News release from Indiana State Senator Jim Banks (R-17th):
Sen. Banks: Bill to Improve Teacher Preparation Moves to Governor’s Desk
STATEHOUSE (April 18, 2013) – State Sen. Jim Banks’ (R-Columbia City) legislation to improve teacher preparation programs cleared its final passage in the Senate today. Senate Bill 409 now moves to Gov. Mike Pence’s desk for signature.
SB 409 requires the Department of Education to develop performance standards for teacher education programs. These standards would then be used to rate teacher preparation programs.
Data required to be disclosed under the bill includes:
- The retention and completion rates of its students
- Students’ average scores on teacher licensure tests
- The maximum number of times each individual took these tests before passing them
- The percentage of graduates who obtain full-time and part-time teaching positions and the names of their employers
The legislation also establishes a Commission on Education Study Committee to review best practices for evaluating teacher preparation programs as well as student graduation statistics.
“The education field is unique because it directly affects how others may perform in their future careers,” Banks said. “For that reason, we must verify that our colleges and universities are properly preparing their graduates to teach our students. In the long run, this will better position Hoosiers to be successful in their education and in the workforce.”
House Education Committee Chairman Robert Behning (R-Indianapolis) is the bill’s sponsor in the House of Representatives.
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