Teacher Training and the Exit Exam

Teacher training is a key part of the state scheme to raise academic performance.  In order for California school children to learn new academic content through new instructional materials, teachers need to be newly or re-trained.  

There are several aspects of teacher training that are critical to preparing children to pass the Exit Exam.  Teachers need to know that the Exit Exam is mandatory and getting a passing score is required for a high school diploma.  Teachers should also know that preparation for the Exam begins in kindergarten because children need to master the subject matter in the Content Standards at each grade level prior going on to the next grade level.   Teachers need to be familiar with the grade level Content Standards and know what is key knowledge for each grade level.  Teachers need mastery of the subject matter that they are teaching.  For example, children will have much greater success in Algebra if they are taught by a teacher who not only can recite the standards, but truly has an understanding of Algebra and how to teach it successfully.

Teacher training in both math and English/language arts is a key factor if student achievement is going to be raised.  State money has been allocated for teacher training, especially in mathematics and the teaching of phonics.  Recruiting more teachers and effectively training teachers to teach to the standards must be a high priority if children are going to be prepared for the Exit Exam--- beginning in their kindergarten year.

Read more about the teacher training opportunities at the California Department of Education website.