The Tailored Educator Credentials
Tailored Educator Credentials (TEC) is a new assessment program developed as an alternative to educator credentialing programs for PK-12 settings.
TEC Pilot Test blends content knowledge, pedagogy, transferable skills, and the ability to adapt to classroom and students in one integrated, job-related performance assessment.
TEC Pilot Test is designed to serve a diverse range of candidates entering the education profession.
Who is eligible?
New teachers and educators.
Students who are in the last year of their educator preparation programs.
Teachers certified within the last three years seeking additional endorsements.
Individuals pursuing credentials through alternative pathways, including alternative certification and apprenticeships.
What is the Purpose of the TEC Assessment?
The goal in building the TEC Assessment is to blend content knowledge, pedagogy, transferable skills, and the ability to adapt to classroom and students in one integrated, job-related experience.
The new TEC assessment is designed to:
Integrate content and pedagogical knowledge and skills
Focus on domain-specific pedagogy
Evaluate an educator’s initial competency in each subject area
Align with expectations from national teaching standards and accrediting bodies for educator preparation programs
Specific features include:
Efficient Measurement Approach
TEC incorporates performance assessment of pedagogical skills in the context of the intended content area to evaluate an educator candidate’s competency for initial certification or adding endorsements to their credentials.
Agile Design
Whether a candidate is seeking certification as an English, Chemistry, Art, Elementary, or Spanish teacher, the core infrastructure of the test is flexible to respond to the different approaches to domain-specific pedagogy.
Common Framework
Applying the perspective that is used for professional licensing and certification, the TEC Assessment was designed to reflect job-related practice while considering expectations from national teaching standards and accrediting bodies for educator preparation programs.
Technology
TEC Assessment as a next-generation educator certification test leverages advances in technology for test development, delivery, psychometrics, and eventually, test scoring, with an opportunity to significantly improve the status quo where efficiently measuring content and pedagogy are disconnected from the reality of what educators do in the classroom.
Cost Savings
Advancements offered with the TEC Assessment have the potential to reduce the costs of development and maintenance of exam programs with savings on test fees being passed along to educator candidates by reducing the number of tests they would need to take.
FAQs
Who is eligible to participate in the TEC-Advanced Math and/or Middle School Science Pilot Tests?
If you are in one of these three categories, you may be eligible to take the TEC Pilot Test:
- New teachers and educators.
- Students who are in the last year of their educator preparation programs.
- Teachers certified within the last three years seeking additional endorsements.
- Individuals pursuing credentials through alternative pathways, including alternative certification and apprenticeships.
How can I apply to take the TEC-Advanced Mathematics and/or Middle School Science Pilot Tests?
If you’d like to take the TEC Pilot Test either in Advanced Mathematics or Middle School Science, please complete the TEC Application Form found here.
How much does the Pilot Test for the TEC-Advanced Mathematics and/or TEC Middle School Science cost?
Both TEC-Advanced Mathematics and TEC-Middle School Science Pilot Tests are free of charge with selected participants receiving a $100 gift card.
What are the system requirements to take the TEC Pilot Test?
- For test delivery we do not support the following: Google Chromebooks, Android tablets (Nexus 7, etc.), iOS tablets (iPad, iPad mini, etc.), and Microsoft Surface RT.
- We recommend you do not take the test in a work environment nor use a work laptop.
- If you are planning on using a Wi-Fi connection, check no-one else is using the Wi-Fi at the same time as their usage may affect your connection. Ensure you are positioned where the Wi-Fi signal is strongest. A wired connection will ensure a stable connection.
- You must ensure that you complete the system check on the same device(s) and in the same location that you will be taking the test.
What is the benefit of participating in the TEC Pilot Test?
The current value for participants in the TEC Pilot Test is primarily formative, providing information about the job-related knowledge and skills that teachers use in practice.
Is it possible to use TEC Pilot Test results for state teacher certification applications?
The TEC is in its pilot phase and is not currently accepted by any state as part of its credentialing process.
How can I apply for Testing Accommodations for the TEC Pilot Test?
You can apply for testing accommodations for the TEC Pilot Test by completing the TEC Pilot Test – Testing Accommodations Request Form when you apply.