AFT logo (reads AFT: Education, Healthcare, Public Services)
AFT Resolution

ENTRANCE EXAMINATIONS

WHEREAS, written examinations for the purpose of qualifying beginning teachers are useful to test literacy and a fundamental knowledge of subject matter and educational principles; and

WHEREAS, these examinations must be field-tested to assure that they reflect both the content areas and pedagogical knowledge necessary for effective teaching:

RESOLVED, that teachers, through their union, have significant involvement in test review and selection; and

RESOLVED, that AFT will oppose the use of examinations for decisions related to retention, salary, or tenure; and

RESOLVED, that the American Federation of Teachers supports the use of an examination to qualify new teachers as part of a process which includes a full teacher education degree program and which tests the level of literacy, knowledge of subject matter, and pedagogy.

(1979)

Please note that a newer resolution, or portion of a resolution, may have superseded an earlier resolution on the same subject. As a result, with the exception of resolutions adopted at our most recent AFT convention, resolutions do not necessarily reflect current AFT policies.