EdNews This Week: Teacher Credential without a BA; Chess Goes to Class; & Grad Requirement Revamp

Transparency in Teaching (stuff)

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This week’s news stories from the education world share how:
Kentucky’s alternative path gives a teacher credential without a BA (is this the right solution for a teacher shortage?).
New Hampshire teachers are getting paid to teach chess, with the state providing funding for training and equipment (is this a good use of federal funding?),
Rhode Island’s realignment of graduation requirements created with input from the community ensures all students will graduate ready for careers or college (good ideas here we should all consider)

Every week I try to pick stories from the educational world that I feel could have broader implications across our profession (or seem crazy or questionable).

And now a brief announcement:

Jen and I will be featured guests on another podcast called ⁠Behind the Mic,⁠ out September 1st on the⁠ Education Podcast Network⁠. This network plays host to a myriad of terrific education-related podcasts that cover a variety of topics from http://transparencyinteaching.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/joshua-hoehne-wWkCAnmFF20-unsplash-1-526×296-1.jpegistration to professional development. Chris Nesi, the Network’s founder, is interviewing the hosts of the network’s various shows from the EPN. Jen and I had a great time talking with Chris about the “behind the scenes” of “Transparency in Teaching.” I hope you’ll check out “Behind the Mic” and all the other great education podcasts on the Education Podcast Network

And now, back to the regular program…

Here’s what you’ll hear in today’s episode:

Getting paid to play

The state of New Hampshire will continue a program aimed at training educators to teach chess in schools. This initiative seeks to incorporate chess as part of the high school curriculum, recognizing the game’s educational benefits. The program’s objective is to improve critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic skills among students through chess instruction. By integrating chess into the classroom, educators hope to enhance students’ cognitive abilities, ultimately contributing to their overall academic and personal development.

Graduation requirements get a revamp

Rhode Island is implementing new graduation requirements influenced by community input. The changes aim to provide students with a more well-rounded education, including financial literacy, coursework tailored to career interests, and civic engagement components. The state’s approach reflects a collaborative effort to align education with the needs and aspirations of students, equipping them with essential skills for their future success. The decision showcases Rhode Island’s commitment to responsive and community-driven education policy.

No bachelors? No problem!

Kentucky’s Option 9 offers classified school employees an alternative pathway to get a teacher credential without a BA. It recognizes the expertise and experience of these employees, allowing them to become certified teachers through a combination of relevant work experience, coursework, and assessments. The program aims to address teacher shortages and promote diversity in the educator workforce while providing dedicated individuals within the school community an opportunity to transition into teaching roles. By offering this option, Kentucky seeks to enhance the pool of qualified educators and improve the overall quality of education in the state.

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Here are all the resources used to put together this episode:’’