State board moves to phase‑in edTPA/PPAT passing scores and trims Praxis Core math requirement
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Summary
The board approved a norming period for national portfolio pedagogy assessments (edTPA/PPAT) and voted to discontinue the Praxis Core math subtest as a basic‑skills requirement for initial teacher licensure; two COMAR regulation items were also advanced on consent.
The Maryland State Board of Education approved several items on educator licensure and state regulations during its July meeting.
Licensure pedagogy assessment: MSDE asked the board to adopt a phase‑in (norming) period for setting passing scores on nationally recognized portfolio‑based pedagogy assessments — edTPA (Pearson) and PPAT (ETS) — required under the Blueprint for Maryland's Future beginning July 1, 2025. Board members approved holding candidates harmless through the submission windows (effectively through September 2026) while MSDE collects data to set a defensible passing score. MSDE said the approach will let educator preparation programs analyze gaps and adapt supports before a permanent cut score is adopted.
Praxis Core math subtest: The board voted to discontinue requiring the Praxis Core math subtest in the basic‑skills battery for initial licensure while continuing to accept reading and writing subtests as one option among alternatives (e.g., SAT/ACT/GRE, 3.0 GPA or three years of effective local evaluations). MSDE officials stressed that elementary and secondary content assessments (Praxis subject tests) will remain the primary means of demonstrating content knowledge for prospective teachers.
COMAR regulations: Two COMAR items (13A.07.02.01 and 13A.08.01.17) were taken on consent and advanced for adoption as presented.
Votes: The phase‑in for edTPA/PPAT passed by voice vote; the Praxis Core math discontinuation was supported unanimously in committee and adopted by the full board on the consent motion. The two COMAR items were approved on consent as well.
