Using pressure and support to create a qualified workforce.

Authors

  • Sharon Ryan Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey
  • Debra J. Ackerman Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v13n23.2005

Abstract

In order for any new initiative to be implemented, it is generally assumed that policy actors need both motivation to comply with a new initiative and adequate assistance to implement the required change successfully. The study reported here examined the impact of a system of pressure and supports created to encourage preschool teachers working in public school, Head Start, and child care settings to obtain a teaching credential by a court imposed deadline. Findings from the sample of 689 teachers indicate that the court mandate, in combination with a scholarship program and an accessible number of certification programs, motivated many preschool teachers to improve their qualifications. Paradoxically, it was also found that the mandate may contribute to a depletion of the workforce if teachers who obtain a qualification move out of preschool into higher status positions. Findings of this study suggest that policymakers should consider systems of pressure and support not only to achieve short term goals, but to maintain outcomes over the long term, as well.

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Author Biographies

Sharon Ryan, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Sharon Ryan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Learning and Teaching and a Research Associate at the National Institute for Early Education Research, both at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Her research is concerned with the work of teachers of young children and the implementation of early childhood policy.

Debra J. Ackerman, Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey

Debra Ackerman is a research associate at the National Institute for Early Education Research and a Ph.D. candidate in Education at Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. Her research focuses on policy issues related to the early care and education workforce.

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Published

2005-03-30

How to Cite

Ryan, S., & Ackerman, D. J. . (2005). Using pressure and support to create a qualified workforce. Education Policy Analysis Archives, 13, 23. https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.v13n23.2005

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Section

Articles