Teacher Standards and Practices Commission



Teacher Standards and Practices Commission250 Division Street NESalem OR 97301July 24-26, 2013ITEM:NEW PROPOSED BASIC SKILLS RULES AMENDMENTSACTION:DISCUSSION ITEMINFORMATION:Beginning June 21, 2011, the National Evaluation Series (NES) Essential Academic Skills (Reading, Writing, and Mathematics subtests) was adopted as the preferred basic skills test by the Commission. At that time, passing scores from the CBEST, WEST-B, or Praxis I were still being accepted. CBEST computer-based testing continues to be offered in Oregon, however paper-based administrations of the test were discontinued.The licensure rules related to the basic skills exam was proposed for referral to hearing at the last Commission meeting. It would require only the National Evaluation Series Essential Academic Skills for Oregon program completers. This would still allow the Commission to accept other basic skills exams from out of state license holders.This would be a change of practice and policy; however, it would not be without precedent. Currently the Commission only accepts approved Commission examinations for content tests. It does accept other state accepted content tests for out of state licensure holders, if the examination is significantly similar to the Oregon examinations.At a time when accountability and comparability data is very important, it is impossible to tell how Oregon candidates as a whole fare in the basic skills arena since there will only be a “state-wide average” for part of each year’s program completers. If the Commission isn’t interested in comparable candidate performance, the Commission should leave the practice the way it currently stands.The Oregon Association of Teachers of College Education (OACTE) submitted testimony that to require the Oregon tests only would limit Oregon graduates when seeking outside employment in other states. Basic skills tests are only one of the tests Oregon program completers must take. Currently, the breakdown of other states using our current computer-based content tests is as follows:New Mexico: 20Arizona: 25Washington: 8Wisconsin: using 7 tests to add endorsements only.In other words, our content tests are not used in nearby states, and if the new employing state does not accept Oregon’s tests, then that state has a different philosophy about reciprocity.The Council for Chief State School Officers is currently supporting a drive for states to revisit their reciprocity barriers which is discussed in their most recent report: Our Responsibility; Our Promise.Reciprocity in Neighboring StatesCalifornia accepts all out of state tests and has the nearest thing to full reciprocity. Here is a link to their out of state requirements: appears to not require new Basic Skills or content tests for out of state prepared teachers under the following circumstance: ) Official Praxis II assessment score sheet or notarized photocopy.(praxis for Idaho required tests)The Praxis II requirement may be waived if the out-of-state candidate can provide verification of a baccalaureate degree in the specific content area (not applicable to Elementary), verification of a current National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certificate (not applicable to Elementary) OR provide a letter from the transferring state indicating highly qualified status (as defined by the No Child Left Behind Act) in the content area for which the person is seeking certification. National Board-certificated persons (not applicable to Elementary) and individuals who provide the transferring state letter demonstrating content competency in the area in which they are seeking certification may receive a clear five (5)-year initial certificate/credential.Washington appears to be the only neighboring state that requires passage of only their tests. OACTE Testimony OAR 584-036-0080 ................
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