Teacher Qualifications and Middle School Student Achievement

Authors

Richard Buddin
Gema Zamarro, University of Arkansas, FayettevilleFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

6-2009

Keywords

Teacher quality, teacher licensure, student achievement, middle school, two-level fixed effects, education production function

Abstract

This research examines whether teacher licensure test scores and other teacher qualifications affect middle school student achievement. The results are based on longitudinal student-level data from Los Angeles. The achievement analysis uses a value-added approach that adjusts for both student and teacher fixed effects. The results show little relationship between traditional measures of teacher quality (e.g., experience and education level) and student achievement in reading or math. Similarly, licensure test scores in general aptitude, subject-matter knowledge, and reading pedagogy had no significant effects on student achievement. Teachers with elementary school credentials had slightly better success in the classroom than did teachers with secondary school credentials.

Series Title

Working Paper

Series Number

WR-671-IES

Citation

Buddin, R., & Zamarro, G. (2009). Teacher Qualifications and Middle School Student Achievement. Education Reform Faculty and Graduate Students Publications. Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/edrepub/105