Effects of a non-traditional teacher preparation program on non-test outcomes: evidence from relay graduate school of education in New York City

December 2025

This study examines the effects of a non-traditional teacher preparation program, the Relay Graduate School of Education, on non-test outcomes for New York City public school students in Grades 3–8. By controlling for student and school fixed effects, I use plausibly random variation in Relay teacher assignments within students over time to identify causal Relay program effects. Results indicate that Relay-trained teachers are more effective at improving student attendance and marginally effective at reducing suspensions compared to non-Relay teachers. The program shows a particular impact on students of color, male students, and those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Keywords

Student outcomes, attendance and suspension, teacher preparation

Education level

K-12 Education

Topics

Teacher and Leader Development