RALEIGH, N.C. -- Before teachers can get a job grading students, they have to ace tests of their own. In North Carolina, the math assessment in particular is causing some concern for some hopeful educators.

• From 2011 to 2014, the pass rate percentages for the state were in the high 80's with a test called the Praxis
• When the state switched to the Foundations of Mathematics, the pass rate in the state dropped 54.5 percent
• State Board of Education members will look into whether the current test is best serving the needs of the state

"When I took it the first time, I did not pass," said current Wake County teacher Bria Wright. "I think I was two points away from passing and I was devastated."

North Carolina used to offer a test called the Praxis. From 2011 to 2014, the pass rate percentages for the state were in the high 80's.

In 2014-15, when the state switched to a test from Pearson called the Foundations of Mathematics, the pass rate in the state dropped sharply, with a 54.5 percent pass rate in 2016-2017. 

"It was a topic of discussion at our national convention, the NEA Convention in Minneapolis this summer, about the Pearson assessment and the fail rate of the exams and how curriculum is not aligned with the assessment so this is not just a North Carolina issue," said NCAE President Mark Jewell. "It's been happening in other states." 

During last week's State Board of Education meeting, members said a sub-committee will now look into whether this current test is best serving the needs of North Carolina. (Presentation can be viewed here)

"Something more so qualitative than quantitative because again, you can't tell just how someone is going to be as a teacher just based on how they perform on this math test," Wright said.