Teacher test failure rate low, but state still discussing review

Mary Snow, a Department of Education evaluation consultant, adds that the failure rate had been about 5 percent a few years ago, but that's being revised now.

Nevada is one of 20 states that use Praxis, a national test of basic teacher knowledge in subjects such as reading, writing and mathematics.

The tests are being reviewed at the same time that educators are changing standards for students in public schools to increase performance. Nevada in the past has ranked among the lowest of states in student proficiency scores.

"New (teacher) testing is being developed that is a little more in depth," Snow said. "There are more essay-style questions. Some claim we should have higher passing scores for teachers. But I think we're going pretty well (upgrading testing)."

She also said a performance assessment is being discussed as a possibility for Nevada educators, adding, "In some states, you go into a classroom with a mentor, and you're evaluated before you achieve that license."

The Nevada review coincides with an effort nationally to see whether tests of prospective teachers are rigorous enough.

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