MACTE has been asked for a position on the standards. I know that there are differences of opinion about the passage of these new standards. So MACTE will not be taking a single position. We recognize that if the Board does not act soon, the legislature will act for them.

However, we have two major concerns which I have expressed to Karen Balmer and shared with Louise Wilson, the higher education representative on the BOT.

1. The first is that the level of detail in these reading standards will set a precedent for future revisions in the standards. Along with that, of course, is the concern about how institutions will be able to document that we are covering and assessing our candidates on all of these standards.

2. The second is that there are some items that are not appropriate for beginning teachers. These are competencies that are developed over time when working with children. They are enhanced by high quality induction and mentoring programs.

 

The Board will be voting to move to rulemaking at their meeting on Friday, July 11th.