I understand where your logic suggest that this testing would bring about a better set of teachera. The problem is that the supply and demand for good teachers is already lopsided. Selectively thinning out an already thin group of people who do a tough job for reletively little pay when there isnt a "better" teacher waiting to jump in would probably not yield the results you seek. Secondy, make what makes a "good" teacher is very much a matter of perspective.
There's hundreds of teachers in WNY not teaching because the jobs are all filled. Most of the public school teachers stay 20-30 years. That doesn't equate to much of a turnover rate.
50% of teachers leave the field within five years. So, there's plenty of turnover. Just maybe not in WNY. In which case, be grateful, because that means that your teachers are paid enough to eat and/or are good enough teachers that they're changing lives daily.
Here in Oklahoma our schools are running out of money. Many have stopped giving homework because they can't afford the paper, schools are combining to save money, they are cutting down to four days a week to save on bills and teachers are at risk for a pay cut. Some teachers are already working a second job because their pay sucks. I had a friend who went to school to be a teacher and passed all the necessary tests. She was offered a teaching job but turned it down because she made more working at McDonald's.
You can only teach something so well.
The second half falls on the student as to whether or not they take in the information and become educated individuals.
-Skraz
Imagine a world where teachers are supported, where learning is valued. Imagine a world where parents think the best thing they can do is make sure their child excels and learns everything they can rather than pass rate. Imagine a world where understanding is more valued than "knowing". Oh, imagine a world where the whole concept of learning new things and mastering new skills is exciting and provides its own end goal.
The second half falls on the student as to whether or not they take in the information and become educated individuals.
-Skraz