States are raising expectations for new teachers at the same time schools face persistent staffing challenges, putting unprecedented pressure on educator licensure systems to deliver both rigor and accessibility. The question facing states and preparation programs isn’t whether standards matter, but how to uphold them while offering more flexibility for qualified candidates. 

To meet this moment, ETS has launched Praxis Steps, the first national modular approach to teacher licensure assessment. Praxis Steps will give candidates more flexible, transparent ways to demonstrate content knowledge, without sacrificing the trust states place in Praxis. 

We spoke with Vince Dean, Associate Vice President of Praxis at ETS, about what this new offering means for the educator pipeline, why now is the right time to innovate, and how ETS is modernizing teacher licensure assessment while staying true to what Praxis is known for. 

What impact do you see Praxis Steps having on the educator pipeline, and why now? 

Dean: Praxis Steps is designed to strengthen the educator pipeline in ways that better serve candidates, states, or preparation programs, while keeping licensure standards firmly intact. For the first time, candidates can complete an assessment either in one sitting or through smaller, focused content areas, what we call Steps, with the ability to retake only the areas they don’t pass. Praxis Steps launches with the Praxis Elementary Education Fundamentals tests, where expectations around readiness, particularly in early literacy, have never been higher. 

States are continually asking for stronger evidence of teacher readiness, and candidates need licensure systems that reflect how preparation actually happens. Praxis Steps aligns assessment with how candidates learn and progress, without changing what they’re required to know. 

You’ve said Praxis Steps responds directly to what states, preparation programs, and candidates are asking for. What were you hearing most clearly from those audiences? 

Dean: The messages we’ve been receiving from candidates, states and EPPs alike have been consistent: we need more flexibility and clarity, but not at the expense of rigor. 

States want to strengthen educator pipelines without lowering the bar and preparation programs want more actionable insight into where candidates are excelling or struggling. Candidates want transparency and pathways forward that don’t force them to repeat content areas where they’ve already demonstrated proficiency. 

Praxis Steps’ modular structure allows candidates to move forward more efficiently, retaking only the specific content areas they need. Step level performance data gives states and preparation programs clearer insight beyond a simple pass-fail result, helping them identify gaps earlier, provide targeted support, and better align preparation with licensure expectations.  

How does Praxis Steps preserve what Praxis is known for including quality, validity, and trust, while still modernizing the experience? 

Dean: Praxis Steps is built on the same research foundation and measurement science that have defined Praxis for decades. Assessment should reflect how people actually learn and grow. Modular approaches should improve precision in measurement without altering expectations by acknowledging the test taker’s unique strengths and providing the option to show improvement in other areas. Praxis Steps was designed around these key findings and logic. 

Praxis Steps doesn’t introduce shortcuts, rather it introduces smarter pathways. Candidates are still held to the same expectations for content knowledge; we’re simply expanding how they can demonstrate it. 

How does Praxis Steps help reduce barriers like cost, time, and anxiety, without lowering expectations for teacher readiness? 

Dean: The biggest difference is efficiency. When candidates don’t pass, they can retake only the specific content areas they need rather than repeating an entire assessment. That reduces unnecessary cost, shortens timelines, and lowers testing stress, while preserving the same rigorous expectations across every domain. It’s a more supportive licensure experience that helps candidates stay on track toward the classroom.  

Arkansas and West Virginia are early adopters, with Idaho signing on formally in the fall. What excites you about working with states that are engaging early in this model? 

Dean: These partnerships show that innovation and accountability can, and should, move together. Working with early adoption states allows us to learn alongside them, study outcomes, refine implementation, and share insights with other states considering modular licensure approaches. It also keeps readiness and student learning at the center of how teacher licensure evolves. 

Praxis Steps launches on the momentum of earlier innovations like Praxis Bridge. How does it advance that work, and where do you see ETS continuing to evolve next? 

Dean: Praxis Bridge and Praxis Steps are grounded in the same principle by reducing friction without lowering standards. Praxis Bridge supports candidates who narrowly miss passing by offering a targeted path forward. Praxis Steps expands on that philosophy from the start, giving teacher candidates multiple, transparent ways to complete licensure assessments, whether all at once or step by step. Together, they reflect ETS’s broader commitment to modernizing licensure systems so they’re flexible, data‑informed, and supportive of candidate progress while preserving the rigor and trust states depend on.