To apply for waiver for required Subject Matter Competency Exam.

The following procedures are to be effective for the period of 07/01/2006 – 06/30/2007.

Download the A-1 Alternative Assessment Application Form

The following procedures were established by TSPC for requesting alternative assessments of teachers and teacher candidates in lieu of subject matter tests. These procedures apply to subject matter tests only (alternatives to demonstrating basic skills exist separately).

An applicant must meet all of the following prior to being considered for Alternative Assessment:

1. Have taken the appropriate specialty area test at least once without passing, through ETS (Praxis – 609/771-7395 or www.ets.org).
2. Your Official transcripts must show that you meet the following:
   1. Coursework is aligned with the endorsement or licensure for which the candidate is seeking waiver;
   2. Have 3.0 GPA or better in coursework directly related to the endorsement or licensure area; and
   3. Part of the coursework in the subject-area must have been completed within the three (3) years immediately prior to the application for alternative assessment.

Alternative Assessment Calendar 2007-09

Candidate's Evidence

The candidate is responsible for assembling all of the evidence required below and submitting it to TSPC in one complete application packet no later than four (4) weeks prior to the TSPC Commission Meetings.

Mandatory Items that must be submitted:

1. $100 Alternative Assessment Fee, Non-refundable.
2. A-1 Alternative Assessment Application form (download it here).
3. Original test score report of one (1) failed attempt at Praxis subject matter test that you wished to have waived. Your original test score report will be returned to you once we have recorded it. **If TSPC has received your test score electronically, you will not need to submit your original paper test score report.
4. Two letters of recommendation, on professional letterhead, from two educators attesting to the candidate’s content knowledge expertise and describing how they have observed the candidate’s content knowledge. The letters must been completed and dated within one year of the date of application. The letters must be from any of the following qualified educators:
   1. University faculty members where you have been employed or have submitted coursework from; or
   2. College of education practicum or student teaching supervisors; or
   3. Practicum or student teaching mentor teacher; or
   4. District curriculum specialist from district/school where you have been employed or were you were placed for a student practicum; or
   5. Other expert in the content area (must be a licensed educator where you were employed or where you completed your student practicum experience)
5. Your Official transcripts must show that you meet the following:
   1. Coursework is aligned with the endorsement or licensure for which the candidate is seeking waiver;
   2. Have 3.0 GPA or better in coursework directly related to the endorsement or licensure area; and
   3. Part of the coursework in the subject-area must have been completed within the three (3) years immediately prior to the application for alternative assessment

Download the A-1 Alternative Assessment Application Form