SUPTS. MEMO. NO. 140
July 16, 1999 |
TO: | Division Superintendents |
FROM: | Paul D. Stapleton
Superintendent of Public Instruction |
SUBJECT: | Professional Teacher's Assessment for Licensure |
Beginning teachers in Virginia are required to take and pass a professional teacher's assessment for licensure as prescribed by the Board of Education. Since July 1, 1996, Virginia has required Praxis I (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics) and an appropriate specialty area/subject assessment for initial licensure. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) has developed new subject assessments for Praxis II. During its June 24, 1999, meeting, the Board of Education approved cut scores for 16 Praxis II specialty area tests, effective July 1, 1999. The assessments include the core academic areas (English, social studies, mathematics, and the sciences), art, music, foreign language, and vocational education areas. Attached for your information is a list of the tests required in Virginia effective July 1, 1999. Virginia teachers, teacher educators, and central office personnel participated in the validation and standard-setting studies for these Praxis II tests guided by representatives from the Educational Testing Service. A study was also conducted to ensure that the Praxis II tests matched the competencies set forth in the Licensure Regulations for School Personnel, effective July 1, 1998. Passing scores on either currently required tests (National Teacher Examinations specialty area tests) or the newly-approved tests (Praxis II subject content tests) will be accepted for licensure through September 30, 2000. Individuals applying for licensure after that date must submit passing scores on the new tests. An individual issued a provisional license may take and pass the subject area assessment indicated when the license was issued or take and pass the new test. The test must be taken during the validity period of the license. Additional Praxis II tests are anticipated to be required for elementary education, special education core principles, health and physical education, middle school language arts, middle school mathematics, middle school science, middle school social studies, and school leaders (administration and supervision). A reading module is also being considered for early education, elementary education, middle education, special education, and English as a Second Language. Information will be disseminated regarding the use of these new tests in Virginia upon their availability by the Educational Testing Service and approval by the Board of Education. Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Thomas A. Elliott, Assistant Superintendent, Division of Teacher Education and Licensure, at (804) 371-2522 if you have any questions regarding the professional teacher's assessment. PDS:psp Attachment: A hard copy of this memo and its attach- ment will be sent to the superintendent's office. c: College and University Deans and Department Chairs School Division Licensure Contacts