The Educational Testing Service (ETS) PRAXIS, or the PRAXIS series of exams, is a set of standardized tests intended to evaluate the knowledge and abilities of candidates pursuing teacher certification in the United States.
These tests are essential to the certification process since they assist in guaranteeing that aspiring teachers meet the minimum competency requirements needed to become qualified teachers.
Here Are Things To Know About PRAXIS:
Contents
Purpose of PRAXIS
Competency Assessment: The PRAXIS exam is a credible means of assessing a candidate’s readiness to teach. In order to assess individuals’ suitability for teaching, they look at a variety of general teaching abilities and subject-specific knowledge.
Teacher Certification: A teaching certificate is not granted in many states in the US unless the candidate passes the PRAXIS tests. To be eligible for certification, candidates need to pass the necessary tests with an acceptable score.
Professional Development: PRAXIS examinations can be used by educators who are currently employed in the field to show that they are competent in their subject areas and have undergone ongoing professional development. Retaking PRAXIS tests on a regular basis may be mandatory for practicing teachers in certain states and school districts.
Types of PRAXIS Exams
There are three primary types of PRAXIS exams:
PRAXIS Core Academic Skills for Educators (Core): This series contains reading, writing, and mathematics assessments that examine core skills required of teacher candidates. These tests might be necessary in some states for initial teacher certification.
PRAXIS Subject Assessments: These tests address certain subject areas, including science, math, social studies, and a range of teaching specialties. These exams are taken by candidates to show off their subject-matter expertise and instructional abilities in the field of their choice.
PRAXIS Performance Assessments: These tests assess a candidate’s preparedness for the classroom by analyzing their ability to teach. They often entail creating and presenting lesson plans, teaching videos, and written answers to teaching scenarios.
PRAXIS Content and Format
The content and format of PRAXIS exams vary depending on the type of exam taken, but they all contain the following characteristics:
Content
PRAXIS exam content is in line with both federal and state requirements. In terms of subject assessments, this refers to evaluating a candidate’s proficiency in the subject matter they plan to teach. Evaluating their capacity to apply their information in a classroom context is the goal of performance assessments.
Format
PRAXIS tests are given in a number of ways, such as essays, performance-based tasks, multiple-choice questions, and constructed responses. The format varies depending on the exam.
Exam scoring
PRAXIS scores are given on a scale, with individual states’ or institutions’ passing scores being established. Typically, scores are scaled, which means that the total number of correct responses is turned into a scaled score.
Preparation for PRAXIS Exams
Preparation is essential for PRAXIS exam success. The following are some essential strategies for candidates:
Study Resources: Official study guides, mock tests, and sample questions are all available from ETS. There are also a ton of books, online courses, and study guides from third parties available.
Practice Exams: By taking practice tests, applicants can get a feel for the format of the test and pinpoint their areas of weakness.
Content Review: An in-depth review of relevant subject matter and core academic skills is required. Candidates should assess their own strengths and limitations and concentrate on areas that require improvement.
Time management: Create and follow a study plan. Give each section enough time, and leave time for review.
Test-Taking Strategies: Learn how to approach various types of questions, manage time, and deal with test anxiety.
Significance of PRAXIS in Education
There are various reasons why the PRAXIS tests are important in the field of education.
Quality Assurance: Requiring teachers to pass PRAXIS exams ensures that educators meet minimum competency standards, thus enhancing the overall quality of education.
Certification: An essential part of being a certified teacher is passing the PRAXIS tests. An individual cannot become certified to teach in K–12 schools if they fail these exams.
Professional Development: By taking the PRAXIS exam, practicing teachers can show that they are competent in their subject areas and have continued to grow professionally.
Standardization: PRAXIS examinations offer a uniform way to evaluate the knowledge and abilities of teacher candidates, which facilitates comparisons across candidates from various institutions and backgrounds.
PRAXIS Exam Registration and Administration
Registration: Generally, candidates must first create an ETS account and choose the exams they want to take in order to register for the PRAXIS exams. The cost of registration varies according to the exam’s location and type. Late registration is frequently feasible but may result in additional costs.
Test Centers: PRAXIS examinations are given at approved testing centers spread across the US and a few other countries. Candidates are able to select a testing location that works for them.
Test Dates: Depending on the exam, there are several PRAXIS examinations available throughout the year at different dates. Applicants are free to select a date that works for their schedule and allows them enough time to get ready.
Accommodations: ETS offers extended testing periods, accessible exam formats, and other accommodations for those with disabilities. During registration, candidates with a verified disability may seek accommodations.
Scoring and Reporting
Scoring Scales: PRAXIS tests are scored on a scale ranging from 100 to 200. Each state and exam has a different passing score. Different states may require different passing marks on some tests.
Score Reporting: You will receive an email notifying you when your official score report is available, and it will be posted in your Praxis account on the score reporting date. Access to your scores will need you to create an account if you don’t already have one.
Score Recipients: Your scores will also be forwarded to the institutions or agencies you designated during the registration process (up to four at no additional cost) and to the state you tested in if it is an automatic score-reporting state.
Retaking PRAXIS Exams
The PRAXIS exam may be retaken by candidates who do not receive a passing score on the first attempt. When thinking about retaking PRAXIS tests, keep the following considerations in mind:
Retake Limits
Each state and institution may have its own restrictions about the number of times a candidate may retake a test. There are certain states that have a retake cap of one per calendar year.
Study and Review
Applicants ought to make the most of their first exam experience by using what they have learned. Reviewing areas of weakness and seeking additional preparation can increase the likelihood of success in retakes.
Scoring Policies
It’s essential to understand how the scoring policies for retakes work. Certain states might let applicants utilize their best score from several tries, while others would need a waiting time before allowing another try.
Alternative Certification Programs
Even if they fail the exam at first, some people can still go on to become teachers by completing other certification courses. These programs are intended for people who want to become teachers but have changed careers or have specialized knowledge in particular areas. The certification process may change slightly, even though completing PRAXIS tests is still typically necessary.
The Evolution of PRAXIS
The PRAXIS tests have developed over time to meet evolving educational requirements and needs. Exam content is reviewed and updated by ETS on a regular basis to reflect current teaching methods and curricular standards. This guarantees that PRAXIS tests continue to be useful and relevant for assessing potential teachers’ knowledge and abilities.
Recent News
The massive assessment company ETS is thinking of making major changes to its popular teacher licensing exam, which the corporation claims may help with the country’s teacher shortage. With 160 variants, the Praxis is the most widely utilized exam for teacher candidates pursuing certification in the majority of states.
As it stands now, the exams focus primarily on measuring candidates’ understanding of the content and material they want to teach, said Paul Gollash, general manager of K–12 business for ETS. Its main purpose is to provide prospective teachers with a cut score that indicates whether they passed or failed.
Gollash, however, believes that the test will continue to be used as a tool for gathering valuable data on the performance of aspiring teachers in a variety of subject areas. The nonprofit organization is now conducting research and developing testing strategies related to community participation, social-emotional learning, classroom management, and even instructors’ comfort level with technology.
