CCST and the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning (the Center) have received funding from the Stuart Foundation for a new education study and for the establishment of the nation's first state-level Teacher Advisory Council.
The research project, California's Science and Math Teacher Shortage: A Critical Path Analysis, will define and quantify the science and math workforce and skills gap and identify appropriate strategies for California to enhance its production of science and math teachers.
"California is estimated to need to replace nearly 60,000 teachers in the next five years, and more than 100,000 teachers in the next ten years," said Margaret Gaston, executive director of the Center. "Moreover, we already have a very high number of teachers who are teaching subjects they are not trained in, over 30% in some science disciplines. We need to identify long-term solutions for these problems."
The Teacher-CPA study is a key part of a larger set of education projects being conducted by CCST which are designed to provide analysis and perspective to state decision makers and policymakers about critical components of the state's education system. The Stuart Foundation has committed $162,000 for the first eight months of the 18-month project.
"Science and math teaching has been a critical shortage area for way too long. We're excited that two stellar organizations are joining forces to tackle this challenge."
-Ellen Hershey, Senior Program Officer, The Stuart Foundation
The Stuart Foundation also committed $183,000 for the formation of the California Teacher Advisory Council (Cal TAC), which is modeled after the National Teacher Advisory Council (NTAC) established by the National Academies. Like NTAC, Cal TAC will provide an opportunity for teachers to have a voice in matters concerning classroom instruction and student learning. Cal TAC will have 12 members, all of whom are considered highly accomplished teachers and have an interest in strengthening science, mathematics, and technology teaching.
The Center's complementary expertise in education policy research reinforces the science and technology strengths of CCST; together, the Center and CCST will oversee both projects. (A list of the first 12 appointees can be found here.)
"The Stuart Foundation has long-standing interests in working toward making sure that every student in California's schools has fully-prepared teachers to help that student succeed," said Ellen Hershey, senior program officer at the Stuart Foundation. "Science and math teaching has been a critical shortage area for way too long. We're excited that two stellar organizations are joining forces to tackle this challenge."
