The Tech Edvocate

Top Menu

  • Advertisement
  • Apps
  • Home Page
  • Home Page Five (No Sidebar)
  • Home Page Four
  • Home Page Three
  • Home Page Two
  • Home Tech2
  • Icons [No Sidebar]
  • Left Sidbear Page
  • Lynch Educational Consulting
  • My Account
  • My Speaking Page
  • Newsletter Sign Up Confirmation
  • Newsletter Unsubscription
  • Our Brands
  • Page Example
  • Privacy Policy
  • Protected Content
  • Register
  • Request a Product Review
  • Shop
  • Shortcodes Examples
  • Signup
  • Start Here
    • Governance
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • The Edvocate
  • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
  • Topics
  • Write For Us
  • Advertise

Main Menu

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings

logo

The Tech Edvocate

  • Start Here
    • Our Brands
    • Governance
      • Lynch Educational Consulting
      • Dr. Lynch’s Personal Website
        • My Speaking Page
      • Careers
    • Write For Us
    • The Tech Edvocate Product Guide
    • Contact Us
    • Books
    • Edupedia
    • Post a Job
    • The Edvocate Podcast
    • Terms and Conditions
    • Privacy Policy
  • Topics
    • Assistive Technology
    • Child Development Tech
    • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech
    • EdTech Futures
    • EdTech News
    • EdTech Policy & Reform
    • EdTech Startups & Businesses
    • Higher Education EdTech
    • Online Learning & eLearning
    • Parent & Family Tech
    • Personalized Learning
    • Product Reviews
  • Advertise
  • Tech Edvocate Awards
  • The Edvocate
  • Pedagogue
  • School Ratings
  • Top Online Dictionaries For K12 Pupils

  • Ways To Add A Video To PowerPoint

  • Top New Online Learning Trends To Watch

  • Basic Insurance Online Training Courses

  • Key Traits Of Learning Organizations

  • Financial Aid for Traditional Students: Everything You Need to Know

  • The 5 Best WiFi Cards for Windows PCs

  • The 6 Best Prepaid Phone Plans

  • The 5 Best Sites to Buy Cheap Downloadable PC Games

  • The 6 Best Lightweight Linux Distros

EdTech NewsHigher Education EdTech
Home›EdTech News›How should online teacher programs be judged?

How should online teacher programs be judged?

By Matthew Lynch
July 6, 2016
0
Spread the love
A fight over accountability pits Obama administration against online teaching schools

This article was written by Ting Yu

Do teachers who learn the job online perform as well as teachers trained in the same kind of brick-and-mortar classroom they’re likely to teach in? A new set of proposals to regulate online teacher preparation programs from the federal government is an effort to find out which programs are working and which aren’t, but it’s facing widespread opposition from the world of distance learning.

Late in 2014, the Department of Education revealed its plans to ramp up accountability for education schools, which have come under fire in recent years for lax admissions standards and questionable rigor. The move sparked a deluge of 4,800 mostly critical letters, calling out federal overreach into state affairs and denouncing reforms that would “extend the ‘test and punish’ accountability model into higher education.”

Now the DOE is grappling with how to apply its controversial rules to online teacher preparation programs, which have become the top providers of education degrees in the country. (A month-long public comment period closed on May 2.) The country’s 2,100 education schools offer a staggering 28,000 teacher certification and degree programs. At a fundamental level, online schools fear that having separate evaluation methods from brick-and-mortar campuses would set them apart and diminish their status.

Related: Data on teacher prep grads will soon lead to consequences for some programs

The DOE’s proposal requires every state to issue a rating to online programs that grant 25 or more teaching certificates in that state. This means, for example, that the University of Phoenix, a for-profit institution which operates online in 42 states, would potentially receive 42 separate ratings. Beyond the bureaucratic burden, online universities argue that comparing ratings will be useless since each state can assign different weight to the four evaluation metrics, creating an “apples to oranges” mismatch across state lines.
“If you look at the evidence, online programs are where a lot of teachers are getting their master’s degrees so they can climb the salary schedule with complete lack of rigor.”

Kate Walsh of the National Council on Teacher Quality

The ratings would be tied to eligibility for federal TEACH grants, which reward high-performing teachers who pledge to work in high-need schools and subjects. If an online program gets two “at risk” or “low performing” ratings from any states within a three-year period, all students of that program—even those in states that gave the program high marks—would be ineligible for TEACH grants.

The policy would put states in “the uncomfortable position of potentially disqualifying students from other states for TEACH grants,” contends a letter submitted by Walden University, a for-profit online university which is the fourth largest provider of education degrees in the nation.

In an email, Dr. Kate Steffens, dean of Walden’s education college, called the department’s regulations a “costly federal intrusion” into the operations of states and institutions. The DOE estimates the implementation will cost states $42.1 million over 10 years and has offered no federal assistance. Critics say the cost will be much higher and will drain funds from other programs.

Sharon Robinson, president and CEO of the American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education, points out that online programs are already subject to state accreditation and internal evaluations. “Why go through the torture of creating something punitive,” she says of the proposed ratings system. “There are a number of ways to be accountable and also to inspire ambitions for improvement.”

Robinson supports performance-based teacher assessments like edTPA and investing in programs such as the Teacher Quality Partnership grants which seek to boost innovations in teacher preparation through collaborations between higher education, school districts, and local education agencies.

Related: Why Don’t More Teachers Like the edTPA

“There’s a right place” for accountability, Robinson says. “It’s not to intimidate students or require them to sink or swim, but to put them in safe water where they can find their own foundation for professional growth.”
2,100 education schools offer 28,000 teacher certification and degree programs

But Kate Walsh of the National Council on Teacher Quality says accountability in online teacher preparation is practically nonexistent. “If you look at the evidence, [online programs are] where a lot of teachers are getting their master’s degrees so they can climb the salary schedule with complete lack of rigor,” she said. “Why should we ask teachers to get degrees in name only? It’s wasting their time and money, and the only result I can see is that a lot of institutions are making a lot of money.”

Walsh says she hopes more online programs follow in the footsteps of programs like Western Governors University which earned the top spot in a joint ranking by NCTQ and U.S. News and World Report. “They make sure elementary teachers know how to teach reading. With student teaching, they don’t try to do that online. They make sure that person is assigned to a local mentor, and it’s well supervised,” she said. “It shows that when content takes precedence over convenience, you get a pretty good product.”

This story was produced by The Hechinger Report, a nonprofit, independent news organization focused on inequality and innovation in education. Read more about teacher preparation.Read the original article.

 

Author: Ting Yu

TagsEdtechedtechchatelearningSTEAMSTEM
Previous Article

Online learning can work if universities just ...

Next Article

Try again: Why online courses might not ...

Matthew Lynch

Related articles More from author

  • Higher Education EdTechOnline Learning & eLearning

    Confessions of a MOOC professor: three things I learned and two things I worry about

    April 6, 2017
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Online Learning & eLearningPersonalized Learning

    Using blended learning to increase reading proficiency in early grades

    June 14, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Uncategorized

    Cloud Computing and K-12 Classrooms

    December 13, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTechHigher Education EdTech

    3 Ways Mobile Technology Boosts Instruction

    December 8, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Early Childhood & K-12 EdTech

    How to Sharpen Your Students’ Digital Citizenship Skills

    February 2, 2018
    By Matthew Lynch
  • Speaking

    We Can Help You Promote Your Press Release

    June 29, 2016
    By Matthew Lynch

Search

Login & Registration

  • Register
  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

  • Recent

  • Popular

  • Comments

  • Top Online Dictionaries For K12 Pupils

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Ways To Add A Video To PowerPoint

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Top New Online Learning Trends To Watch

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Basic Insurance Online Training Courses

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • Key Traits Of Learning Organizations

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 31, 2023
  • 7 Ways Technology Is Impacting Modern Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 4, 2017
  • 20 Top Virtual Reality Apps that are Changing Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    March 11, 2017
  • Why Mobile Technology Enhances Instruction

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 14, 2016
  • 7 Roles for Artificial Intelligence in Education

    By Matthew Lynch
    May 5, 2018
  • Digital Literacy is the Most Important Lifelong Learning Tool

    By Matthew Lynch
    December 30, 2017
  • Where to Find Dyslexia Support for Adults - Case Training Services | Registered Charity #1051587
    on
    August 2, 2022

    11 Must-Have Apps and Tools for Dyslexic Students

    […] recorders Electronic flashcards ...
  • What Types Of Posts Can You Make In Google Classroom? - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip ...
    on
    July 31, 2022

    How to Integrate Google Classroom with the Power of YouTube

    […] of your posts. ...
  • Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom - The Tech Edvocate - Gossip Buz
    on
    July 31, 2022

    Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Google Classroom

    […] Answers to Frequently ...
  • 10 Important YouTube Channels For Teachers - Kiiky Wealth
    on
    July 29, 2022

    10 Incredibly Useful YouTube Channels for Teachers

    […] Thetechedvocate.org – 10 Incredibly ...
  • Teaching Learners Digital Content Curation Skills - Fab Lab Connect
    on
    June 30, 2022

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    […] Read More… […]

EdTech Policy & Reform

  • Curriculum & InstructionEdTech Policy & ReformEducation Leadership

    Why We Should Leave Behind the Cookie-cutter Education

    Spread the loveChange appears to be the only “constant” factor in the educational field. However, what happens when a more significant shift becomes necessary? To provide students with the best ...
  • Adaptive LearningCurriculum & InstructionDigital & Mobile TechnologyDigital Age TeachersEarly Childhood & K-12 EdTechEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & ReformInstructional Technology

    Exploring New Ideas: Student-Driven Remote Learning

    Spread the loveRemote learning is taking its toll on our students. They miss the social side of school. Not seeing their classmates or teachers is leading to nervousness, anxiety, and ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyEdTech & InnovationEdTech Policy & Reform

    Implementing Education Technology by Pursuing Technology Education

    Spread the loveTechnology is used for many great things in our world. It’s a powerful tool when used correctly. As such, this powerful tool can be used to transform learning.  ...
  • EdTech Policy & Reform

    How Much Bias Is Okay in Your School?

    Spread the loveThe algorithm has proven itself to be a handy tool when it comes to solving education problems. It’s also not without bias.  You may be wondering how some ...
  • EdTech Policy & ReformFeaturedFresh

    Edtech Should Complement Good Pedagogy, Not Attempt to Replace It

    Spread the loveThe newest generation of edtech is downright amazing; it’s no wonder that various education stakeholders might be a little excited about its potential to transform education. However, edtech ...

EdTech Startups & Businesses

  • EdTech Startups & BusinessesOnline Learning & eLearning

    How to Use System Restore in Windows 11

    Spread the loveWindows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, provides users with many advanced features and services. One of the most useful features of Windows 11 is “system restore.” ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Trends That Will Help Your EdTech Startup Succeed

    Spread the loveIf you want to thrive in the destiny of learning and self, shorten, tailor, and gamify. The bulk of EdTech businesses believes that digitizing conventional learning methods and ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    How to Sell Your Edtech Product

    Spread the loveDevelop a profile of the perfect consumer, target clients that meet that description, and plan on a long sales cycle. Selling to schools takes a different sales process ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Edtech Companies Can Learn What Not to Do From Delta Airlines

    Spread the loveIt seems that edtech companies still have a lot to learn about their business models and practices. With that being said, there is a lot they can learn ...
  • EdTech Startups & Businesses

    Understanding the Fundamentals of a Sales Script in Your Customer Interaction Journey

    Spread the loveSales scripts are crucial to any business and can be the main difference in achieving the set targets. A well-written sales script that factors in customers from different ...

Digital Equity

  • Digital Equity

    How to Create an Equitable Digital Culture in K–12

    Spread the loveDigital equity is vital in our schools. After all, it can help close the achievement gap. However, there is one prevalent problem concerning digital equity. That is the problem ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityDigital Literacy

    Teaching Learners Digital Content Creation Skills

    Spread the loveContent curation is nothing new and has always been a coveted skill. It has been this way for hundreds of years — think of art galleries, museums, or ...
  • Digital & Mobile TechnologyDigital EquityEdTech & Innovation

    Promoting Online Access With Hotspots, Laptops, and Planning

    Spread the loveWhen becoming a leader in the field of education, it is important to consider equity. Some students may not have access to devices or the internet from their ...
  • Digital EquityDigital Leadership

    How Can You Assess the Tech Needs of Your Students Outside of School?

    Spread the loveToday, I received an email from the middle school principal in Los Angeles. She explained to me that the school that she ran was in one of the ...
  • Digital Equity

    It Is Time for the Edtech Industry to Stop Denying Its Equity and Race Problem

    Spread the loveThe EdTech industry is dominated by white employees, white leaders, and white entrepreneurs. If you doubt this statement, just attend an Edtech conference. Admittedly, educators and others don’t ...

EdTech Futures

  • EdTech FuturesOnline Learning & eLearning

    StandStand Review: A Beautiful, Easy-to-Use Portable Standing Desk

    Spread the loveStanding desks have become increasingly popular over the years, with many people choosing to incorporate them into their daily routines. The health benefits of standing frequently throughout the ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Sprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate

    Spread the loveSprint Won’t Allow My Phone to Activate: What to Do? There are few things more frustrating than purchasing a new phone, only to find out that you can’t ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    Spread the Word: Ninite is the Only Safe Place to Get Windows Freeware

    Spread the loveWith the internet being flooded with a plethora of freeware apps and software, it’s not easy to differentiate between the genuine and the potentially harmful ones. This is ...
  • EdTech FuturesElementary EducationOnline Learning & eLearning

    SSD vs. HDD vs. USB Flash Drive: Everything You Need to Know

    Spread the loveFor many years, the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) was the only storage device available, and it was the most reliable and efficient way of storing data, and it ...
  • EdTech Futures

    The Future Of Effective Digital Learning And Its Role In The Education System

    Spread the loveEffective digital learning is the future of education and it is here to stay. With the ever-growing trend of online learning, it is no wonder that effective digital ...

About Us

Since technology is not going anywhere and does more good than harm, adapting is the best course of action. That is where The Tech Edvocate comes in. We plan to cover the PreK-12 and Higher Education EdTech sectors and provide our readers with the latest news and opinion on the subject. From time to time, I will invite other voices to weigh in on important issues in EdTech. We hope to provide a well-rounded, multi-faceted look at the past, present, the future of EdTech in the US and internationally.

We started this journey back in June 2016, and we plan to continue it for many more years to come. I hope that you will join us in this discussion of the past, present and future of EdTech and lend your own insight to the issues that are discussed.

Newsletter

Signup for The Tech Edvocate Newsletter and have the latest in EdTech news and opinion delivered to your email address!

Contact Us

The Tech Edvocate
5322 Markel Road, Suite 104
Richmond, VA 23230
(601) 630-5238
[email protected]

Follow us

Copyright © 2023 Matthew Lynch. All rights reserved.