How Do Teachers Learn to Teach Effectively? Quality Indicators from Quality Schools

The standards-based reform and accountability movements have emphasized the importance of integrating a number of elements to create powerful learning environments for all children. Standardized testing, accountability, aligned curriculum, and teaching materials are critical components in the school reform equation. However, the importance of teachers who have “the right” knowledge and skill—and schools with the capacity to use them—cannot be underestimated. Research shows (Ferguson, 1991; Sanders & Rivers, 1996) that America needs high-quality teachers and teaching to close the achievement gap and to bring students from diverse populations up to high academic standards. Only with all of these components firmly in place can schools fully realize the potential of current reforms. Indeed, if the movement toward standards-based reform and accountability systems is to succeed, it is critical that educators have the capacity to use test data to improve practice.