Mike Beutner, associate professor of instructional technology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe, serves on the Educational Testing Service’s Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching National Advisory Committee. He will once again travel to Princeton, N.J., March 14 – 17, to finalize specifications for the Praxis PLT.

The Praxis PLT is an exam that every teacher in Louisiana must pass for certification; it tests teacher candidates who have completed their general pedagogical training for teacher licensure from the elementary to secondary levels. ETS is the organization that creates the SAT, GRE and Praxis exams. This is the first time in five years that the specifications of the Praxis have been updated.

The National Advisory Committee is a key component in the development process for PRAXIS tests and typically consists of a diverse group of 15 practicing teachers and higher education faculty who are involved in teacher preparation. Beutner is the only representative from Louisiana.

NAC members serve for approximately one year and make periodic visits to the ETS campus in New Jersey. The NAC works closely with ETS assessment specialists to develop a job analysis survey, test specifications, and test designs.

“Participation allows ULM to have even more significant influence on the future of education,” Beutner said. “I'm very honored to serve on the ETS national advisory group for the Praxis.”