The Quest for Quality and the Rise of Accountability Systems in Teacher Education

• In Event: 42.084 - Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: 42.084-1 - Division L Politics and Policy Poster Session

Abstract

This paper presents a review of approaches used to assess quality in teacher education globally. After describing the context for the assessment of teacher education quality we use a review of existing documents and survey data to examine evaluation systems at different levels macro-meso-micro including two country cases. Results show a paradox between the global rise of accountability systems in teacher education and the pressure brought about by high stakes evaluations which may end up eliminating programs that “do-not-fit-the-standards” or divert critical resources that are essential to attain quality. Most affected seem to be programs attending diverse populations. We discuss the range, purposes and uses of institutional mechanisms for evaluating teacher preparation program quality and propose an alternative model.

Authors

• Maria Teresa Tatto, Arizona State University - Tempe

• James Pippin, Michigan State University