DoingWhatMattersMostInvestinginQualityTeaching.pdfVIP

Doing What Matters Most: Investing in Quality Teaching A discussion sponsored by: California Education Policy Seminar and the California State University Institute for Educational Reform May 1998 The California Education Policy Seminar provides a neutral forum for state-level education policy makers and educators to gain in-depth knowledge about emerging policy issues. The seminars have contributed to the development, modi- fication and enhancement of education reform initiatives in California. The California Education Policy Seminar is funded by the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, the Walter S. Johnson Foundation, the Pioneer Fund, the Walter and Elise Haas Fund, the Weingart Foundation and the Stuart Foundation. Linda Bond, Director The California State University Institute for Education Reform is a university-based policy center focusing on elementary and secondary school issues. Located on the California State University, Sacramento campus, the Institute is supported by the California State University Chancellor’s Office. Gary K. Hart and Sue Burr, Co-Directors Candy Friedly, Office Manager Kathleen Beasley, Writer Additional copies of this report may be obtained by contacting: The CSU Institute for Education Reform CSU, Sacramento 6000 J Street Sacramento, California 95819-6018 Telephone: (916) 278-4600 FAX: (916) 278-5014 Internet: /ier/resources Introduction The Effect of Teacher Quality on Student Learning f the agreed-upon destination is high student achievement, the road there surely appears to be a difficult one – full of twists and turns, bumpy detours and construction-in-progress signs. The Iopportunities for reform are numerous and can take a variety of forms: stringent standards and testing, new teaching methods, richer curriculum options and new school organizationa