A Comparative Analysis of Achievement in Arts and Science Courses by Teacher Education and Non-teacher Education Graduates

Abstract

The authors compare teacher education graduates with non- teacher education graduates on the basis of achievement in arts and sciences courses. The study was conducted at Clarion University. Findings substantiate that teacher education graduates achieve as well (or in some cases better) than their non-teacher education counterparts on two separate academic measures: (a) GPA in the general education programs and (b) GPA in arts and sciences courses in the secondary education major.

The Debate over the Liberal Education of Elementary School Teachers

“…A study using a national sample of 1972 high school graduates showed that "those most likely to enter and be committed to teaching are drawn from those most likely to score lower on the SAT" (Vance & Schlechtz, 1982, p. 23). Nevertheless, the hope that requiring academic majors will attract better students to the teaching profession may be an illusion since research also suggests that "students enrolling in specific teacher preparation programs are at least equal to those of non-education majors at the same institution" (Book, Freeman, & Brousseau, 1985; see also Matczynski, Siler, McLaughlin, & Smith, 1988).…”