Virtual Pathways: Linking Online Alternative Certification Programs to Student Achievement and Teacher Attrition in Texas
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| Title: | Virtual Pathways: Linking Online Alternative Certification Programs to Student Achievement and Teacher Attrition in Texas |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | J. Jacob Kirksey (ORCID |
| Source: | Educational Researcher. 2026 55(3):186-196. |
| Availability: | SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub.com |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Teacher Education, Teacher Education Programs, Alternative Teacher Certification, Online Courses, Elementary School Teachers, Secondary School Teachers, Reading Achievement, Mathematics Achievement, Asynchronous Communication, Electronic Learning, Program Effectiveness |
| Geographic Terms: | Texas |
| Assessment and Survey Identifiers: | State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) |
| DOI: | 10.3102/0013189X251386406 |
| ISSN: | 0013-189X 1935-102X |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the implications of the prevalence of fully online teacher preparation programs (TPPs) for student achievement and teacher attrition in Texas, a state where deregulation has led to the rapid expansion of online pathways into the teaching profession. Using statewide data from 2014 to 2023, we estimate the effects of teacher preparation pathway--capturing both training and selection mechanisms--on reading and math student achievement and teacher attrition. We find that students taught by teachers prepared via online TPPs exhibit lower achievement and that these teachers are more likely to exit the profession. Our findings raise concerns about the quality and stability of the teacher workforce and highlight the need for attention to the rapid expansion of online TPPs. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1501017 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the implications of the prevalence of fully online teacher preparation programs (TPPs) for student achievement and teacher attrition in Texas, a state where deregulation has led to the rapid expansion of online pathways into the teaching profession. Using statewide data from 2014 to 2023, we estimate the effects of teacher preparation pathway--capturing both training and selection mechanisms--on reading and math student achievement and teacher attrition. We find that students taught by teachers prepared via online TPPs exhibit lower achievement and that these teachers are more likely to exit the profession. Our findings raise concerns about the quality and stability of the teacher workforce and highlight the need for attention to the rapid expansion of online TPPs. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0013-189X 1935-102X |
| DOI: | 10.3102/0013189X251386406 |
