SATs No Longer Needed for Michigan Teachers

Yes, you can get a teaching job now in Michigan without having to take the SATs. Under a new state statute, the test is no longer required in order to become certified to teach in Michigan.

The legislation received criticism for some educators, who asserted that SATs were a solid indicator of successful teachers. However, supporters of the measure argue that the new policy may attract more teachers to the profession and help school districts deal with teacher shortages.

Battelle Distributes STEM Awards

Battelle, an education research organization based in Ohio, has recently awarded more than $607,500 in grants to 14 organizations through its Battelle STEM Grant Program.

The program supports central Ohio organizations that link STEM education to the arts. The most recent round of grants comprised the highest number Battelle has awarded in a single year to support out-of-classroom learning opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Recipients included the Columbus Museum of Art, Franklin Park Conservatory, and the Girl Scouts of the USA. Subject areas included rocketry, computer science, agriculture, robotics, and American Sign Language.

Initiative Backs New First-Year Teaching Approach

Under a new pilot program in Denver, first-year teachers—called associate teachers—will teach part-time in a high-poverty school and spend the rest of their time planning, observing, and learning.

The pilot is part of a new strategy designed by the school district to produce teachers better prepared to work in Denver’s high-poverty schools, which often hire more novice teachers.

Students in those schools are more likely to be behind academically and in need of top-notch teachers, according to education experts in the city.

Louisiana Programs Paid Summer Students

Under a $2.8 million initiative in Louisiana, which offered career-​focused classes to students this summer, pupils were able to earn both school credit and an industry-​recognized credential.

And, although the amount varied, they also earned some cold, hard cash. The program is part of the state’s push to expand CTE classes.

The initiative—launched as a pilot program called Jump Start Summers—was offered this year to about 1,900 students at 46 school districts and course providers in the state.