Commission on Teacher Education approves new qualifying scores for Praxis assessments

The Mississippi Licensure Commission has taken significant steps to enhance teacher certification processes during its meeting on March 7, 2025. The commission approved the establishment of qualifying scores for revised Praxis subject assessments, including early childhood education, family and consumer sciences, and social studies. This decision, recommended by the ad hoc committee on Teacher and Administrator Education, aims to ensure that educators meet updated standards in their respective fields.

In a notable addition, the commission also approved a new licensure endorsement for Japanese as a world language. This move responds to requests from local school districts seeking to offer Japanese language courses, thereby expanding educational opportunities for students. The endorsement will allow teachers to add this qualification to their existing licenses through successful completion of the appropriate Praxis assessment.

Additionally, the commission updated the test code for the Foundations of Reading assessment from 190 to 890. This change does not affect the content or the required passing score but aligns Mississippi's assessment with a national program that offers various benefits, including free retakes for candidates who do not pass after three attempts.

The commission emphasized that any assessments being phased out will adhere to the established discontinuation policy, allowing candidates who take the current versions before August 31, 2025, to use their scores until 2027. This transition period is designed to facilitate a smooth shift to the new assessment requirements.

Overall, these decisions reflect the commission's commitment to improving educational standards and providing teachers with the necessary tools to succeed in their roles. The implications of these changes are expected to positively impact both educators and students across Mississippi.