The Predictive Validity of Teacher Candidate Letters of Reference

Richard W Mason,Mark P Schroeder

doi:10.5539/jel.v3n3p67

Abstract

Letters of reference are widely used as an essential part of the hiring process of newly licensed teachers. While the predictive validity of these letters of reference has been called into question it has never been empirically studied. The current study examined the predictive validity of the quality of letters of reference for forty-one student teachers in relation to their attainment of full time employment and performance during their first year of teaching. Results indicated that while letter quality was predictive of whether or not full-time employment was obtained, it was not predictive of performance during the first year of teaching. Findings also suggest that hiring practices should be re-examined and additional measures of teacher quality should be incorporated to increase teacher excellence in schools.

Highlights

In primary and secondary education, letters of reference serve as one of the main sources of information in the hiring process
It is often the case that long-term predictions of professional success are even less accurate, and this begs the question: To what extent do letters of recommendation predict future teaching performance? The current study evaluates the predictive validity of teacher letters of reference by comparing teacher candidates’ letters of reference with principal ratings of their performance in their first year of teaching
The predictive validity of letters of reference was examined in two major ways: 1) initial hiring and 2) first-year performance

Summary

Introduction

In primary and secondary education, letters of reference serve as one of the main sources of information in the hiring process. Letters of reference are typically one means of reducing the large candidate pool to a manageable number which can lead to a formal interview. Letters of reference are valued for what they do say as well as what they do not say about a candidate. Sometimes candidates look outstanding on paper but disappoint when they are seen face to face. We are pleasantly surprised when a candidate is hired and performs well despite the low expectations the paper evidence fostered. It is often the case that long-term predictions of professional success are even less accurate, and this begs the question: To what extent do letters of recommendation predict future teaching performance? It is often the case that long-term predictions of professional success are even less accurate, and this begs the question: To what extent do letters of recommendation predict future teaching performance? The current study evaluates the predictive validity of teacher letters of reference by comparing teacher candidates’ letters of reference with principal ratings of their performance in their first year of teaching

Results

Discussion

Conclusion