Eight state and local strategies to address California teacher shortages¶

Strategy · All strategies
Evidence · 3 claims (1 for, 2 mixed) · 3 studies (2 associational, 1 causal), q1–q3 · 0 of 3 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

Based on research on attracting and retaining teachers, the report identifies "eight strategies that state and local agencies in California can implement in order to address ongoing teacher shortages, particularly in high-need fields and schools." These include maintaining high-retention pathways such as residencies and Grow-Your-Own programs, service scholarships, mentoring and induction, streamlined entry, early recruitment pipelines, improved compensation and working conditions, strong school leaders, and strengthened workforce data systems.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• State and local agency implementation, with sustained (not one-time) funding, since the report notes nearly all recent initiatives were funded only on a one-time basis in the state budget.

Constraints¶

• The report notes the largest investments are for programs not yet fully launched and many will take years to produce graduates; efforts have yielded only modest results so far.

Target Learners¶

• TK–12 students in California public schools, particularly in high-need fields and schools

Target Learning Goals¶

• Equitable access to fully prepared, credentialed teachers; a stable, diverse, and experienced teacher workforce

Claims¶

• Teacher attrition and turnover are primary drivers of California teacher shortages, with 12% turnover between 2016–17 and 2017–18 [+W]
• Teacher shortages disproportionately impact students in priority and highest-need California schools, which have fewer fully credentialed and more inexperienced teachers [~W]
• Researchers argue that the teacher shortage in poor school districts may stem more from retaining teachers than from attracting them [~W]

Related Strategies¶

• Establish high-retention preparation pathways—residencies, Grow Your Own models, service scholarships, and mentoring/induction—to stem turnover in high-need subjects and schools
• Five policy priorities to address Michigan's inequitable teacher shortage: fair funding, data systems, career attractiveness, administrator supports, and professional development

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Carver-Thomas, D., Kini, T., & Burns, D. (2020). Sharpening the divide: How California's teacher shortages expand inequality. Palo Alto, CA: Learning Policy Institute. https://learningpolicyinstitute.org/product/sharp-divide-california-teacher-shortages