In a strong signal of the federal government's eagerness to have states enlarge their approved routes to certification, the Department of Education this week awarded the American Board a $35 million, five-year grant. The American Board will use the money to develop its teacher certification program with standards and assessments in all major subject areas.

The American Board certification exams assess both professional teaching knowledge and subject matter and are considered a full route to certification without any specific coursework requirements. Examinations are currently available for elementary school teachers, and examinations in secondary mathematics and English will arrive in February 2004.