Secondary Teacher Preparation: Oregon

Analysis of Oregon's policies

Oregon does not ensure that its secondary teachers are adequately prepared to teach grade-level content. 

Oregon requires that its secondary teacher candidates pass a content test to teach any core secondary subjects. Unfortunately, the state allows "alternative assessment," in which candidates who have twice failed the content test can petition for a waiver of this requirement. Oregon also permits another significant loophole by allowing both general science and general social studies licenses, without requiring subject-matter testing for each subject area within these disciplines (see Goals 1-G and 1-H).

Further, to add an additional field to a secondary license, teachers must also pass a content test. However, as stated above, Oregon cannot guarantee content knowledge based on its waiver policy, or in each specific subject for those secondary teachers who add general science or general social studies endorsements. 

Citation

Oregon Administrative Rules 584-060-0012, -0062

Recommendations for Oregon

Require subject-matter testing for secondary teacher candidates.
Oregon should reconsider its waiver policy and, as a condition of licensure, require all secondary teacher candidates to pass a content test in each subject area they plan to teach to ensure that they possess adequate subject-matter knowledge and are prepared to teach grade-level content. The state should also address any loopholes that undermine its testing policy (see Goals 1-G and 1-H). This applies to the addition of endorsements as well.

State response to our analysis

Oregon noted that in the 2010-2011 school year, it allowed two high school alternative assessments: one in language arts and one in family and consumer science (candidate failed test by one point). Both candidates were required to earn academic majors in the area with a 3.0 GPA in the major coursework, submit documentation of teaching proficiency and demonstrate recent coursework in the subject area.

Oregon also asserted that general science is "Integrated Science," and is primarily used for grade 9 science. The state also requires licensure in biology, chemistry and physics. A candidate with an integrated science license may not teach advanced science coursework. Oregon pointed out that its social studies test is comprehensive for history, geography, economics and civics and that new tests were adopted in September 2010.

Last word

The issue of general science is addressed more fully in Goal 1-G and general social studies in Goal 1-H. Oregon should ensure that its requirements do not make it possible for secondary teachers to be licensed to teach any core subjects with insufficient content knowledge.