State Teacher Policy Database Homepage › Alabama › Policy Priority: Elementary Math

Teacher Preparation Standards

Learn more about how Alabama is performing on Teacher Preparation Standards in the Elementary Math policy area.
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Alabama's Performance

Strong
NCTQ evaluates whether states effectively use this policy lever by examining if they include detailed standards for teaching across the four core content math topics (numbers and operations, algebraic thinking, geometry and measurement, and data analysis and probability), as well as math-specific pedagogy.

Why does this matter?

Clear, well-defined standards give states one of their strongest levers to guide teacher preparation programs—spelling out what aspiring teachers need to know and be able to do to teach math effectively. In the absence of explicit standards, states have limited ability to hold programs accountable for ensuring candidates are ready for the classroom. While standards alone won’t transform teacher preparation, they are an essential foundation. They provide a shared roadmap for programs and empower state agencies or boards to promote greater consistency across programs, strengthening the preparation of future math teachers.

Why does Alabama stand out?

Alabama’s Numeracy Act created a post-secondary task force to ensure teacher preparation programs are preparing elementary teachers to effectively teach math. In August 2024, the task force released the Guidelines for the Mathematical Preparation of Elementary Teachers, which draw on research and recommendations from the Conference Board of Mathematical Sciences. The guidelines call for at least 12 credit hours focused on both math content and pedagogy. They also include a model for an integrated content-and-pedagogy course—offering a practical roadmap for implementation by Alabama’s programs and a potential resource for other states.

What are the key actions Alabama should take?

    • See what these exemplars are doing in this policy area:

    Arkansas

    Key Resources

    State of the States: Five Policy Levers to Improve Math Instruction

    Explore which states are implementing policies to improve math instruction

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    Teacher Prep Review: Solving for Math Success

    Read more about the performance of over 1,100 elementary teacher preparation programs in preparing educators to teach math.

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    Professional development that delivers: discovering the keys to better math and science outcomes

    Discover which features of math and science professional development are most strongly linked to student achievement

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    In the eye of the beholder: What happens when teachers think the curriculum is too tough for students

    Learn how teachers' perceptions of curriculum difficulty - and the support they receive - can determine whether students get grade-level instruction.

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