The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) convened a meeting on December 5, 2024, to discuss significant changes in teacher education assessments, particularly the transition to the edTPA (Teacher Performance Assessment). This meeting highlighted the upcoming implementation of a new passing score for teacher candidates, set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

The State Board of Education has established that starting in mid-2025, any scoreable entry on the edTPA will be considered a passing score. This decision aims to provide educational preparation programs (EPPs) with additional time to adjust to the new assessment requirements. The board plans to revisit the passing score in the fall of 2026, at which point they will determine specific numeric scores for each of the edTPA's rubrics based on collected data.

The transition to the edTPA comes as the PPAT (Performance-Based Assessment for Teachers) is being phased out, creating challenges for smaller higher education institutions that have relied on the PPAT. Concerns were raised about the potential duplicative nature of performance assessments already embedded in teacher preparation programs, as many institutions have existing performance-based assessments that may overlap with the edTPA requirements.

Board members expressed apprehension regarding the financial and logistical burdens that these changes may impose on educational institutions. The discussion underscored a broader concern about ensuring that the assessment process remains effective without overwhelming candidates and institutions with redundant requirements.

The meeting also touched on the similarities between the edTPA and the National Board Certification process, suggesting that the edTPA could enhance candidates' readiness for future certification. However, the board acknowledged that the current legislative framework does not allow for flexibility in assessment requirements, indicating that any changes would require legislative action.

As the MSDE prepares for these transitions, the focus remains on balancing the need for rigorous teacher assessments with the practical realities faced by educational institutions. The board's commitment to revisiting the passing scores in 2026 reflects an ongoing effort to adapt to the evolving landscape of teacher education in Maryland.