According to ASU Board Vice President Joe Reed ASU has reached a “final” deal on teacher testing. Now, its back to the State Board of Education for approval.

If all goes as planned and the agreement is approved by Thompson, the state could begin testing in early 2006 using a nationally recognized exam called Praxis II. That series of exams tests teachers in their knowledge of the subject or subjects they will teach.

New teachers, as well as veteran teachers moving to the state, would have to pass the exam to qualify for a license. It would also require teachers changing fields to undergo testing in the new subjects they plan to teach. Alabama teachers already on the job would not be required to take the exam but could voluntarily take it to demonstrate knowledge in their teaching field.

Thirty-seven states use the Praxis II or some exam like it.

I find it hard to believe that there are no additional roadblocks in this agreement, but I hope, for the good of the state, we can finally institute testing and move forward.

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