Although it's not possible given the data to come up with a causal explanation for the improvements, the paper hypothesizes that the state's efforts to
eliminate emergency certification and establish alternative - certification programs that tend to attract mid-career changers might have been factors.
Although
emergency certification has a lousy reputation and may be
eliminated in the next few years, for now it may be the most direct route into teaching if you plan to work in a high - need area.
Reports indicate that part of this increase is related to potential teachers being unable to pass a new state test, known as the Foundations of Reading Test.74 As a result of staffing issues, the Wisconsin DPI has issued an
emergency rule easing licensing requirements and is pursuing a rule that would further ease the licensing process and
eliminate state GPA and Praxis test score requirements for teacher prep programs.75 This increase in teachers with alternative forms of
certification may lead to future problems with teacher retention.