The Core Knowledge Blog

9th grade students in Philadelphia high schools are more likely than their upper-grade peers to be taught by inexperienced, uncertified teachers according to a new study highlighted by Education Week.

While it’s hard to say what impact such teacher-assignment patterns have on students’ academic growth, the researchers found that, in Philadelphia at least, having a less-qualified teacher may have a detrimental effect on students’ attendance. All things being equal, the study showed, students taking at least two classes taught by novice, uncredentialed teachers miss an average of two more school days a year than peers with more-qualified teachers.

I’m late pointing out this story, but given the recent discussion here and elsewhere about the importance (or lack thereof) of veteran teachers for at-risk students, this study is germane.