CER News Alert
Statement by CER President Jeanne Allen on President Clinton's Remarks to the Education Writers Association

Teacher Quality and Quantity Go Hand in Hand

(Washington, DC, April 15, 2000) President Clinton has once again emphasized what parents have long demanded; that all children need qualified teachers. Unfortunately, the President's recommendations fall far short of contributing to that good.

        There are three major solutions to the current teacher quality and quantity crisis:

1. Allow qualified, caring professionals with expertise in other fields to teach the subjects in which they are qualified. 
2. Pay these individuals - and the traditional teacher - based on student gains and achievement from year to year. 
3. Expand the notion of charter schools to traditional schools to guarantee teachers the authority they need to make decisions about their work. Job satisfaction can lead to higher performance and thus better accommodations for teachers.

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The Center for Education Reform [CER] is a national, independent, non-profit advocacy organization providing support and guidance to individuals, community and civic groups, policymakers and others who are working to bring fundamental reforms to their schools. For additional information on education reform please call CER at (202) 822-9000.

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