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Can UTeach? Assessing the relative effectiveness of STEM teachers

Author

Listed:
  • Backes, Ben
  • Goldhaber, Dan
  • Cade, Whitney
  • Sullivan, Kate
  • Dodson, Melissa

Abstract

UTeach is a well-known, university-based program designed to increase the number of high-quality STEM teachers in the workforce. Despite substantial investment and rapid program diffusion, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of UTeach graduates. Using administrative data from the state of Texas, we measure the impact of having a UTeach teacher on student test scores in math and science in middle schools and high schools. We find that students taught by UTeach teachers perform significantly better on end-of-grade tests in math and end-of-course tests in math and science by 8% to 15% of a standard deviation on the test, depending on grade and subject.

Suggested Citation

  • Backes, Ben & Goldhaber, Dan & Cade, Whitney & Sullivan, Kate & Dodson, Melissa, 2018. "Can UTeach? Assessing the relative effectiveness of STEM teachers," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 184-198.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecoedu:v:64:y:2018:i:c:p:184-198
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econedurev.2018.05.002
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Han, Li & Xie, Jiaxin, 2020. "Can conditional grants attract better students? Evidence from Chinese teachers’ colleges," Economics of Education Review, Elsevier, vol. 78(C).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Teacher preparation; STEM; Educator effectiveness;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • I20 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - General
    • I23 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Education - - - Higher Education; Research Institutions

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