33. What indicators suggest that there might be an impending shortage of teachers? What indicators suggest that no
shortage will occur?
ANSWER: Indicators of an impending shortage include mandated reductions in class sizes,
increased student enrollment, expanded preschool education, a number of teachers
nearing retirement age, and a reduced number of prospective teachers because of
higher standards for teachers. Indicators of no shortage include declining attrition rates;
recent increases in teacher’s salaries, which may cut attrition and increase teacher
supply; the leveling off of increases in enrollment; and alternative certification.
DIFFICULTY: Difficult
REFERENCES: 1-2a Job Opportunities
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.01.02 – Summarize the salaries and benefits teachers earn.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Understanding
34. What are the advantages and disadvantages of having alternative certification for teachers?
ANSWER: Alternative certification might help bring talented candidates into teaching and supply
teachers quickly for teaching fields in which there are shortages. An important
disadvantage is that alternative certification undercuts efforts to improve the quality of
the teaching force. Participants in alternative certification frequently do not receive the
supervision and training that should accompany such efforts, and thus they are often
overwhelmed by the demands of the certification program and have high attrition rates.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 1-3 Status of Certification
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.01.03 – Explain how teachers are certified.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
35. Explain what is meant by the No Child Left Behindrequirementthatschooldistrictshire“highlyqualifiedteachers.”
ANSWER: The basic requirements are (1) a bachelor’s degree, (2) full certification from the state,
and (3) demonstrated competency in core academic subjects. Some mention should
also be made of how states can interpret these requirements.
DIFFICULTY: Easy
REFERENCES: 1-7a The No Child Left Behind Act
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: FOED.ORNS.17.01.07 – Summarize some of the recent efforts to improve teacher
workforce quality and functioning.
KEYWORDS: Bloom’s: Remembering
36. After completing Chapter 1, consider the current employment trends and discuss your personal goals for what type
of employment opportunities you would like to pursue.
ANSWER: Personal to student but should include a general grade level, geographic location, demographics of
specific population of students (rural, urban, bi-lingual), and personal motivations.