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Multiple Measures of Content Competency - FAQs
FAQs re: Multiple Measures of Content Competency
In response to educator shortages across the state and in an effort to continue to diversify the teacher workforce, Colorado legislators developed Colorado House Bill 22-1220 to allow additional ways for first-time Colorado teacher license candidates to demonstrate their content knowledge. Colorado teacher license holders seeking to add endorsements to their licenses must meet the requirements outlined on the endorsement webpage.
What is/are multiple measures?
Multiple Measures of Content Competency refers to the variety of options initial teacher licensure candidates have for demonstrating content competency in order to receive their first Colorado teacher license.
- For Early Childhood Education (ECE), Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), Elementary and Special Education Generalist endorsements: passing score(s) on approved content tests (PRAXIS exams); coursework; portfolio of evidence or a combination of these options.
- For 6-8, 7-12 and K-12 endorsements: passing score(s) on approved content tests (PRAXIS exams); bachelor’s or higher degree in endorsement area; 24 semester hours of specific coursework as identified on the endorsement worksheet; a portfolio of evidence or a combination of these options.
How do I submit my demonstrations of depth of content knowledge?
Use these worksheets to define how you will submit your demonstrations of content knowledge for the appropriate endorsement(s). Then, log in to your COOL account and complete the "Multiple Measures of Content Competency" form; be sure to upload the completed worksheet and aligned evidence when prompted. You will be notified once the submission has been reviewed.
Who evaluates whether or not I have demonstrated depth of content knowledge?
The Colorado Department of Education will evaluate submissions to determine qualification.
How will my submission be evaluated by the Educator Preparation team?
Each applicable content area will be evaluated against the corresponding Colorado endorsement standards and will be scored on a scale of 0-2. A score of 0 means that no evidence was provided or provided evidence did not align to the endorsement standard. A score of 1 means that evidence provided did not fully demonstrate attainment of the standard, and a score of 2 means adequate evidence was provided to demonstrate attainment of the standard. Overall, applicants will receive a rating of “met” or “not met” after the evaluation.
I’m an educator preparation program; how do I know my candidate got approved?
Communication regarding an applicant’s submission and approval or rejection thereof will go to the applicant. Applicants will take their proof of approval to their EPP to request an APV form to move forward in the process.
Is this for me?
This option is for individuals who are applying for their first Colorado teaching license and would like to demonstrate depth of content knowledge in their desired endorsement area in a manner different than degree, coursework or PRAXIS exam(s) (depending on endorsement area). This option is not available Colorado teacher license-holders seeking to add another endorsement. Please remember an official, degree-conferred transcript from a regionally accredited college or university that demonstrates a bachelor's or higher degree is required for initial licensure.
I thought CDE required the Praxis 5205 for licensure, is this correct?
The READ Act designation is a requirement of employment and under district purview. The PRAXIS 5205 fulfills this requirement and is also used as an approved assessment authorized by the State Board of Education. There are three ways the READ Act designation can be achieved: (1) the PRAXIS 5205; (2) the CDE Pepper course; and (3) a CDE approved curriculum and assessment(s) offered by select educator preparation programs. More information on approved READ Act trainings can be found here.
What do you mean by portfolio of evidence?
A portfolio of evidence will consist of coursework and teaching-based evidence that demonstrate professional competencies and depth of content knowledge, including, but not limited to, live teaching videos, copies of lessons delivered by the applicant, syllabi and other curricular materials developed or used by the applicant, papers written by the applicant, demonstrated classroom experience in which a rubric review was utilized, and/or professional development assessment of content knowledge, etc.
How do I submit for a portfolio-only option?
Using the worksheets provided for the appropriate endorsement area, indicate which content areas you will be demonstrating competency in through the portfolio. Then define your evidence, and submit for review.
What happens if my submission (coursework, portfolio, etc.) isn’t approved?
You will be notified via email if your submission is not approved. You then can decide how best to proceed, whether through a subsequent submission with additional information, by taking a course that meets requirements or by taking the approved PRAXIS exam(s).
Does it cost extra to submit via the portfolio option?
There is no additional cost to the candidate to submit a portfolio for review. However, CDE's Educator Preparation team only will review 1000 portfolio submissions each year (July-June) on a first-come, first-served basis. Submissions beyond that number will require exploration of a different option to demonstrate content competency or a delay in being able to receive their license. Please note: Licensing application fees are due at the time of application for a credential.
What happens once my portfolio is approved?
For in-state candidates only, once a portfolio review via the submission for Multiple Measures of Content Competency has been approved, applicants will receive an email to share with your educator preparation program to obtain an approved program verification form (APV). Applicants then can move through the initial license application process.
Questions not answered here may be sent to CDE's Educator Preparation Team.
Questions about licensure may be sent to CDE's Licensing Team.
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