This handbook is based on results and lessons learned from a six-and a-half year evaluation of the The Pathways to Teaching Careers Program. The evaluation began in 1994.
The handbook is intended to help practitioners replicate the success of the Pathways to Teaching Careers Initiative. Its goal was to reduce the K-12 urban and rural teacher shortage. It increased the number of well-prepared teachers in difficult-to-staff schools. This included schools in low-income areas.
Pathways launched in 1989 and was underway at 42 sites across the country by 1999. Teacher education programs and local school districts worked together to recruit aspiring teachers who were:
The belief was that these three groups would have much relevant experience. With enough support and preparation they could become well-prepared K-12 teachers.
A multi-year evaluation of the program demonstrated its success. This handbook is based on that research. It provides step-by-step guidance for school districts and teacher preparation programs to launch similar programs.
The 42 participating sites each operated somewhat differently but had these common features:
The handbook provides detailed guidance on: