Teaching and California's Future: California's Teaching Force, 2008. Key Issues and Trends

Abstract

This year's report provides an update on California's teacher workforce and state policies that affect the teacher development system. It examines overall trends in the workforce and discusses the demand for teachers, the distribution of underprepared teachers, and the implementation of a statewide data system to improve the quality and accuracy of data on the teacher workforce. It also focuses on the state's systems for preparing and supporting teachers and highlights key programs that provide induction support for new teachers and professional development of the workforce as a whole. Finally, it takes an in-depth look at the challenges the state faces in preparing all students for work, civic life, and postsecondary education in the 21st century and examines the implications for the teacher workforce of recent efforts to improve secondary education and mathematics and science education. Throughout the report, information is provided regarding the implementation of several key teacher-related bills passed in 2006, including SB 1209, an omnibus teacher workforce bill authored by Senator Scott. It also discusses new legislation passed in 2008 that continues the state's efforts to reduce barriers to entry into the profession, while strengthening the supports available for new and veteran teachers. Some of these bills specifically target career technical education (CTE), mathematics, and science teachers--teachers who are particularly critical in the state's efforts to prepare a more skilled and technical workforce that can meet the demands of the 21st-century global economy. Findings for this report are based on secondary analyses of state teacher databases, reviews of legislative and budget documents, and interviews with administrators of the state's major teacher development programs. The report is divided into seven sections: (1) Context of California Education; (2)The Current Teacher Workforce; (3) Preparing and Supporting California's Teachers; (4) The Challenge of Preparing Students for the 21st Century; (5) Conclusions; (6) Recommendations from the Center for the Future of Teaching and Learning; and (7) Looking Ahead: Focus on Secondary School Reform in 2008-09. Appended are: (A) Additional Teacher Supply, Demand, and Distribution Graphs; (B) Source and Technical Information for Exhibits; and (C) Authorizations to Teach Mathematics. (Contains 54 exhibits.