Inadequate Teacher Supply, Ineffective Teacher Evaluation and Support Policies in Washington State Contribute to Widening Achievement Gap in Math and Science

To Improve STEM Education, Washington Must Focus on Teacher Effectiveness

SEATTLE, WA – A new study on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in Washington finds that an inadequate supply of STEM teachers and ineffective teacher evaluation and support policies throughout the state are contributing to low student achievement and a widening achievement gap in math and science. Although previous research has shown that teachers have a greater impact on students’ academic success than any other school factor, the study finds that Washington’s schools do not have enough talented candidates to choose from when hiring new STEM teachers and do not provide the support their STEM teachers need to be successful. The study recommends that Washington take advantage of unprecedented levels of funding available through “Race to the Top” and other federal grants to implement bold, comprehensive reforms that will put great teachers in every STEM classroom.