45% of Virginia's new teachers fail tests on skills

RICHMOND, Va. (AP) Almost half the 668 new teachers tested inVirginia last fall flunked.

Teachers were tested in 14 areas, and 45 percent of them failedto get a satisfactory mark in at least 10 instructional skills, saidWilliam L. Helton, administrative director of the state EducationDepartment's personnel and professional development office.

"We were surprised," he said. "It's startling."

Tested were such things as making the best use of time,adjusting to students' individual differences and enforcing behaviorrules.

The instructors have been warned they may lose their teachingcertificates if they do not pass the tests next year. They will beoffered help improving their skills.