Test scores play too large a role in education
The mantra that teachers are the biggest factor in students' success and failure is fueled by those who demand that teachers should be evaluated, paid and retained or dismissed, based upon their students' test scores. The mantra is music to the ears of those who believe that all students would test above average if only they had good teachers.
But researchers chant another tune.
The clich that good teachers produce good students comes with several caveats. Controlled studies show that one type of teacher isn't effective with all students and in all subjects. Surprisingly, knowledge of subject matter, beyond a certain point, doesn't make much difference either. And teachers' level of education doesn't contribute to more than 5 percent of their effectiveness.
A through review of studies found that between 7 percent and 21 percent of teaching contributes to student achievement. Teachers' effects can be greater, or lesser, depending upon students' aptitudes, attitudes and family income. And subject matter matters. For instance, math teachers have a greater effect on success or failure than do
