Arkansas Department of Education Division of Elementary and Secondary Education Licensure Tests for Computer Science, School Leaders, and Adult Education

Memo Information

Memo Number
LIC-19-001
Memo Date
7/11/2018
Memo Type
Informational
Unit
Educator Effectiveness & Licensure
Regulatory Authority
Response Required
YES
Attention
Superintendents; Principals; Teachers

Primary Contact Information

Secondary Contact/s Information

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.

  • The PraxisTM Computer Science (5652) with a cut score of 142 will replace the current Computer Science (5651) effective September 1, 2018.
  • Also effective September 1, 2018, the PraxisTM Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) with a cut score of 148 will be the content assessment for the Adult Education (post-secondary) add-on and first-time licenses. The Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 (5624) is currently the only assessment required for Adult Education licensure and will continue to be the pedagogy test for the first-time license. Test requirements for Adult Education (post-secondary) licensure:
        • Add-on to an educator license: PraxisTM Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511)
        • First-time licensure: PraxisTM Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge (5511) and Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7-12 (5624)
  • Effective September 1, 2019, the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (6990) with a cut score of 151 will replace the current SLLA (6011).
  • Information on these PraxisTM  are available on the Arkansas Test Requirements site.

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 Advisormichael.rowland@arkansas.gov.

 

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