City University of New York

Progress in Improving Student Results on Teacher Certification Examinations

Individuals seeking to become certified teachers in New York State must pass two examinations administered by the State Education Department (an examination testing knowledge and an examination testing teaching skills). Beginning in 1999, teacher education programs in New York State can be decertified by the State Education Department if at least 80 percent of their students do not pass these examinations. Nine of the eleven senior colleges in the City University of New York (CUNY) provide teacher education programs, and in 1998, the students at five of these colleges did not achieve an 80 percent passing rate. We audited the progress made by CUNY in improving students’ passing rates on the teacher certification examinations. We found that, in 2000 and 2001, the overall passing rate at the nine colleges had improved; however, in 2001, the passing rates at three of the colleges were well below 80 percent. We recommended that CUNY continue its efforts to improve students’ passing rates on the teacher certification examinations.

For a complete copy of Report 2002-S-29 click here.