ETS Launches Modular Teacher Licensure Assessment with Praxis Steps

Event summary

  • ETS introduces Praxis Steps, a modular approach to teacher licensure assessment, launching in late summer/early fall 2026.
  • Praxis Steps allows candidates to take full tests or smaller, focused content area assessments, offering flexibility without compromising rigor.
  • Arkansas and West Virginia are early adopters, with Idaho joining in the fall.
  • The model provides targeted retakes, reducing time and cost for candidates who do not pass.
  • Step-level performance data offers clearer insights for states and educator preparation programs.

The big picture

ETS's Praxis Steps responds to growing demand for flexibility in teacher licensure assessments, aligning with broader trends in personalized education and data-driven program improvements. The modular approach aims to reduce barriers to licensure while maintaining rigorous standards, potentially influencing how other certification programs are structured. The early adoption by Arkansas, West Virginia, and Idaho signals a strategic shift towards more adaptable assessment models in the education sector.

What we're watching

Adoption Pace
How quickly other states and educator preparation programs will adopt Praxis Steps.
Impact on Pipeline
Whether the modular approach will significantly strengthen educator pipelines.
Data Utilization
How states and EPPs leverage step-level performance data for program improvement.

Related topics

Product Launch