Balancing Quality and Opportunity for Elementary Education Licensure Candidates Within Multiple Frameworks

• In Event: Roundtable Session 54
  In Roundtable Session: Impact of Examinations on Racial Dynamics of Teacher Licensure

Abstract

Until recently, most states required elementary education teacher candidates to pass one exam comprising four content areas with one minimum passing score (single-hurdle approach). The Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and a demand for greater teacher quality have led to an emerging framework in some states. Tests in each content area with individual minimum scores are required. A license may be conferred if a candidate meets the minimum score on each test (multi-hurdle approach). This paper examines actual and hypothetical pass rates across examinee subgroups and multiple years based on the two approaches (single- vs. multi-hurdle). The goal is to inform stakeholders about the trade-offs between approaches in consideration of effectively balancing rigor with inclusiveness regarding elementary education licensure.

Authors

• Jonathan Steinberg, Educational Testing Service

• Guangming Ling, ETS

• Chantal Delaney, Educational Testing Service