A bunch of good articles on k-12 teaching from the Christian Science Monitor

Basically, the research says that short timers from programs like Teach for America aren't all that effective. Of course, that is the model that has been espoused by the Chancellor of DC Public Schools, Michelle Rhee. At the same time, while the articles don't lay out a better way to do it, problems with traditional methods are identified--that new teachers need ongoing assistance and different kinds of training in order to be more effective at the outset.

The articles:

Teacher training: what's the best way? Some policymakers say the focus needs to be on improving traditional education schools, while others are advocates of so-called alternative models, which can speed up entry into the profession.

The research: Both theory and practice are important. A study looks at the effectiveness of teachers in the New York City schools who came from different training programs.

The approach of Teach for America. It recruits top-flight candidates from universities and consists of an intense five weeks of training. Afterward, graduates commit to teaching two years in urban classrooms.

Lessons from most successful schools abroad. Education trends from other nations are gaining cachet as political and educational leaders strive to bring American schools in line with the demands of the 21st-century global economy.

Why Singapore is another model for teaching excellence. It's an honored and very selective profession – and teachers are highly paid.

Roundup: Other countries' efforts to develop and support teachers. A recent study identified teaching-related areas in which nations with high student achievement tend to have an advantage over the US.