Black, White, and Tested All Over: Racialized Differences in Licensure Exam Experiences

• In Event: Roundtable Session 1
  In Roundtable Session: Understanding and Promoting Teacher Diversity

Abstract

Significant gaps exist in teacher licensure exam pass rates along the lines of race; if one does not pass the exam, one cannot become a licensure teacher. Building upon work that frames the exam as a “testing event,” this qualitative, cross-case analysis compared the licensure exam experiences of Black and White preservice teachers. Findings suggest that across race, test takers have negative experiences with the exam, but the exam can become a racialized experience for some Black test takers. White test takers who do not fit a normalized test taker identity due to age or matriculation avenue also conceptualized greater obstacles to passing. We discuss findings alongside new efforts to close this pass gap and related policy implications for states.

Authors

• Emery Marc Petchauer, Oakland University

• Kira J. Baker-Doyle, Arcadia University