Policy Briefs

In order to fulfill the promise of educational excellence for all students in an environment that holds both adults and students to rigorous standards, The Center for Strengthening the Teaching Profession supports progress in three critical areas:

  • Information: In order to make appropriate decisions about educational policies that support teaching, policymakers need rich, accessible, local data about the teaching corps, the quality of instruction and effective supports for teachers' work.
  • Leadership: Teacher leaders can contribute powerfully to state and local discussions on high-quality teaching in Washington. When they have the skills and knowledge necessary to communicate with policymakers and the conviction that such actions can lead to improvements in student learning, their impact will increase exponentially.
  • Dialogue: Armed with information, a sophisticated understanding of the system and opportunities to exchange ideas, articulate education stakeholders with appropriate access can influence changes in thinking and direction among their colleagues, policymakers and the general public.

The list below includes recent policy briefs from CSTP. Click on the links to learn more.

Summit Recommendations

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"A coalition of national and Washington State organizations convened NBCTs to explore issues related to Washington's student achievement gaps - specifically supporting and staffing high-needs sch  Read more »

Author: 
CSTP
Date Published: 
March, 2007

MORE SWIMMING, LESS SINKING A Case for High-Quality Support for New Teachers in Washington

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The research is abundantly clear: Resources devoted to comprehensive, high-quality new teacher induction pay off in increased teacher retention and improved student learning.  Read more »

Author: 
CSTP
Date Published: 
January, 2007

Policy Brief: Collaboration

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NBCT Policy Summit: Policy Brief regarding Building Collaborative Cultures

Author: 
CSTP
Date Published: 
August, 2005

Policy Brief: Achievement Gap

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NBCT Policy Summit: Policy Brief regarding Conditions and Strategies for Closing the Achievement Gaps

Author: 
CSTP

Policy Brief: PD

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NBCT Policy Summit: Policy Brief regarding Professional Development

Author: 
CSTP

Off To A Good Start: Support for New Teachers

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About three in 10 teachers in Washington will decide to leave the profession after their first few years on the job.  Read more »

Author: 
CSTP/Inverness Research

Novice Teacher Retention and Mobility in Washington State (PDF 174KB)

Discussion on efforts to design a new generation of data systems and institutional practices truly capable of strengthening teacher preparation across Washington State.

Author: 
Margaret Plecki, Ana Elfers, Michael Knapp, College of Education University of Washington

Policy Brief: High Needs Schools

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NBCT Policy Summit: Policy Brief regarding Developing National Board Certified Teachers in High-Needs Schools

Author: 
CSTP