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Commission adopts ETS Praxis Bridge option for elementary Praxis II (5001)
Summary
The commission adopted ETS’s Praxis Bridge option for the elementary multiple subjects Praxis II (5001) to allow candidates who score within one standard error of measurement to complete targeted $50 learning modules and a knowledge check instead of retaking a full exam.
The Commission on Professional Standards in Education voted to adopt the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Praxis Bridge option for the Praxis II elementary multiple subjects (5001) assessment, giving near‑passing candidates an alternative pathway to demonstrate competency.
Mark Kirchmeier, director of educational partnerships at ETS, said the Praxis Bridge pilot has run in Connecticut, West Virginia and Kansas. The Bridge option targets candidates whose score falls within one standard error of measurement (typically five to seven points) of the state’s passing score. Eligible candidates may complete targeted learning modules and a short knowledge check rather than retake the entire exam.
Key features described by ETS: modules focus on the specific content a candidate missed; cost is about $50 per module; candidates have six months from initiation to finish the asynchronous module and knowledge check (roughly 45 minutes of study time); candidates must meet a knowledge-check threshold (about 75–80%) to be considered to have demonstrated mastery; ETS issues an updated score report within about five days on successful completion. ETS is phasing the rollout by test title; the elementary series was presented for immediate adoption.
ETS presented data snapshots from the last test administration showing modest numbers of candidates who would have been eligible for Bridge (for example, 27 candidates for an elementary math subtest in one administration and 32 candidates in another administration were cited by the presenter).
Commissioners asked about accommodations and whether Bridge could be used for candidates who receive testing accommodations. ETS said the option supports accessibility (screen‑reader compatibility and closed captioning) and that modularization and additional pathways are part of expected future development. Commissioners also asked about adding language and paraeducator titles to the Bridge scope; ETS said additional titles are planned and phased in, with paraeducator items scheduled for a future release.
A written public comment from Sherilyn Thomas, a Foothill High School teacher, said she has taken the Spanish Praxis multiple times and urged action to address low pass rates for that assessment. Department staff said they would follow up with the commenter.
Motion and vote: Commissioner Collier moved to approve the Praxis Bridge option for the elementary multiple-subjects 5001 series; Commissioner Tucker seconded. The motion passed with all present voting in favor; no opposing votes were recorded.
Next steps: Department staff will complete paperwork with ETS; Briski indicated the department expects the ETS module to be available to candidates once ETS releases it (the presenter and staff referenced an early‑February release window).
