Showing papers in "School Science and Mathematics in 1986"

A Study of Incentive Programs For Mathematics and Science Teachers in the Fifty States and District of Columbia 1983–1985

Abstract: A current shortage of mathematics and science teachers exists in the United States. In response to this shortage, several states established incentive programs to increase the number of students training in these shortage areas or to encourage current teachers to upgrade their preparation for teaching mathematics and science. This report reviews the findings of.a survey that was conducted of all 50 states and the District of Columbia to determine the extent to which states are implementing incentive programs. A 100 percent return rate was achieved. Survey results are presented in table form. Responses from the questionnaires indicate that over 50 percent of the states and the District of Columbia have some form of incentive program as a response to the national shortage of science and math teachers. The most common form of incentive is a loan program with a forgiveness clause. The most common requirement for eligibility is preservice teacher preparation for mathematics and/or science teaching. Some states indicated that they would have had programs but a lack of legislation funding prevented it. Appendices include: (1) survey form; (2) listing of types of incentive programs; (3) funding allocation figures; and (4) discipline shortages of states with incentive programs. (ML)