Written Public Comment Submission Detail

Public Comment Details

Meeting
Commission Meeting - April 2021

Agenda Item
4H: COVID Flexibilities: Recommendation to Extend the Waiver of Preconditions Related to Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence and Student Teaching

Name
Laura Hannemann

Organization
University of San Francisco

Comments
Hello, my name is Laura Hannemann and I am the Director of Assessment at the University of San Francisco School of Education. I am writing regarding item #4H. I was hoping there would be an agenda item discussing the CTC’s approach to high-stakes testing as a whole as it seemed like this was agreed upon at the March meeting. I was so heartened to hear committee members at the March meeting call on the committee to address the use of high-stakes testing in teacher preparation. Multiple members identified how much time, money, and care has gone in to developing and managing these tests. Committee members stated that despite that huge investment already made the committee must face up to the fact that the tests are not working. I call on the committee to do that.
There is no evidence that these tests improve student learning or teacher performance. There is ample evidence that these tests disproportionally filter out candidates of color. The CTC is tasked with ensuring more candidates of color enter CA classrooms, but our commitment to these tests (without any evidence that they work) is actively impeding candidates of color from entering the field in greater numbers. Why do we continue to invest in these tests? The CTC standards are extensive and effective at ensuring teacher preparation programs are highly effective and aligned to state standards. Why do we need these tests? Who are they serving?

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