25 Jan2021

Call for Applications: Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments

AACTE is pleased to announce the Call for Applications for the Consortium for Research-Based and Equitable Assessments (CREA). Funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the purpose of the Consortium is to convene stakeholders across various states to (1) examine how cut scores for entrance into educator preparation programs are currently set, (2) identify guidelines and recommendations for setting equitable cut scores for Praxis I and similar assessments, and (3) develop model state policies that seek to attract and prepare diverse teacher candidates for the profession.

The Consortium of state teams shall be comprised of educator preparation programs and representatives from state and local education agencies. Participants must commit to one full year of participation, which will include quarterly meetings and pre-work between meetings to accomplish the goals of the Consortium.

Guidelines for Applicants

Eligibility: Schools and colleges of education that are member institutions of AACTE are eligible to apply and must serve as the lead applicant for their state’s team. Multiple EPP per state can apply to participate in the Consortium, with one EPP serving as the lead applicant.

Required Materials: Lead applicants must provide the following required documents as part of their applications:

Letter of commitment from the dean(s) of the school(s)/college(s) of education committing their institution(s) participation in the Consortium.
Letters of commitment from the LEA and SEA representatives to demonstrate their willingness to actively participate in the Consortium, alongside the lead applicant.

There is no template for the letters of commitment. However, all letters must be on an organizational letterhead and include a signature.

Stipend: Lead applicants will receive a stipend in the amount of $3,500 for their participation and efforts to lead their state teams.

Deadline and Notification: Applications must be electronically submitted on or before February 19, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. EST, via AACTE’s Submission Center. Applicants will be notified of the review panel’s decision on March 5, 2021.