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Tests and Teaching Quality Interim Report (2000) / Chapter Skim
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Executive Summary
Pages 1-3

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From page 1...
... To license teachers, states seek a variety of evidence that candidates possess such qualifications, including coursework in state-approved teacher education programs at the undergraduate or graduate level, a major or minor in the intended teaching field, and studentteaching experience. Forty-one states require prospective teachers to pass one or more tests.
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From page 2...
... Most of the validity evidence currently available for teacher licensure tests is based on judgments about whether the test is likely to assess the knowledge and skills it was intended to measure and whether such knowledge and skills are necessary for beginning teachers to possess. This evidence helps indicate test quality and helps assure policy makers and the public that the test results indicate that teachers are likely to possess the knowledge and skills judged necessary for teaching.
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From page 3...
... Evidence is needed to determine whether the disparities in average scores and passing rates among groups on these tests are due to actual differences in mastery of the knowledge and skills the tests were designed to assess rather than something else. As a result of its preliminary explorations and discussions, the committee has reached five conclusions: · Licensure tests are designed to provide useful information about the extent to which prospective teachers possess the literacy and mathematics skills and/or the subject-matter and pedagogical knowledge that states consider necessary for beginning teaching.
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Key Terms

  • passing rates
  • teacher licensure
  • teacher education
  • teaching force
  • diverse teaching

  • graduate level
  • pedagogical knowledge
  • hispanics tend
  • minimal qualifications
  • assure policy

  • set passing
  • passing scores
  • informed judgment
  • tests measure
  • existing tests

  • skills judged
  • school teachers
  • testing requirements
  • licensing requirements
  • test quality

  • institutional level
  • test instruments
  • policies regarding
  • meaningful comparisons
  • including coursework

  • allow waivers
  • candidates possess
  • evidence helps
  • minimally competent
  • nine months


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