Title: Preparing for the Praxis II Subject Assessments

Short Description:
This course is designed to prepare you for The Praxis II Subject Assessments by concentrating on three keys to success: understanding the exams, preparing for the exams, and developing a “Praxis State of Mind.” Students learn to read test questions critically, prepare targeted study plans, and get tips that will improve their chances of passing.

Full Description:
The Praxis II Series consists of the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT), Multiple Subjects Assessment for Teachers (MSAT), and Specialty Area Tests. The Praxis II Subject Assessments measure your general and subject-specific pedagogical skills and knowledge. In other words, the exams test your knowledge of the subjects you will teach. Praxis II examinations are required for teaching licensure in many states and provides information to colleges and prospective employers about your level of professional and general knowledge.

Two kinds of tests comprise The Praxis Series Subject Assessments: multiple choice (for which you select your answer from a list of choices) and constructed response (for which you write a response of your own). This course will prepare you for the Praxis II tests by helping you understand the both kinds of tests, guide you in preparing for the tests and helping you get into a "Praxis State of Mind" when preparing for and taking the test. This will be accomplished through a combination of reading activities, action steps, review activities, test-taking tips, and practice questions. This course does not include information or practice materials for any particular test.

The course is self-paced and delivered online with minimum instructor interaction. The instructor is available to provide clarification and support via e-mail, and by prior arrangement, over the telephone or through chat. You will need access to a computer, an Internet connection, and a printer. There are no required textbooks, but appropriate study guides should be ordered from ETS and supplemental study materials may be recommended on an individual basis.

Outcomes:
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

1. Access policies related to licensure and the Praxis II exams for your state.

2. Locate and follow procedures for registering for the Praxis II exams.

3. Follow the policies and procedures that govern the Praxis II exams.

4. List the items you need at the testing center.

5. Use Tests at a Glance to assess your strengths and weaknesses.

6. Use Tests at a Glance to guide your test preparation.

7. Construct a targeted study plan.

8. Identify different question structures and identify strategies useful in answering them.

9. Use strategies to help improve the odds of getting a correct answer on multiple choice questions.

10. Use answer-writing strategies to improve performance on constructed response questions.

11. Recognize clues to critical content knowledge needed to answer multiple choice and constructed response questions.

12. Develop a "Praxis State of Mind" and use it to deal with test anxiety before and during the Praxis II exams.

Assessment:
The student will:

1. Complete a series of action steps that will include downloading and using test preparation materials from ETS.

2. Construct a targeted study plan using materials secured in the actions steps of assessment one.

3. On the targeted study plan constructed in assessment two, schedule study sessions, and indicate when he or she will study each topic on the test.

4. Construct his or her own action plan for dealing with test anxiety.

Week 1: Understanding the Praxis II Exams

In the first week, you will learn the answers to frequently asked questions about the Praxis Series Assessments. For example, what is licensure? Why does my state require the Praxis Series Assessments? Where can I find out the passing score required for The Praxis Series Assessments in my state? What kinds of tests are the Praxis Series Subject Assessments? What do the tests measure? How were these tests developed? Are there any study guides available for the test I will be taking? How do I register for the tests? What do I need to take to the testing center? What do I do to cancel my score? I have a documented learning disability, how can I apply for an accommodation for my disability? We will also look at the more controversial questions about the exams. For example, are the tests a fair, valid, and reliable assessment of my potential as a teacher?

Week 2: Preparing for the Praxis II Exams

During the second week, we will look at the content of the exams and you will take the first steps towards serious, focused content review in preparation for the exams. You will download Tests at a Glance and use the Praxis II study guides for your content area. These publications will be used to help assess your strengths and weaknesses and pinpoint the topics you need to work on the most. Next, you will make connection what is tested and the resources you need to study for the test. This is done by guiding you through the creation of a personal targeted study plan. The final part of creating your targeted study plan will be assigning priorities, scheduling your study sessions, and indicating when you will study each topic on the test.

Week 3: Developing a “Praxis State of Mind”

By the third week, you will have seen a lot of detailed information about the content of the exams, but there is one issue left to consider - mental preparation and test anxiety. In the final week, you will develop a "Praxis State of Mind" and learn how to use that mental stance to improve test performance. Much of test anxiety has nothing to do with how well or poorly prepared you are. We will learn about the real causes of test anxiety and take specific steps to put your fears into perspective and set them aside.

Finally, it is important to understand your level of test anxiety before you begin your targeted studying. Reducing test anxiety is something you should integrate into your exam preparation, not something you think about the night before the test.