Charlie Kenty, the human resources director of PSS, reported to the board that there are 167 teachers who must take both Praxis 1 & 2; 39 must pass Praxis 2 only; and 16 must pass Praxis 1.
The board required Praxis certification to comply with the federal No Child Left Behind Act and continue receiving federal grants.
The law mandates all elementary and secondary teachers throughout the U.S. and its territories to have a bachelor’s or a higher degree as well as attain full state certification attesting to their competency.
Praxis is being used by BOE-PSS to measure the teachers’ competency.
Elementary school teachers are required to take Praxis 1 while secondary teachers must take both Praxis 1 and 2.
The passing Praxis score in the CNMI was set at 170 — slightly lower than the average set in the U.S.
Education Commissioner Rita A. Sablan said they continue to help teacher pass Praxis.
For instance, this summer, PSS will sponsor an institute to refresh the teachers’ knowledge about subject areas that they should focus to pass Praxis.
“The point is there are approximately 33 percent of our teachers who are not qualified,” Sablan said during the board meeting yesterday.
PSS teachers are employed on a two-year contract.
In the past, a probationary plan and assistance were given to those who have been working for so many years with PSS but have failed to pass Praxis.
PSS serves more than 10,000 students enrolled at 20 public schools throughout Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
