, to add an additional field to a secondary license, teachers must also pass a content test. However, as stated above, New York cannot guarantee content knowledge in each specific subject for those secondary teachers who add social studies endorsements. 

Citation

Regulations of the Commission of Education Part 80-1.5 Certification Requirements http://eservices.nysed.gov/teach/certhelp/CertRequirementHelp.do

Recommendations for New York

Require subject-matter testing for all secondary teacher candidates.
New York wisely requires subject-matter tests for most secondary teachers but should address any loopholes that undermine this policy (see Goal 1-H). This applies to the addition of endorsements as well.

State response to our analysis

New York recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state added that it does require specific study for secondary social studies teacher certification. Specifically, candidates must earn a major that includes study in economics, government and at least a total of 21 semester hours of study in the history and geography of the United States and the world.