Identifying Effective Teachers Policy
Oregon's requirements for licensure advancement and renewal are not based on evidence of teacher effectiveness.
Once teachers complete the requirements of the Initial certification, they may advance to a Continuing certification if they earn a master's degree or higher; have taught five years of at least half time or more; and demonstrate minimum competencies, knowledge and skills by completing one of five options, which include certification by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards or a commission-approved professional assessment.
Oregon does not include evidence of effectiveness as a factor in the renewal of a professional license. Oregon teachers must renew their licenses every five years and provide proof of completion of the Continuing Professional Development Requirements.
Require evidence of effectiveness as a part of teacher licensing policy.
Oregon should require evidence of teacher effectiveness to be a factor in determining whether teachers can renew their licenses or advance to a higher-level license.
Discontinue license renewal requirements with no direct connection to classroom effectiveness.
While targeted requirements may potentially expand teacher knowledge and improve teacher practice, Oregon's nonspecific coursework requirements for license renewal merely call for teachers to complete a certain amount of seat time. These requirements do not correlate with teacher effectiveness.
End requirement tying teacher advancement to master's degrees.
Oregon should remove its mandate that teachers obtain a master's degree for license advancement. Research is conclusive and emphatic that master's degrees do not have any significant correlation to classroom performance. Rather, advancement should be based on evidence of teacher effectiveness.
Oregon recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state added that it is not in a position to address these recommendations with its current structure. Further, Oregon noted that the comments about master's degrees are especially accurate and will provide grounds for an elevated debate in the coming years.