Many Teachers Fail Certification Exams

(Philadelphia, PA) As demonstrated by this story, the unacceptably high failure rate in American public schools doesn't just apply to the students.

The School District of Philadelphia released figures last week showing half of its seventh- and eighth-grade teachers who took the federally mandated exams in English, math, social studies and science failed.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education reported that excluding Philadelphia, 23 percent of middle school teachers statewide failed the tests.

The state won't release any details, stating it's up to each school district to provide results for their teachers. I think they'll be hesitant to release much information. Can you imagine the impact on a class if the students knew their teacher flunked certification?