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Tests and Teaching Quality Interim Report (2000) / Chapter Skim
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The Development and Quality of Licensure Tests
Pages 13-16

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From page 13...
... For basic skills tests, rudimentary literacy and mathematics skills are identified. For subject-matter and pedagogical knowledge tests, the analyses draw on national disciplinary standards, such as the mathematics standards developed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, 1989)
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From page 14...
... Often, panels of educators are asked to judge whether adequately prepared beginning teachers would answer particular questions correctly; these question-by-question judgments are compiled to derive a recommended overall passing score. Alternatively, teachers examine entire test booklets to estimate the lowest score a candidate could earn and still be considered minimally qualified.
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From page 15...
... Validity evidence based on test content helps provide assurance to policy makers, teacher candidates, and the public that the test measures what it purports to measure and that test results indicate the extent to which teachers are likely to possess the knowledge and skills considered necessary for teaching. Such evidence also has been used to uphold teacher licensure tests in at least two legal challenges (Association of Mexican American Educators v.
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From page 16...
... In addition, the research is hampered by the difficulty in accurately distinguishing minimally competent from minimally incompetent classroom practice, the absence of job performance information for some unlicensed examiners, and the fact that some good teaching practice is context-specific that is, it varies by student population, educational goals, school organization, community characteristics, and other factors. Although it is difficult to examine the relationship between scores on teacher licensure tests and job performance, it is certainly possible and important to study these.
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Key Terms

  • beginning teachers
  • teacher licensure
  • test development
  • pedagogical knowledge
  • passing scores

  • basic skills
  • validity evidence
  • test developers
  • knowledge tests
  • professional standards

  • state licensing
  • testing service
  • national council
  • test content
  • test specifications

  • skills tests
  • job performance
  • standards developed
  • teacher tests
  • educational testing

  • gathering validity
  • set passing
  • efforts respond
  • pedagogical tests
  • qualities required

  • helps provide
  • teacher candidates
  • state standards
  • analyses draw
  • prepared beginning


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