| Using data from the 2003-2004 Schools and Staffing Survey, a probability model was used to analyze the distribution of highly qualified teachers across subjects and grades with respect to teacher and school characteristics. Elementary teachers tend to be highly qualified at higher rates than other teachers, especially in the later elementary grades. Generally speaking, high school teachers are more likely to be highly qualified than middle school teachers. Overall, teachers of grades 3-8 are less likely to be highly qualified than teachers in other grades. Teachers in urban schools and teachers in schools with high poverty and minority enrollment are less likely to be highly qualified. These findings should inform future analyses of the effects of changes in the teacher workforce on student achievement. |
