After half the district's teachers failed fall subject exams in the areas of math, science, English and social studies, the Philadelphia School District announced last week that it will aid teachers in earning their subject certifications.
These tests, called Praxis exams, come as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act. The law requires all seventh and eighth grade teachers to pass the exam by 2006.
Previously, middle school teachers have only needed to pass elementary-level exams, which test broad-based knowledge and are not specific to subject areas.
The Praxis exam "is a rigorous test," district spokeswoman Amy Guerin said. "Put it on the same level as taking a Bar or [Certified Public Accountant] exam or something like that."
However, education experts have said that the tests should not prove difficult for teachers who have backgrounds in their respective subject areas.
Despite the test's alleged difficulty, Guerin said she is confident that teachers will succeed.
"The district administration, especially under [CEO Paul Vallas], has never shied away from high standards," Guerin said. The Praxis exam "does call for preparation and support, and we're about giving our teachers that so they are successful."
Specifically, the district will offer teachers a 12-hour preparatory program through the Princeton Review company to tutor them in their subjects.
"Princeton Review will be an ongoing program," and will allow for instruction based on the teachers' availability, Guerin said.
"It's definitely flexible," she added. "We're scheduling the program to give teachers the opportunity and option to participate."
In addition to Praxis exam preparation, district officials are implementing several other initiatives, all with the aim of augmenting teachers' knowledge bases.
The district's new curriculum, for example, calls for significant increases in teacher training.
"We've put in a standardized, improved curriculum this year that can really help the teachers," Guerin said. "It will ensure a high-quality level of instruction across the district, at all times."
In addition to the curriculum changes, teachers will soon have the opportunity to take supplementary classes at local universities. To subsidize the enrollments, Wachovia Corporation has donated a grant of $500,000. Primarily, the courses will be used to reinforce Philadelphia teachers' material knowledge. However, "part of the classes will [also] be tailored to helping teachers prepare for the Praxis exams," district spokesman Fernando Gallard said.
