برچسب: Study

  • California should continue to invest in teacher recruitment, retention, study says

    California should continue to invest in teacher recruitment, retention, study says


    Credit: Julie Leopo / EdSource

    California has spent more than $1 billion since 2018 on programs to aid in the recruitment and retention of TK-12 teachers. It must continue to make those investments if it wants to end the persistent teacher shortage, according to a report, “Tackling Teacher Shortages: Investing in California’s Teacher Workforce,” released last week.

    Major investments include $672 million for the Teacher Residency Grant Program, $521 million for the Golden State Teacher Grant Program and $250 million for the National Board Certified Teacher Incentive Program. 

    The state programs to recruit and retain teachers are gaining traction, but still need more time to show results, according to the national Learning Policy Institute (LPI), a nonprofit education research organization that released the report. But many of the programs are funded with one-time funds nearing expiration.

     The Golden State Teacher Grant Program awards up to $20,000 and the National Board Certified Teacher Incentive Program provides $25,000 to teachers who agree to work at a high-needs school.

    The Teacher Residency Grant Program funds partnerships between school districts and teacher preparation programs that pay teacher candidates a stipend while they learn alongside veteran classroom teachers. 

    Interest in all three of these state programs continues to increase, said Desiree Carver-Thomas, a senior researcher at LPI. But, because participation is still just a fraction of the overall teacher pipeline, it may take years until researchers will be able to tell whether the programs are actually helping to boost enrollment in teacher preparation programs, she said.

    “I think it’s important to mention that the teacher residency grant program and Golden State Teacher Grant program aren’t just subsidizing people who might go into the profession either way,” Carver-Thomas said. “Those individuals are being targeted by the districts where they’re needed, to the schools where they’re needed. It’s important that the kind of supply-demand alignment that the state is supporting can help to address shortages.”

     Linda Darling-Hammond is LPI president as well as the president of the California State Board of Education.

    Enrollment in teacher preparation programs dip

    Despite the investments, enrollment in teacher preparation programs dipped in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, the last two years state data is available. In 2022-23 there were 19,833 teacher candidates enrolled in teacher preparation programs, compared with 26,179 in 2020-21, according to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Teacher enrollment has been increasing incrementally each year between 2018 and 2021.

    The numbers are far behind enrollment in state teacher preparation 20 years ago, but there has been some progress, Carver-Thomas said. The Covid-19 pandemic could have impacted enrollment in 2021-22 and 2022-23, she said.

     “We don’t know what is on the other side of that 2023 data,” Carver-Thomas said.

    Teacher shortages impact poor communities the most

    The teacher shortage, especially in hard-to- fill areas like math, special education, science and bilingual education, persists despite proposed teacher layoffs and buyouts driven by declining enrollment and budget shortfalls.

    As a result of the teacher shortage, school districts continue to rely on under-prepared teachers on emergency-style permits. A larger number of these under-prepared teachers end up in schools in the poorest communities, according to research.

    In 2022-23, the state’s highest-need schools were nearly three times as likely to fill teaching positions with interns and teachers on emergency-style permits or waivers, compared with the lowest-need schools, according to the LPI report.

    Additional funding could be on the way

    California’s proposed state budget includes funding for recruitment and retention of teachers, including $50 million for the Golden State Teacher Grant and $100 million to extend the timeline for the National Board Certified Teacher Incentive Program. The proposed budget also includes $150 million in financial aid to teacher candidates through the new Teacher Recruitment Incentive Grant Program.

    The Golden State Teacher Grant Program, funded with $500 million in 2021, was meant to support teacher candidates over a five-year period, but the program’s funds are nearly exhausted. The new funding, if approved, would fund applicants in 2025-26.

    State lawmakers will make final decisions on funding by the June 15 budget deadline.





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  • How to Study Smarter, Not Harder for Board Exams?

    How to Study Smarter, Not Harder for Board Exams?


    Board exams are a crucial milestone in every student’s academic journey. Many students believe that studying for long hours guarantees success, but that’s not always true. Instead of studying harder, it’s essential to study smarter—a strategy that maximizes learning while reducing unnecessary stress. Here’s how you can do it:

    1. Follow the Pareto Principle (80/20 Rule)Board Exams

    Not all topics carry equal weight in the exam. The 80/20 rule suggests that 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. Identify high-weightage chapters and focus more on them while ensuring you understand the basics of the rest.

    2. Use Active Learning TechniquesBoard Exams

    Passive reading won’t help you retain information. Instead, try:

    • Teach what you learn – Explaining a topic to someone else strengthens your understanding.
    • Use Flashcards & Mnemonics – These help in memorizing formulas, vocabulary, and key facts faster.
    • Make Summary Notes – Instead of re-reading entire chapters, jot down key points in your own words.

    3. Break Down Study Sessions (Pomodoro Technique)Board Exams

    Avoid marathon study sessions. Use the Pomodoro Technique:

    • Study for 25-50 minutes, take a 5-10 minute break, and repeat.
    • This method boosts focus and prevents burnout.

    4. Solve Previous Year Papers & Mock TestsBoard Exams

    Practicing past board exam papers helps familiarize you with the exam pattern and boosts confidence. Try to simulate exam conditions while solving them.

    5. Prioritize Understanding Over Rote LearningBoard Exams

    Instead of memorizing, understand the concepts behind formulas and theories. When you grasp the logic, you can apply knowledge effectively in different types of questions.

    6. Improve Retention with Mind Maps & DiagramsBoard Exams

    Visual learning aids like mind maps, flowcharts, and diagrams make complex topics easier to remember. These techniques work well for subjects like Science, History, and Geography.

    7. Maintain a Study-Life BalanceBoard Exams

    Don’t exhaust yourself. Ensure you:

    • Get 7-8 hours of sleep for better memory retention.
    • Take short walks or exercise to keep your mind fresh.
    • Stay hydrated and eat brain-boosting foods like nuts and fruits.

    8. Get Personalized Help from an Expert TutorBoard Exams

    If you struggle with certain subjects, personalized guidance from an experienced tutor can help. A home tutor can:

    • Explain difficult topics in a way that makes sense to you.
    • Provide study plans customized to your strengths and weaknesses.
    • Keep you accountable and motivated.

    How TheTuitionTeacher Helps You Study Smarter – Board Exams

    At TheTuitionTeacher, we connect students with experienced home tutors who provide one-on-one coaching, helping you:

    • Focus on weak areas while reinforcing strong ones.
    • Learn exam strategies to write better answers and score high.
    • Get personalized attention that isn’t possible in large coaching centers.

    Instead of spending long, unproductive hours struggling alone, let an expert guide you. Find the perfect tutor near you and start preparing for your board exams the smart way!

    Studying smart isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about using the right techniques to learn efficiently. With proper planning, active learning, and expert guidance, you can excel in your board exams with confidence!



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