INFORMATIONAL

TO:

Division Superintendents

FROM:

Jo Lynne DeMary

Superintendent of Public Instruction

SUBJECT:

Approval of the ACT as a Substitute Test for Praxis I

The Virginia Department of Education is pleased to announce that on September 22, 2004, the Board of Education approved the use of the ACT as a substitute test for Praxis I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) required for initial licensure. The Board of Education approved the following scores on the ACT:

ACT Taken Prior to April 1, 1995 -- a composite score of 21 with the ACT mathematics score no less than 21 and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 37.

ACT Taken After April 1, 1995 -- a composite score of 24 with the ACT mathematics score no less than 22 and an ACT English Plus Reading score no less than 46.

Please note that the ACT was approved as a substitute test only for Praxis I; individuals also must meet the Praxis II (subject area assessment) for initial licensure.

The Board of Education approved the use of the ACT in response to the recommendation of the Advisory Board on Teacher Education and Licensure (ABTEL). On March 24, 2004, the Board of Education, based on the recommendation of ABTEL, approved the use of the SAT as a substitute test for Praxis I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) required for initial licensure. The board approved a score of 1000 on the SAT, taken prior to April 1, 1995, with at least 450 on the verbal and 510 on the mathematics tests or a score of 1100 on the SAT, taken after April 1, 1995, with at least 530 on the verbal and 530 on the mathematics tests.

Individuals who request to use ACT or SAT scores for

Praxis I must provide a copy of their official report of scores. The Division of Teacher Education and Licensure also will accept the ACT or SAT scores listed on an official student transcript from an accredited college or university (including the registrars signature and institution raised seal).

For more information regarding the use of the ACT or SAT as substitute assessments for Praxis I, please contact

Dr. Thomas A. Elliott, assistant superintendent for teacher education and licensure, (telliott@pen.k12.va.us) at 804-371-2522 or Mrs. Patty S. Pitts, director of licensure, (ppitts@pen.k12.va.us) at (804) 371-2471.

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