MoGEA for Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and Pearson Education, Inc. Latest Update

The Missouri General Education Assessment (MoGEA) has been a key component in the state’s educator certification process for many years. The MoGEA was designed to assess the academic skills of prospective teachers to ensure that they possess the necessary foundation in core subjects like reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Administered by Pearson Education, Inc. under the direction of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the MoGEA was once a mandatory requirement for admission into educator preparation programs in Missouri.

However, significant changes to the MoGEA took effect as of July 1, 2024, when the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) announced that the MoGEA would no longer be required for admission into Missouri’s educator preparation programs. This change has impacted prospective teachers, educational institutions, and the broader Missouri education system. The decision to discontinue the MoGEA requirement is part of broader reforms intended to streamline the educator preparation and certification process while still ensuring that teachers are well-prepared to meet the needs of students.

The MoGEA and Its Role in Missouri’s Educator Certification Process

The MoGEA was introduced to assess whether prospective teachers possess the essential skills needed to succeed in an educator preparation program. It consisted of multiple subtests that covered a variety of content areas: reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. Each subtest was designed to evaluate a candidate’s proficiency in the foundational knowledge needed to be an effective educator.

The assessments were typically required for individuals who wished to enter Missouri’s teacher preparation programs at colleges and universities across the state. By passing the MoGEA, prospective educators demonstrated that they were ready to engage in the academic rigor required for teacher preparation. This system ensured that those entering the teaching profession were equipped with the basic academic skills necessary to succeed both in their educational programs and later in their classrooms.

The decision to discontinue the MoGEA requirement marks a significant shift in Missouri’s approach to teacher certification. Previously, the MoGEA served as a barrier for many individuals interested in entering the teaching profession. The assessment process required candidates to meet certain passing scores across all subtests, which could be a challenge for some individuals. In many cases, this requirement created an additional layer of complexity for those aspiring to become educators.

Discontinuation of MoGEA Requirement: Key Updates

One of the most significant updates from DESE and Pearson Education is the discontinuation of the MoGEA as a requirement for admission to educator preparation programs in Missouri. Starting from July 1, 2024, candidates no longer need to take and pass the MoGEA before applying to programs at Missouri’s colleges and universities. This change was made in response to concerns about the barrier the MoGEA created for some prospective teachers, particularly those who may have struggled with one or more subtests, despite being qualified in other ways to become effective educators.

While this change is significant, it does not mean that teacher preparation programs have become less rigorous or that academic standards have been lowered. Educator preparation programs continue to evaluate candidates through other means, including interviews, portfolio submissions, and other assessments that focus on the candidate’s abilities, academic preparedness, and teaching potential. The decision to remove the MoGEA as an admissions requirement reflects the shift in focus from standardized testing to a more holistic approach in evaluating prospective teachers.

Changes to Specific MoGEA Subtests

One of the updates that candidates need to be aware of is the specific subtests that have been removed from the MoGEA requirements. As part of the reform, the Science and Social Studies subtests (Test Code 069) are no longer required for program admission. These subtests were part of the broader assessment designed to evaluate candidates' understanding of subjects like scientific reasoning, environmental science, history, geography, and government. While these subjects are still part of the teacher preparation curriculum, they will no longer be used as a screening mechanism for program entry.

This change reflects a broader trend in education policy toward reducing the reliance on standardized testing as the primary method for evaluating the qualifications of prospective teachers. It also aims to reduce the pressure on students who might not have excelled in these specific areas but are still capable of being successful and effective educators. The new policies are intended to provide greater flexibility and opportunity for a diverse range of candidates to enter the teaching profession without facing the additional hurdle of passing a standardized exam in these content areas.

Impact on Prospective Educators and Teacher Preparation Programs

The discontinuation of the MoGEA requirement is likely to have a broad impact on both prospective educators and the teacher preparation programs they wish to enter. For prospective educators, the removal of the MoGEA requirement may lower the barriers to entry into the profession. Many individuals who may have been discouraged from pursuing a teaching career due to the MoGEA requirement may now find it easier to apply to educator preparation programs.

Additionally, the change could lead to a more diverse pool of candidates applying for teacher preparation programs. The MoGEA’s removal may open the door for individuals from a variety of backgrounds who may not have performed well on standardized tests but possess strong teaching potential. This shift in policy could lead to a more inclusive and representative teaching workforce that better reflects the diversity of students in Missouri’s schools.

On the other hand, teacher preparation programs will need to adapt to these changes. Without the MoGEA as an admissions requirement, institutions will need to find new ways to assess the academic qualifications and teaching potential of applicants. This may include implementing new forms of assessments, relying on interviews, and increasing focus on practical experiences like student teaching and internships.

Testing History and Access for Previous Candidates

For individuals who have already taken the MoGEA, there is an update regarding their testing history. Examinees who took a MEGA assessment administered by Evaluation Systems before June 23, 2024, can still access their testing history through their accounts. This history will be reported as a pass/fail status and will remain available for those who took the assessment on or before this date. This allows those who have already completed portions of the MoGEA to see their results and to potentially use their past achievements for certification or other purposes.

The Future of Teacher Certification in Missouri

The decision to discontinue the MoGEA is part of a broader trend in the state of Missouri to reassess and reform the teacher certification process. The MoGEA was a valuable tool for many years, but the state’s evolving priorities reflect a desire to better meet the needs of future educators and their students.

This change aligns with a growing understanding that effective teaching is about more than just standardized test scores. It is about a candidate’s ability to connect with students, demonstrate critical thinking skills, and foster a positive learning environment. As Missouri transitions away from the MoGEA as an admissions requirement, it will likely continue to refine and enhance its teacher preparation programs to focus on these essential qualities.

The future of teacher certification in Missouri will likely focus on creating more diverse pathways into the teaching profession, supporting candidates with varied backgrounds and experiences. The state’s commitment to ensuring high standards for educators remains strong, even without the MoGEA as a barrier to entry.

In conclusion, the discontinuation of the MoGEA requirement represents a significant shift in Missouri’s approach to educator certification. By eliminating the MoGEA as an admissions requirement, Missouri aims to make it easier for qualified candidates to enter the teaching profession and contribute to the state’s diverse educational landscape. With these changes, Missouri is moving toward a more holistic approach to teacher preparation that focuses on the broader qualities and potential of future educators, rather than relying solely on standardized testing.