Predicting Employment in Education: The Relative Efficiency of National Teacher Examinations Scores and Student Teacher Ratings

Abstract

Multiple regression techniques were used to analyze the relative contribution of scores on the National Teacher Examinations, area examination for elementary school teachers, and of teacher supervisor ratings in predicting employment in elementary school teaching. Correlations between the independent variables and success in obtaining or not obtaining a job were computed for Ill students from five state and private universities. Although moderate correlations were found between area examination scores and supervisor ratings of student teaching performance, the rating was a more valid predictor of employment (R = .34, R2 = .12, p < .05) than was the examination score.