The impact of an alternative certification program on teacher retention in selected Texas public school districts as reported by personnel in Education Service Center, Region 20, Texas
Year: 2005
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an alternative\ncertification program on the retention of teachers in Region 20, Texas, as reported by\nEducation Service Center, Region 20, Texas. Demographic variables were used to\ndetermine association with retention rates. Additionally, the study provided qualitative\ndata and information that assisted in explaining the retention rates of Teacher\nOrientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) participants.\nA mixed methods research, utilizing logistic regression and a survey interview\ninstrument, was used to determine retention rates as well as variables that influence\nretention rates of TOPP participants. A total of 537 TOPP participants were analyzed.\nAdditionally, a sub-sample of 10 participants was interviewed.\nThe study provides an analysis of the following demographic variables:\nethnicity, gender, current grade type (elementary ??PK-5, middle school ??6-8, and high\nschool ??9-12), and current socioeconomic level (as determined by the percent of\nchildren who qualify for free and reduced lunch programs). Of the four demographic\nvariables analyzed, none was found to have an association with retention rates. A number of other variables were found to have an impact on the retention of the\nteachers interviewed in the sub-sample. Those variables included personal commitment\nto the field of education or the kids, a mentor, team support, administrative support,\nand new teacher induction programs.\nThe implications from the findings of this research study are numerous and can\nhave an effect in areas such as teacher hiring practices, teacher retention practices, and\nteacher preparation programs. It is important to note that the researcher recommends\nthat expert opinions be sought and further research be conducted on teacher retention\nand teacher preparation programs before any recommendations for change are made.
Author: Jeffery Lee Goldhorn
Language: English
Subfield: Education
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
SDG: Quality education
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W577370961