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Commission approves Praxis II study; work group backs Praxis Bridge and recommends exploring EPP attestation
Summary
The Commission on Professional Standards in Education approved a WestEd study required by Assembly Bill 428 (2023) that reviews Praxis II test outcomes and recommends wider use of the ETS-managed Praxis Bridge for near-pass candidates and further development of an educator preparation program attestation pathway.
The Commission on Professional Standards in Education approved a report and recommendations on the Praxis II and pedagogy examinations, required by Assembly Bill 428 (2023), after a presentation from WestEd and discussion by commissioners.
Jeff Briski, director of educator development, licensure and family engagement and secretary to the commission, introduced the item and said the department contracted with WestEd to complete the study and convene a work group. Heather Mattson, senior program manager at WestEd, presented the report’s findings and the work group’s two recommendations. "Failing the Praxis II on the first attempt reduces the likelihood that those folks will eventually get certified by 8.4 percent overall and 15.4 percent in STEM and special education," Mattson said, summarizing research cited in the report.
The report summarized existing research, documented disparities in first-attempt pass rates (particularly for candidates of color), and reviewed five alternative approaches used in other states: an ETS-managed Praxis Bridge, flexible or alternate tests, attestation by educator preparation programs (EPPs), lowering cut scores, and hybrid approaches. Mattson said three states piloted the Praxis Bridge in the fall (Connecticut, Kansas and West Virginia) and that ETS manages the bridge process. The Praxis Bridge option described in the report charges candidates a one-time fee ($50), gives them six months to complete targeted competency modules in areas they nearly passed, and is currently limited to tests for which ETS has developed modules.
The work group recommended two steps to the commission: (1) deploy the Praxis Bridge (which the commission had previously approved at an earlier meeting) and (2) develop an attestation pathway allowing EPPs to validate candidate content knowledge for near-pass candidates. Mattson and Briski noted the attestation option would require a regulation change and substantial documentation; Briski said the department estimates the option would require a full-time staff position funded from general funds to develop and maintain the process.
Commissioners raised questions about the attestation approach and about long-term outcomes. Commissioner Jason Ganoza asked whether attestation would substitute for the Praxis 2 or serve as a companion pathway; Mattson clarified that the work group's design assumes a candidate would first take the Praxis 2, be identified as a near-pass (within one standard error of measurement), and then be eligible for attestation as an alternative to retaking the full test. Commissioner Morgan asked whether there is research on retention and long-term impacts for candidates who use alternatives; Mattson said long-term outcome data are not yet available.
Commissioner Morgan moved to approve the report; Commissioner Ganoza seconded. The commission approved the study by voice vote with members saying "Aye." The report will be submitted to the Senate and Assembly standing committees on education as required by AB 428 and staff will continue work with WestEd, ETS and EPPs on next steps including the Praxis Bridge pilot and development work for attestation if the commission chooses to pursue it further.
