Legislative Committee Taking Up Teacher Shortage Issue

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two top Indiana education officials say concerns about fewer new teachers entering the profession won't be simple to address.

Several education experts spoke Monday before a state legislative committee considering the situation that's drawn attention after the Indiana Department of Education reported a 33 percent drop in the number of initial teacher licenses issued since 2009.

Indiana Higher Education Commissioner Teresa Lubbers told the panel that the state's colleges have seen similar drops in students seeking teaching degrees and that state leaders must resist urges to find simple answers.

State schools Superintendent Glenda Ritz says a separate commission of educators she appointed would have recommendations later this year. That group's initial suggestions include paring down the number of standardized tests for students.