I hope to know the newest teacher tenure reform in k12 in America. Now some provinces and regions in China have begun to implement the "de-compilation” policy （teacher tenure reform in primary and secondary schools), which has led to a cold phenomenon in the recruitment of teachers. I want to know what is the current situation of the teacher tenure reform in different states in America? Do teachers of basic education still have tenure in the United States? Hope someone can share with me the latest research. Many thanks.
Let's discover the current landscape of teacher tenure reform in K-12 education in the United States. While tenure practices can vary by state and district, here are some that I found:
Historically, teacher tenure provided job security to educators after a certain number of years of service. However, recent reforms aim to balance job protection with accountability and student outcomes. Many states have reevaluated tenure policies to ensure they align with educational goals and teacher effectiveness.
Some states have shifted toward a merit-based approach. Teachers must demonstrate effectiveness through student growth, classroom observations, and other performance metrics to earn tenure.
Several states now require a longer probationary period, often around five to six years before granting tenure. During this time, teachers undergo evaluations and professional development.
States like North Carolina have implemented performance-based criteria for tenure, emphasizing student achievement and instructional quality.
Critics argue that tenure can protect ineffective teachers, disproportionately affecting low-income students and communities that is for equity concerns.
Policymakers seek a balance between job security and the ability to remove underperforming teachers promptly.
Some states explore alternative career paths like teacher leadership roles that provide job satisfaction without traditional tenure.
These are the recent examples like in Ohio, a proposed model suggests awarding tenure to the top 10% to 25% of educators based on performance. This approach aims to elevate the teaching profession. In Washington, D.C., eliminated tenure and seniority, implementing a pay-for-performance system and a robust teacher evaluation system called IMPACT.
Researchers continue to study the impact of tenure reforms on student outcomes, teacher retention, and overall school quality. Policymakers engage in ongoing discussions about tenure, seeking solutions that benefit both educators and students.
In summary, teacher tenure reform remains a dynamic topic, with states exploring various approaches to balance accountability, effectiveness, and job security. The landscape continues to evolve, driven by research, policy debates, and the pursuit of educational excellence.
Source:
(1) Teacher Tenure Reform - ed. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED539993.pdf.
(2) Teacher Tenure Reform: Applying Lessons from the Civil Service and .... https://fordhaminstitute.org/ohio/commentary/teacher-tenure-reform-applying-lessons-civil-service-and-higher-education.
(3) Kaya Henderson on public education reform for K-12 | McKinsey. https://www.mckinsey.com/industries/education/our-insights/lessons-in-leadership-transforming-struggling-us-k12-schools.
(4) The End Of Teacher Tenure? - Hoover Institution. https://www.hoover.org/research/end-teacher-tenure.
Really many thanks for Alejandra Endrina’s answer to my question with learning sources. It’s really an interesting topic both in America and China. Thus, it’s a surprise for me to receive this answer. From the answer, I can have an overall understanding of the teacher tenure system in America. Many thanks again for Alejandra Endrina’ profession and kindness.
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