Malloy pushes tougher teacher training

HARTFORD, Conn (AP) - More incentives would be offered to recruit skilled teachers and Connecticut colleges would be held more accountable for the quality of students graduating from their teacher preparation programs under a new proposal.

Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and education officials said the changes, which they outlined Tuesday, are intended to bring high-quality teachers to Connecticut's most struggling schools.

They include tuition reimbursement incentives of $5,000 for some candidates and $10,000 in loan forgiveness for those who work in districts that need the most improvement.

Students who want to enter teacher preparation programs would face tougher entrance requirements. Colleges would face more scrutiny on how well their programs prepare students to become teachers.

The proposal is among many reform ideas Malloy is proposing for the 2012 legislative session, which starts Wednesday.