Overview

The Administration's proposal for preparing, training and recruiting teachers is based upon the basic principle that teacher excellence is vital to achieving improvement in student achievement.

This proposal will provide a major boost to schools in their efforts to establish and support a high-quality teaching force. According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, there are 28 programs within the Department of Education that spend a significant portion of their funds on teacher training. A total of 87 programs support teacher training, administered by 13 different agencies.

This proposal combines the funding of Federal education programs, including the Class Size Reduction program and the Eisenhower Professional Development program, into performance-based grants to states and localities. Using these funds, they will have the support and flexibility necessary to improve academic achievement through such initiatives as providing high-quality training for teachers that is grounded in scientific research. In return, states will be held accountable for improving the quality of their teachers.

Summary of Proposals

Grants States and Districts Greater Flexibility for Effective Professional Development. Every child in America deserves a high-quality teacher. The current structure of federal programs fails to deliver on this promise. In order to assist states in their efforts to prepare, recruit and train high-quality teachers, the Eisenhower Professional Development Program and the Class Size Reduction program will be consolidated into more flexible teacher quality grants to states and local districts.

Establishes High Standards for Professional Development. States and local districts will be permitted to use this funding to meet their particular needs and to strengthen the skills and improve the knowledge of their public school teachers, principals, and administrators. In return, states and districts would be required to ensure that federal funds promote the use of scientific, research-based and effective practice in the classroom.

Promotes Innovative Teacher Reforms. In addition to funding professional development, states and school districts will be free to use their funds to promote innovative programs such as reforming teacher certification or licensure requirements; alternative certification; tenure reform and merit-based teacher performance systems; differential and bonus pay for teachers in high-need subject areas such as reading, math and science, and in high poverty schools and districts; and mentoring programs.

Expects Teacher Quality to Improve. States will be accountable for ensuring that all children are taught by effective teachers and for developing a plan to ensure this goal will be met.

Awards Grants for Excellence in Teaching. One percent of funding for this program is set aside for the Secretary of Education to award grants to states that develop teacher assessment systems that measure teacher performance using gains in student academic achievement.

Protects Teachers. Teachers, principals, and school board members acting in their official capacity will be shielded from federal liability arising out of their efforts to maintain discipline in the classroom, so long as they do not engage in reckless or criminal misconduct.*

Provides Tax Deductions for Teachers. Teachers will be able to make tax deductions of up to $400 to help defray the costs associated with out-of-pocket classroom expenses, such as books, school supplies, professional enrichment programs and other training.*

Empowers Parents with Teacher Quality Information. Parents have a right to know if their child's teacher is effective. Local districts, upon the request, will be required to disclose to parents information about the quality of their child's teacher, as defined by the state.