MINIMAL COMPETENCY EXAMINATION REQUIREMENT FOR TEACHER EDUCATION STUDENTS
Effective: August 15, 2024
Purpose: To ensure that all students meet the federal, state, and local financial aid program requirements for eligibility.
Scope: This policy applies to students seeking a degree in elementary, secondary, middle level, or PK-12 teaching field.
Responsible Office: Academic Affairs
Policy Statement: Prospective teacher candidates pursuing degrees in elementary, secondary, middle level, or PK-12 teaching fields must exhibit proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. This proficiency is validated through the successful completion of either the PRAXIS-CORE or the Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency (CAAP) prior to admission into the teacher education program. In cases where a candidate passes two test areas but falls below the designated cut-off score in one area—be it mathematics, reading, or writing—they may still be eligible for consideration through the PRAXIS-CORE or CAAP Window.
Teacher candidates should take the examinations during their sophomore or junior year. Standards for passing the examinations have been established by the Council on Teacher Education. There is no limit to the number of times a candidate may take the examination.
Definitions: All words and phrases shall be interpreted utilizing their plain meanings unless otherwise defined in another University or Board of Regents policy or by statute or regulation.
Window area - test scores that fall within a 2-point range of the designated cut-off score in a specific testing area (writing, math, reading) are identified as being within the window area.
Procedures: All procedures linked and related to the policies above shall have the full force and effect of policy if said procedures have first been properly approved by the University’s administrator in charge of Academic Affairs.
[Academic Affairs procedures - coming soon]
Related Policy Information: [coming soon]