WCSU cited for Praxis success

A recently released report from the National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) pointed to Western Connecticut State University as a “Standout Institution” for the success rate of its Education program graduates on the Praxis licensing exam. In the online NCTQ report released this summer, the authors stated that “some institutions stand out for supporting their test takers in passing licensing tests,­” and WCSU is one of five Connecticut universities to be singled out for this distinction.

The report specifies that while WCSU is “moderately selective,” it “exceeds the state’s average first-attempt pass rate” for the Praxis. “The institution’s average first-attempt pass rate on the Praxis II Elementary Education: Multiple Subjects (5001) test is 58%, compared with 40% across the state,”­­ according to the report.

In contrast, first-time Praxis takers who graduated from Quinnipiac University succeeded at an average rate of 38%, from the University of Hartford at 40%, and those who graduated from the University of Bridgeport did so at 41%. All three institutions are private universities, while WCSU is a public state university that offers significantly lower tuition.

According to Dr. Catherine O’Callaghan, chair of WCSU’s Department of Education and Educational Psychology, “WCSU has been working diligently to revise its curriculum to adequately prepare candidates for the certification exams. Around five years ago, we started a Praxis Study Center that has made an incredible difference in our preparation. Our center director works individually with our candidates so that they have a study plan and are prepared to pass on the first attempt. I believe we are one of the few preparation providers in the state and region to offer this service.”

To learn more, contact the Office of University Relations at pr@wcsu.edu.

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Submitted by Danbury, CT

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