In Praise of Maintenance: The Importance of Ongoing Evaluation for High-Stakes Licensure Assessments

• In Event: Moscone Center West Roundtable Session 4
  In Roundtable Session: Measurement Tools for Selection and Licensure

Abstract

Since the 1980s, states have increased demands for individuals seeking entry to the teaching profession in the form of GPA requirements, licensure exams, and additional preparation requirements. Licensure assessments are a key tool states have used to screen candidates to ensure a high-quality teaching workforce. Questions persist as to whether standardized test are a useful tool for measuring teacher quality. Research has also pointed to a differential impact of standardized assessments on underrepresented groups, highlighting the need to understand the role these tools play in recruiting a diverse teacher workforce. This case study includes an examination of the continued validity and reliability of a high-stakes basic skills assessment implemented as part of a suite of teacher licensure assessments in Virginia.

Authors

• Jillian Perlow McGraw, University of Virginia

• Amy Thelk, James Madison University

• Amanda Turner, University of Virginia