Selecting teachers and prospective teachers: A meta-analysis. (February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Klassen, Robert M.; Kim, Lisa E.
• Is Part Of: Educational research review. Volume 26(2019)
• Page Start: 32
• Page End: 51
• Publication Date: 2019-02
• Subjects: Teacher selection -- Teacher characteristics -- Personality -- Initial teacher education -- Recruitment; Education -- Research -- Periodicals; 370.7205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.edurev.2018.12.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1747-938X

Abstract

Abstract: The purpose of this review article was to examine the methods used for the selection of teachers for employment and prospective teachers entering initial teacher education (ITE) programs, and to assess the predictive validity of these methods. We reviewed 32 studies reporting selection methods administered in high-stakes conditions and that included an external (not self-reported) teacher effectiveness outcome measure. The overall effect size was small but significant ( r = 0.12, p < .001). Moderator analyses showed that academic and non-academic predictors were both significantly associated with teacher effectiveness measures and that effect sizes were small (but significant) for selection into employment and ITE. We conclude the review by proposing a research agenda that has the potential to enhance educational outcomes by improving the selection of prospective teachers. Highlights: Selection tools show moderate efficacy in predicting teacher effectiveness. Academic and non-academic predictors significantly predict effectiveness. Selection tools predict effectiveness in employment and teacher education. Teacher selection will benefit from research from related disciplines.