Evaluation of Relay Graduate School of Education's Alternative Certification Program and Associated Student and Teacher Outcomes in Texas. Policy Brief. No. 2

Abstract

This study evaluates the effectiveness of the Relay Graduate School of Education's (GSE) residency-based alternative certification program in Texas, focusing on student achievement and teacher retention. Using a value-added empirical framework, we compare Relay-trained teachers to a matched group of educators from 25 similar preparation programs based on teacher demographics, school contexts, and student characteristics. Key findings indicate that students with Relay-trained teachers achieve higher gains in math and reading compared to peers taught by educators from other alternative programs. Additionally, Relay-trained teachers demonstrate lower attrition rates, particularly in the first, fourth, and fifth years of teaching. Lastly, students taught by Relay-trained teachers experience a 30% reduction in suspension rates. These findings reinforce the benefits of residency-based alternative certification programs, which provide structured, practice-based training before teachers take on full-time roles. [This research was supported by funding from Relay Graduate School of Education.]