The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of teacher efficacy, the type of certification route taken by individuals, the number of content hours taken in the sciences, field-based experience and class size on middle school student achievement as measured by the 8th grade STAAR in a region located in South Texas. This data provides knowledge into the effect different teacher training methods on secondary school science teacher efficacy in Texas and how that impacts student achievement. Additionally, the results of this study determined if traditional and alternative certification programs are equally effective in properly preparing science teachers for the classroom.