The issue has risen in importance because of widespread efforts to raise standards for what children should know and be able to do. For some states, it means setting standards for the first time. Last October in New Hampshire, the board of education voted to adopt Praxis I starting this fall after years of opening the profession to anyone with a college teaching degree who could find work. Democratic Gov. Jeanne Shaheen vetoed legislation that would have required the tests for teachers who already have jobs. Some 35 states use Praxis I or more advanced tests in the Praxis series used to certify graduates for general knowledge, professional skills and subject knowledge.
Some states have their own tests.
Explanations vary on why scores are low, but poor pay tops the list. Teaching has become less attractive for women and minorities since barriers to other, more lucrative and prestigious jobs have been lowered. Education officials also point out that not everyone with low test scores goes on to teach or even gets an education degree. In Pennsylvania, education officials are beginning to raise the bar for a number of tests. Among those being examined is a 120-question, general knowledge test for beginning teachers that covers social studies, math, literature and the arts, and science.