GACE Directory for Georgia Professional Standards Commission (PSC) and National Evaluation Systems (NES) Latest Update

The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) is an essential element of Georgia's educator certification process. Managed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC), the GACE program assesses the knowledge and skills of prospective educators in Georgia. These assessments are crucial to ensure that candidates entering the education profession possess the necessary qualifications to teach in Georgia's schools. In this article, we will explore the latest developments regarding the GACE program, including its partnership with National Evaluation Systems (NES), upcoming changes, and key updates for the future of educator certification in Georgia.

Overview of GACE and the GaPSC

The GaPSC is responsible for overseeing and managing educator certification, preparation programs, and professional standards in the state of Georgia. As part of its mission, the GaPSC established the GACE to assess the knowledge and skills of individuals seeking certification to teach in Georgia’s public schools. The GACE consists of a series of assessments in various content areas such as elementary education, special education, and subject-specific exams, designed to test a candidate's competence and preparedness for teaching.

Since its inception, the GACE program has undergone various updates and changes to maintain its relevance to the evolving education landscape. The most recent development involves a transition to a new testing partner, Evaluation Systems (ES), a division of Pearson, to help modernize the testing process and enhance the delivery of assessments.

Transition to Evaluation Systems of Pearson (ES)

In the latest update from the GaPSC, it was announced that, starting July 1, 2025, the GACE assessments will be administered by Pearson's Evaluation Systems (ES). This shift marks a significant change in how GACE assessments are conducted, as Pearson will bring a range of new innovations to the program, making it more aligned with the needs of Georgia’s education system. The transition to ES is designed to improve testing services, streamline the administration process, and provide more support and flexibility for both candidates and administrators.

The GaPSC emphasized that the GACE program, including registration, testing schedules, and policies, will remain unchanged until the transition is completed in July 2025. This means that candidates who are currently in the process of preparing for or taking the GACE exams should follow the existing guidelines and procedures. However, it is expected that with the new administration partner, the GACE program will see various enhancements that will impact both the testing experience and certification process.

Enhancements to the GACE Assessments

One of the most notable changes in the new GACE program is the introduction of a "testlet" design. This design involves breaking the assessments into smaller, focused sections or "testlets." Candidates will be able to take individual testlets at different times, providing more flexibility in how they approach their exams. This design also helps to provide better insight into candidates' performance on specific content areas, allowing for more detailed and accurate results.

The testlet approach offers several advantages. First, it allows candidates to take assessments in a way that accommodates their schedules. They will no longer need to complete a long, comprehensive exam in one sitting. Instead, they will be able to tackle smaller portions of the exam over time. Additionally, the testlet approach allows candidates to focus on specific content areas, providing more precise feedback on areas where they may need to improve. This innovation aims to reduce test fatigue and improve the overall testing experience.

Furthermore, the new GACE assessments will feature a more robust array of preparation resources. Pearson will provide online study guides, interactive practice tests, and instructional materials to help candidates prepare effectively for their exams. These resources are designed to align closely with the GACE test content and help candidates gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed.

The Impact of Georgia's Literacy Act

Another key update that will affect GACE candidates is the requirement for all initial teaching field candidates to take a separate literacy assessment starting on July 1, 2025. This mandate comes in response to the Georgia Early Literacy Act (HB538), which was passed to ensure that teachers are equipped with the necessary skills to address the literacy needs of their students.

The literacy assessment will be in addition to the content-specific GACE exams that candidates are already required to take. This means that candidates will have to demonstrate their competency in literacy instruction in addition to their expertise in other subject areas, such as math, science, and social studies. The goal of this requirement is to ensure that all Georgia educators are prepared to teach literacy effectively, which is a critical component of student success.

The new literacy assessments will test candidates on their understanding of early literacy development, instructional strategies for teaching reading and writing, and other literacy-related topics. These assessments are expected to be a significant part of the certification process, and candidates will need to ensure they are well-prepared for this additional requirement.

Participation Opportunities for Georgia Educators

The GaPSC is also encouraging Georgia educators to participate in the development of the new GACE assessments by applying through the designated platform. This participation involves reviewing test materials and providing feedback on the assessments to ensure they are fair, equitable, and aligned with Georgia's standards for educator preparation.

By involving Georgia educators in the assessment development process, the GaPSC aims to create a more reflective and accurate representation of the skills and knowledge required for successful teaching in Georgia's classrooms. This initiative also allows educators to have a direct influence on the design of the assessments and ensures that the GACE program continues to evolve in line with the needs of both educators and students.

Future of the GACE Program

With the upcoming changes to the GACE program, there is much anticipation regarding how the new testing system will impact educator certification in Georgia. The transition to Pearson’s Evaluation Systems (ES) is expected to bring a range of innovations that will enhance both the testing experience and the preparation process. The introduction of the testlet design, new literacy assessments, and a wider array of preparation materials will provide candidates with more flexibility, better insights into their performance, and greater support in their pursuit of certification.

Moreover, the involvement of Georgia educators in the development of the new assessments is a promising step toward ensuring that the GACE program remains relevant, fair, and reflective of the state’s educational standards. The updates to the GACE program align with broader efforts in Georgia to improve teacher preparation, enhance the quality of education, and ensure that all students have access to highly qualified educators.

Conclusion

The GACE program is undergoing significant changes that will impact both prospective educators and the broader education community in Georgia. The partnership with Pearson’s Evaluation Systems (ES), the introduction of a testlet-based exam format, and the new literacy assessments all represent forward-thinking steps aimed at improving the certification process and preparing educators for the challenges of teaching in today’s schools. As Georgia continues to prioritize high standards for educator preparation, the latest updates to the GACE program provide an exciting opportunity for teachers, administrators, and students alike. These changes are set to shape the future of educator certification and support the development of a highly skilled workforce of teachers who will contribute to student success across the state.