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Performance-Based Assessments

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective July 1, 2025, teacher candidates must present a performance assessment to demonstrate pedagogical knowledge and skills.  The Praxis PLT will not be accepted after July 1, 2025.


The timeline below is intended for a gradual progression to full implementation.

​July 1, 2019 - June 30, 2025
A pedagogy assessment is required for certain teaching areas for those candidates enrolled in a Maryland teacher preparation program. During this period, candidates may present the edTPA, PPAT, or the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) to meet the pedagogy assessment requirement.

No passing score is required for the edTPA and PPAT but it must be nationally scored. If submitting the Praxis PLT as the pedagogy assessment, the established passing score must be submitted.

Some teacher areas do not require a separate pedagogy assessment during this period. Those areas are American Sign Language, Art, Blind/Visually Impaired, Dance, ESOL, Environmental Education, Health, Music, Physical Education, World Languages, and Special Education.

Out-of-state program completers and license holders are not required to take a pedagogy assessment during this period.
July 1, 2025 - August 31, 2026

All teacher candidates must submit a performance-based assessment. Accepted assessments differ based on the pathway to licensure.

  • Maryland-approved teacher preparation program candidates must submit one of the following measures:
    • edTPA (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • PPAT (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • Successful completion of a Maryland local school system induction program, including a portfolio, that is approved by the MSDE (work with your teacher preparation program to determine if this is an option)
  • Experienced Maryland Approved Nonpublic School Teachers must submit one of the following measures:
    • edTPA (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • PPAT (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • A National Board Certificate
    • An effective rating on a Maryland local school system performance evaluation if the applicant is employed under a Temporary Professional License
  • Out-of-State Teacher Preparation Program Completers
    • edTPA (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • PPAT (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • A National Board Certificate
    • An effective rating on a Maryland local school system performance evaluation if the applicant is employed under a Temporary Professional License
  • Out-of-State Professional License Holders
    • edTPA (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • PPAT (any scorable assessment will be accepted)
    • A National Board Certificate
    • An effective rating on a Maryland local school system performance evaluation if the applicant is employed under a Temporary Professional License
  • National Board Certificate Holder- no performance assessment required
​September 1, 2026
​The State Board of Education will determine the passing scores for the edTPA and PPAT assessments

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