From Patchwork to Precision: Strengthening Teacher Data Systems. State Policy Brief

Abstract

Despite enacting well-intentioned policies to improve teacher recruitment and retention, many states continue to face significant staffing challenges, particularly in high-need schools and hard-to-staff subjects such as math, science, and special education. Two years ago, the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) set out to explore the challenges states face in improving their teacher workforce data systems. To guide this effort, NCTQ assembled an advisory group of researchers, district leaders, and data experts. The goals were twofold: (1) to understand the obstacles preventing states from achieving robust teacher workforce data systems and to identify ways to overcome those challenges; and (2) to gather examples of how strong teacher workforce data systems can help leaders make policy decisions and allocate resources more effectively. Through this work, NCTQ aimed to build a compelling case that improving teacher workforce data systems is both feasible and worthwhile. This brief outlines key findings regarding state teacher data systems and provides recommendations for enhancing them. These improvements should help states allocate resources more effectively and make better policy decisions, ultimately equipping states to better meet the goal of an effective teacher in every classroom.