Rumor Has It: Investigating Teacher Licensure Exam Advice Networks

• In Event: An Exploration of Exam and Examinee Performance in Licensure Exams Across the Disciplines

Abstract

Our study examined the social capital of pre-service teachers in relation to their persistence and success with teacher licensure exams. In the U.S., teacher licensure exams are a gate-keeping mechanism for the profession, yet have been criticized that social factors such as race affect outcomes. Using a mixed-methods approach and Social Network Theory as a conceptual framework, we investigated the exam advice networks of 23 pre-service teachers to uncover patterns between network characteristics, persistence in study, and pass/fail rates. Our findings revealed correlations between these factors, and demonstrated that race was a mediating factor. Our study offers implications for strategic development of advice networks around exam preparation. Further, it contributes new perspectives on the relationship between race and licensure exams.

Authors

• Kira J. Baker-Doyle, Arcadia University

• Emery Marc Petchauer, Oakland University