The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning Helps Close the Gender and Race Gaps for High School Physics and Chemistry Teachers

NEWARK, N.J., June 1, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) today announced the results from a Hanover Research study analyzing the performance outcomes on the Praxis physics and chemistry assessments among science teacher candidates prepared by CTL and those prepared by other institutions in New Jersey and across the United States.  Differences in both the representation of minority and female students were also examined. [The full report is available at: http://njc.tl/1b2].

The Praxis Series^® tests measure teacher candidates' knowledge and skills. The tests are used for licensing and certification processes.

Significantly, CTL graduates who have previously served as teachers in other subjects and have learned physics or chemistry in 12 to 18 months show equal proficiency in these subjects, passing the Praxis test at the same rate as those who learn physics or chemistry over many years of study by traditional means.  Thus, rather than solely depending on STEM majors to meet the vast shortage of science teachers across the country, CTL effectively equips current teachers who are certified in other disciplines to successfully teach STEM courses. 

Minorities and women are also much more highly represented among physics teacher candidates who are prepared with CTL training; and minorities are significantly more highly represented among CTL-trained chemistry teachers as well.  This model can thereby provide the availability of new physics and chemistry teachers who better reflect the current racial and ethnic makeup of students in American schools and facilitate broader diversity in accessible STEM role models.

CTL's innovative new pedagogy uses new technology such as interactive white boards for engaging instruction and polling devices for real time assessment, as well as a highly collaborative classroom structure that helps every student fulfill their potential.  The same pedagogy that proved successful for high school physics and chemistry students has proven successful in preparing their teachers as well.

Percent Female and Minority of CTL and non-CTL groups

*CTL significantly different than non-CTL group

In addition to producing new physics and chemistry teachers through its certification programs, CTL provides ongoing support in the classroom with professional development opportunities and free curricular resources during the school year. 

CTL has become the #1 producer of physics teachers in the country and was accepted in 2015 by 100Kin10 as one of 236 "Best in Class" partners working to achieve President Obama's goal of 100,000 new mathematics and science teachers by 2020.

Dr. Robert Goodman, Executive Director of the New Jersey Center of Teaching and Learning said, "We are very pleased to help build a pipeline of capable STEM teachers who include a strong representation of women and minorities.  Providing high quality physics and chemistry education to previously underserved populations increases social justice and better prepares our country's next generation for global competition."

Wendell Steinhauer, President of the New Jersey Education Association said, "This program is a great example of what we can accomplish when we empower educators to lead and innovate. Our members are the foremost experts on what students need to thrive, and they are passionate about providing those opportunities. This program has been so positive for science education because it placed educators in the lead, and they have taken it to great places."

Specific additional key findings in the Hanover Research study included:

Physics
There are slight differences between CTL students and their non-CTL counterparts in New Jersey and the rest of the U.S. that vary by the passing measure.  Specifically, CTL students are somewhat less likely to pass on their first attempt, but slightly more likely to pass overall.

Chemistry
CTL students are more likely to pass the chemistry exam by approximately 10 to 14 percentage points, on average, compared to non-CTL students in New Jersey and students in the rest of the U.S. However, these marginal effects at the means are not statistically significant.

Women and Minorities
Women and minorities in all groups are less likely to pass the physics or chemistry Praxis exams compared to males and non-minority peers.

About CTL:The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning (CTL) is an independent, non-profit organization whose mission is to empower teachers to lead change so that all children have access to a high quality education.

CTL believes the best way to improve education is to invest in teachers by creating changes that make their work less isolated, simpler, more effective, and less stressful. This belief has propelled CTL to an unparalleled track record in rapidly increasing the supply of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) teachers and advancing student STEM attainment. The New Jersey Education Association created the organization in 2007; and its support and participation continues today.

Learn more at: https://njctl.org

CONTACT:
Jen Gherardi
646-784-2697
[email protected]

SOURCE The New Jersey Center for Teaching and Learning