Mathematics teachers' performance in the Licensure Examination: Policy implications

Abstract

The national Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET) percentages of passing for 2003-2009 were low when compared with the regional passing percentages. The passing rates of West Visayas State University (WVSU) main campus were higher than the regional and national passing rates. The over-all mean ratings of WVSU main campus, State Universities and Colleges (SUCs) and Teacher Education Institutions (TEls) were comparable while the over-all mean ratings of WVSU satellite campuses were low. Both mathematics and non-mathematics majors had low mean scores in the Professional Education test. The mean scores of mathematics majors in the three tests were higher than the non-mathematics majors. There is a significant difference in the performance of WVSU main and satellite campuses. TEls and SUCs in the General Education, Professional Education and Specialization tests. To ensure greater probability of passing, it is recommended that LET retakers take at least 6 additional units of pedagogical courses and educational foundation or they attend refresher courses only in recognized teacher education institutions or Centers of Excellence for Teacher Education before being allowed the retake. A time limit of five years should be given to new graduates of education to take the LET and be certified as a licensed teacher. Graduates of other related courses to the Specialization area applied for should be given also five years to take the LET after enrolling in 6 units of content courses.