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Nearly Half NC Elementary Teachers Aren't Passing Math Exam For License: Report

The report shows over the past three years, the pass rate drops significantly. But state education leaders say the issue might not be the teachers, but the test itself.

RALEIGH, N.C. -- According to a report presented to the North Carolina State Board of Education Wednesday, a little less than half the state's elementary school teachers are not passing the math portion of the licensing exam.

The report shows over the past three years, the pass rate drops significantly. Prior to the drop, the state used a different type of exam, which yielded an 85% test rate on average. In the 2014-15 year, though, the exam changed after a new state law required teachers to be tested on math and reading. The State Board of Education adopted Pearson tests for elementary teaches and ever since the results have been declining for the math portion:

2014-15 Pass Rate: 65.1%

2015-16 Pass Rate: 58.2%

2016-17 Pass Rate: 54.5%

But state education leaders say the issue might not be the teachers, but the test itself. North Carolina's Department of Public Instruction says it's not fair to compare the numbers from the past because it's a different test and there's a different pool of test-takers every year. Additionally, Thomas Tomberlin, Director of School Research, Data and Recording says this shouldn't be about whether or not elementary teachers can do math. Instead, "a better test would be less about mathematics content knowledge and more about math knowledge to support strong teaching and pedagogy.

There's a subcommittee exploring alternative test options that better reflect the elementary teachers subject matter and role in the classroom.

The report also indicates that fewer teachers took the test over the past three years, which could also contribute to the lower pass rate.

We also reached out to Pearson, who makes the test. They told us the test was approved by state leaders before giving it out. If North Carolina education leaders want to change the test, they can. Scott Overland with Pearson provided this statement:

“Pearson supports the efforts of the North Carolina Board of Education (BOE) to have high-quality, valid educator licensure assessments. We have been working with the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and North Carolina educators to implement the exams on behalf of the State to help North Carolina achieve its education goals. North Carolina teachers are deeply involved throughout the process of validating educator licensure assessments. Test scores required for passing are determined by the State and are informed by recommendations from North Carolina educators resulting from standard setting activities."

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