The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of an alternative
certification program on the retention of teachers in Region 20, Texas, as reported by
Education Service Center, Region 20, Texas. Demographic variables were used to
determine association with retention rates. Additionally, the study provided qualitative
data and information that assisted in explaining the retention rates of Teacher
Orientation and Preparation Program (TOPP) participants.
A mixed methods research, utilizing logistic regression and a survey interview
instrument, was used to determine retention rates as well as variables that influence
retention rates of TOPP participants. A total of 537 TOPP participants were analyzed.
Additionally, a sub-sample of 10 participants was interviewed.
The study provides an analysis of the following demographic variables:
ethnicity, gender, current grade type (elementary ??PK-5, middle school ??6-8, and high
school ??9-12), and current socioeconomic level (as determined by the percent of
children who qualify for free and reduced lunch programs). Of the four demographic
variables 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
teachers interviewed in the sub-sample. Those variables included personal commitment
to the field of education or the kids, a mentor, team support, administrative support,
and new teacher induction programs.
The implications from the findings of this research study are numerous and can
have an effect in areas such as teacher hiring practices, teacher retention practices, and
teacher preparation programs. It is important to note that the researcher recommends
that expert opinions be sought and further research be conducted on teacher retention
and teacher preparation programs before any recommendations for change are made.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:tamu.edu/oai:repository.tamu.edu:1969.1/2562 |
| Date | 01 November 2005 |
| Creators | Goldhorn, Jeffery Lee |
| Contributors | Whetten, Clifford L. |
| Publisher | Texas A&M University |
| Source Sets | Texas A and M University |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Book, Thesis, Electronic Dissertation, text |
| Format | 408077 bytes, electronic, application/pdf, born digital |
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