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Using North Carolina as their focus, researchers from the University of Washington and the Urban Institute found that teachers who have earned national certification are more effective in raising student achievement than other teachers.

The study analyzed more than 600,000 test scores of North Carolina students in third through fifth grades from 1996 to 1999. The results of individual students were linked to the teachers who taught them.

The end-of-grade test scores of students whose teachers have been certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards improved an average of 7 percent in reading and math, compared to students whose teachers had tried, but failed, to earn the voluntary credential.

The study also found that nationally certified teachers are more effective with younger students and with those from low-income families.

North Carolina this year is spending about $38 million on national certification. Most of that -- about $32 million -- is for salary supplements, which amount to an average of about $5,000 a year for the 6,000 teachers now holding the credential. The state pays the $2,300 application fee required for teachers seeking the certificate.

“Study links high scores, national certificate” by Todd Silberman, Raleigh News & Observer, March 10, 2004

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