Memo Text
At its June 2018 meeting, the Arkansas State Board of Education adopted licensure tests for the following educator licenses: Computer Science (4-12), Adult Education (post-secondary), and Building Level and Curriculum/Program Administrators.
Educational
Testing Service along with national panels of educators regenerated the Praxis™
Computer Science test and the SLLA to better align with national
standards. These tests are also better matched to the latest state content
competencies. Arkansas educators served on the development teams for both new
tests and others served on the national panels which determined a recommended
cut score for states to utilize.
The
Arkansas Department of Education, Educator Effectiveness division in
conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Career Education, Adult Education
division determined that the Praxis™ Fundamental Subjects: Content
Knowledge (5511) is a better content assessment for the Adult Education (post-secondary)
license. The 5511 assesses skills and broad understanding across four subjects:
English Language Arts, Mathematics, Citizenship and Social Science, and
Science. The 5511 with a cut score of 148 is currently an option for licensed
K-12 Special Education teachers to demonstrate content knowledge in single or
multiple core subject areas to demonstrate Arkansas Qualified Teacher status.
For educator licensure questions, contact Melissa Jacks, Educator Licensure Program Coordinator, melissa.Jacks@arkansas.gov. For test questions, contact Michael Rowland, Educator Preparation Program Advisor, michael.rowland@arkansas.gov.