Demonstration of Proficiency Teaching Reading
Beginning July 1, 2025, professionally licensed teachers employed in a Maryland public school, Maryland-operated school, or Maryland nonpublic special education facility and assigned to teach early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or English for Speakers of Other Languages are required to demonstrate proficiency in the knowledge and practices of scientific reading instruction at the renewal of their Maryland Educator License by submitting one of the options below:
Approved Assessments
The following assessments are approved to demonstrate proficiency in teaching reading:
| Test Name | Test Code | Passing Score |
|---|---|---|
| Pearson Foundations of Reading | 090 or 190 or 890 | 240 |
| Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary | 5205 | 159 |
| Praxis Teaching Reading: Elementary Education (taken before September 1, 2019) | 5203 | 162 |
Approved Professional Learning
The following professional learning experiences are approved to demonstrate proficiency in teaching reading:
- State University of New York (SUNY) Micro-credential
- AIM Institute for Learning and Research Pathways to Proficient Reading: Secondary
- AIM Institute for Learning and Research Pathways to Literacy Leadership
- Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) 3rd Edition, Volumes 1 and 2, with a minimum score of 80% on both Volume 1 and Volume 2 end-of-volume post-tests
License holders enrolled in an approved professional learning experience when it is time to renew may submit documentation demonstrating enrollment with the renewal application. Completion of the professional learning must be submitted at the subsequent renewal.
FAQs
Demonstration of Proficiency Teaching Reading FAQs
If you passed one of the approved reading instruction assessments to earn initial licensure, you have already demonstrated proficiency in teaching reading.
Yes, if you are employed in a Maryland public school, Maryland-operated school, or Maryland nonpublic special education facility and assigned to teach early childhood education, elementary education, special education, or English for Speakers of Other Languages, you must demonstrate proficiency in teaching reading.
No. If you are working toward initial professional licensure in an area that requires a reading instruction assessment, you must take one of the approved assessments to earn licensure. Please refer to the Pathways to Licensure webpage for more information.