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No other Praxis guide gives you: • 3 full-length real PPST exams in the book and downloadable to your

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The Praxis™ website is the easiest way to get the latest news and information. It’s where you can find the information you need — when you need it!

At www.ets.org/praxis, you can:Learn about the Praxis I® (PPST®) and Praxis II® Subject tests

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The praxis series official guide.—2nd ed. p. cm. ISBN-13: 978-0-07-162656-9 ISBN-10: 0-07-162656-5 ISBN-13: 978-0-07-162660-6 ISBN-10: 0-07-162660-3 1. Pre-Professional Skills Tests—Study guides. 2. Principles of Learning and Teaching Test—Study guides. 3. Teachers—Certification—United States. I. Educational Testing Service. LB2367.75.P735 2010 370.76—dc22 2009030258

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1

!

PART I

Getting Started

Your Goals for This Part:

• Identify the purposes and components of Praxis I ®, Praxis II ®, and Praxis III ®

tests.

• Review basic information on test registration and scoring for Praxis I andPraxis II tests.

• Learn general test-preparation strategies to apply to Praxis™ tests.

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CHAPTER 1

Introducing the PraxisTM Tests

The Praxis Series™ Assessments provide tests and other services that states use as part of their teaching licensing certification process. The Praxis I ® tests measure basic academic skills. The Praxis II ® tests measure general and subject-specific knowl-edge and teaching skills. The Praxis III ® tests assess classroom performance.

PRAXIS I PRE-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TESTS (PPST®)

The PPST Reading, Writing, and Mathematics tests are designed to be taken early in a student’s college career. They measure whether the student has the academic skills needed to prepare for a career in education. The tests are available in a paper-based or computer-based format.

About the PPST

The PPST reflect the most current research and the professional judgment and experi-ence of educators across the country. This group of tests includes the following:

!3

Test SubjectTest Name and Code

Length of Test

Major Content Areas Covered and Approximate Number and Percentage of Questions in Each Area

Reading

Computerized Pre-Professional Skills Test: Reading (5710)

75 minutes • Literal Comprehension (21 questions, 45%)

• Critical and Inferential Comprehension (25 questions, 55%)

Pre-Professional Skills Test: Reading (0710)

60 minutes • Literal Comprehension (18 questions, 45%)

• Critical and Inferential Comprehension (22 questions, 55%)

(Continued)

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Length of Test


Writing

Computerized Pre-Professional Skills Test: Writing (5720)

68 minutes (38 minutes multiple-choice, 30 minutes essay)

• Grammatical Relationships (15 questions, 17%)

• Structural Relationships (16 questions, 18.5%)

• Word Choice and Mechanics(13 questions, 14.5%)

• Essay (1 question, 50%)Pre-Professional Skills Test: Writing (0720)

60 minutes (30 minutes multiple-choice, 30 minutes essay)

• Grammatical Relationships (13 questions, 17%)

• Structural Relationships (14 questions, 18.5%)

• Word Choice and Mechanics(11 questions, 14.5%)

• Essay (1 question, 50%)Note: A pencil or pen can be used to write the essay for the paper-based test.

Mathematics Computerized Pre-Professional Skills Test: Mathematics (5730)

75 minutes • Number and Operations (15 questions, 32.5%)

• Algebra (9 questions, 20%)• Geometry and

Measurement (10 questions, 22.5%)

• Data Analysis and Probability (12 questions, 25%)

Note: Calculators are prohibited.

4" THE PRAXIS SERIES OFFICIAL GUIDE

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PRAXIS II PRINCIPLES OF LEARNING AND TEACHING (PLT), ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, AND SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS

Praxis II is for individuals entering the teaching profession, who take these tests as part of the teacher licensing and certification process required by many states. These tests are different from the Praxis I tests as they assess both subject matter knowledge and teaching skills.

Principles of Learning and Teaching

The Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) tests are designed to assess a prospective teacher’s knowledge of a broad range of job-related topics. Students typically attain such knowledge in undergraduate courses in educational psychol-ogy, human growth and development, classroom management, instructional design and delivery techniques, evaluation and assessment, and other areas of professional preparation. Educational Testing Service (ETS) has aligned the content of this test with principles developed by INTASC (Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium) and published in the INTASC Model Standards. To develop test questions for the PLT tests, ETS works in collaboration with teacher educators and higher education content specialists to keep the test updated and representative of current standards.


Length of Test


Mathematics Pre-Professional Skills Test: Mathematics(0730)

60 minutes • Number and Operations (13 questions, 32.5%)

• Algebra (8 questions, 20%)• Geometry and

Measurement (9 questions, 22.5%)

• Data Analysis and Probability (10 questions, 25%)

Note: Calculators are prohibited.

INTRODUCING THE PRAXIS TM TESTS !5

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6! THE PRAXIS SERIES OFFICIAL GUIDE

There are four Principles of Learning and Teaching tests:

Principles of Learning and Teaching: Early ChildhoodPrinciples of Learning and Teaching: Grades K–6Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 5–9Principles of Learning and Teaching: Grades 7–12

Elementary Education

The Elementary Education tests are a series of three tests, two in multiple-choice format and one that requires written answers. The first test assesses prospective elementary teachers’ understanding of curriculum, instruction, and assessment in the major K–6 subject areas. The second test measures knowledge of content in Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. The third test assesses content knowledge in a more open-ended, constructed-response format.

Subject Assessments

Praxis II Subject Assessment tests measure knowledge of specific subjects that K–12 educators teach, as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge.

Individuals entering the teaching profession take these tests as part of the teacher licensing and certification process required by many states. A number of professional associations and organizations require these tests as one criterion for professional licensing decisions.

Teaching Foundations tests, which are part of Praxis II: Subject Assessments, measure pedagogy in five areas: multisubject (elementary), English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Science.

PRAXIS III ASSESSMENTS

Praxis III Classroom Performance Assessments comprise a system for assessing the skills of beginning teachers in classroom settings. ETS developed Praxis III assess-ments for states or local agencies to use in teacher licensing decisions. Under the guidelines that govern its use, Praxis III may not be used to make employment decisions about teachers who are currently licensed.

This direct classroom assessment recognizes the importance of the teaching context as well as the many diverse forms that excellent teaching can take. The Praxis III system uses a three-pronged method to assess the beginning teacher’s competence and success in the classroom. This includes direct observation of classroom practice, review of documentation prepared by the teacher, and semi-structured interviews.

The Praxis III assessment is not just a test. It is comprised of three separate, yet strongly interconnected components. Individually, each component augments the

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INTRODUCING THE PRAXIS TM TESTS !7

value of the assessment. Collectively, the system offers a thorough understanding of the teaching skills of a beginning teacher. The Praxis III assessment also provides insights into pedagogical areas in which a teacher may benefit from additional development.

• Component 1: Framework of knowledge and skills for a beginning teacher that assess the teaching performance across all grade levels and content areas.

• Component 2: Instruments used by trained assessors to collect data, analyze, and score the teacher’s performance.

• Component 3: Training of assessors to facilitate consistent, accurate, and fair assessments of a beginning teacher.

Beginning teachers residing and planning to teach in states that require Praxis III: Classroom Performance Assessments as part of the criteria for teacher licensing decisions have their teaching skills assessed in classroom settings by trained assessors.

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CHAPTER 1

2 Study Guide for the French: World Language Test

Introduction to the French: World Language TestThe Praxis™ French: World Language test assesses beginning teachers’ understanding of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for teaching French. Educational Testing Service (ETS) has selected the content of this test using resources such as the Standards For Foreign Language Learning. ETS also refers to current practices as specified by American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Language, such as National Standards For Foreign Language Education. In developing assessment material for these tests, ETS works in collaboration with teacher educators, higher education content specialists, and accomplished practicing teachers to keep the test updated and representative of current standards.

The French: World Language test (5174) consists of 75 multiple-choice questions, 3 written responses, and 3 spoken responses and covers 5 major areas, in the following proportions:

Categories that will appear on your score report

Approximate Number of Questions

Approximate Percentage of Examination

I. Interpretive Mode: LISTENING Including embedded linguistic content

30 multiple- choice

27%

II. Interpretive Mode: READING Including embedded linguistic content

30 multiple-choice 27%

III. Cultural Knowledge (Tested in Sections 1 and 2)

15 multiple- choice

14%

IV. Interpersonal and Presentational WRITING3 written responses

16%

V. Presentational and Interpersonal SPEAKING3 spoken responses

16%

Test takers have 2 hours 45 minutes to complete the test.

The test is not intended to assess teaching skills but rather fundamental knowledge in the major areas of French. Dictionaries and electronic devices are NOT allowed.



Cette page tirée du livre The Official Study Guide French: World Language Test Code: 5174 © 2010 ETS

CHAPTER 3

General Strategies for Test-Takers

GENERAL TEST PREPARATION STRATEGIES

Praxis tests contain a mixture of types of questions. Some of these are simple identification questions, such as “What is the name of the shape shown above?” Other questions require you to analyze situations, synthesize material, and apply knowledge to specific examples. In short, they require you to think and solve prob-lems. This type of question is usually longer than a simple identification question and takes more time to answer. You may be presented with something to read (a description of a classroom situation, a sample of student work, a chart or graph) and then asked to answer questions based on your reading. Good reading skills are required, and you must read carefully.

Strengthen Your Reading Skills

Both on these tests and as a teacher, you will need to process and use what you read efficiently. If you know that your reading skills are not strong, you may want to take a reading course. Community colleges and night schools often have reading labs that can help you strengthen your reading skills.

Find Out the Test Specifications in Advance

Praxis multiple-choice test content specifications for a multiple-choice test can be found in the Tests at a Glance available on the Praxis Web site, at www.ets.org/praxis/testprep. You may have heard there are several different test “forms” (or versions of the same test). It’s true. You might take one version of the test in January, and your friend might take a different version of the test in April. The two of you will have different questions covering the same subject area. But the tests are “parallel”—they measure the same content domain, because both are built to the same specifications. ETS continually monitors the performance of test-takers to ensure that all test forms measure content knowledge in the same ways.

The specifications are like a recipe for the test; every version of the test covers the same specifications and contains the same proportion of questions on each topic. This coverage makes the test parallel from form to form. The actual questions may be different (a question on the Civil War may ask you about the surrender at Appomattox on one test form, and about Sherman’s March to the Sea on another test form), but the content coverage will still be that required by the specifications (in this case, a question on a significant event of the Civil War).

!11

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The specifications lists within the Tests at a Glance, called “Topics Covered,” contain the percent of the whole test that each topic will represent. The greater the percent, the more questions there will be on that topic, and the greater your knowledge of that area will need to be. Knowing the test specifications in advance can help you guide your study.

Learn to Pace Yourself as You Answer Questions

To help pace yourself through a test, try answering the practice questions in this study guide several times. You may want to use the practice questions to identify areas in which you need more studying, but you should also answer the practice questions several times without worrying about “content” issues. Instead, your goal should be simply to get used to taking the test. Time yourself, and notice the amount of concentration you need to stay focused on the test for the duration of the testing period. Discover the level of pacing that works best for you, and take the test until the pacing starts to feel natural.

STRATEGIES FOR TAKING PRAXIS TESTS

Useful Facts About the Tests

1. You can answer the questions in any order. You can go through the questions from beginning to end, as many test-takers do, or you can create your own path. Perhaps you will want to answer questions in your strongest subject first and then move from your strengths to your weaker areas. There is no right or wrong way. Use the approach that works for you.

2. Don’t worry about answer patterns. One test-taking myth claims that answers on multiple-choice tests follow patterns. Another myth insists that there will never be more than two questions with the same lettered answer following each other. There is no truth to either of these myths. Select the answer you think is correct based on your knowledge of the subject.

3. There is no penalty for guessing. Your test score is based on the number of correct answers you have, and incorrect answers do not count against you. When you don’t know the answer to a question on a multiple-choice test, try to eliminate any obviously wrong answers and then guess at the correct one.

4. It’s OK to write in your test booklet. If you are taking the paper-based version of a test, you can work problems right on the pages of the booklet, make notes to yourself, or mark questions you want to review later. Your test booklet will be destroyed after you have finished with it, so use it in any way that is helpful to you. If you are taking the PPST test on a computer, you can work problems on scratch paper, and you can click the “Mark” button to note questions for later review.

Ch03_p011-016.indd 12 8/21/09 10:18:00 AM



Smart Tips for Taking the Tests

1. Put your answers in the right “bubbles.” It seems obvious, but if you are taking the paper-based version of a multiple-choice test, you should make sure you are “bubbling in” the answer to the right question on your answer sheet. Check the question number each time you fill in an answer. Use a Number 2 lead pencil, and be sure that each mark is heavy and dark, and completely fills the answer space. If you change an answer, be sure the previous mark is erased completely. For the PPST computer-based version, be sure the circle next to your chosen answer is dark after you have clicked on it.

2. Be prepared for questions that use the words LEAST, EXCEPT, or NOT. Some questions may ask you to select the choice that doesn’t fit or that contains information that is not true. Questions in this format use the words LEAST, EXCEPT, or NOT. The words are capitalized when they appear in test questions. This alerts you to the fact that you are looking for the single answer choice that is different in some specified way from the other answer choices. Here is an example of a question in this format that might be on the math part of the PPST:

Some values of x are less than 100.

Which of the following is NOT consistent with the sentence above?

(A) 5 is not a value of x.(B) 95 is a value of x.(C) Some values of x are greater than 100.(D) All values of x are less than 100.(E) No numbers less than 100 are values of x.

Note that the PPST offers you five answer choices. On most Praxis II tests, you will see four choices though some tests have five.

In the question above, four of the five sentences are consistent with the boxed sentence, and one is NOT. The sentence that is NOT consistent is the correct answer choice—in this case, (E). If no numbers less than 100 are values of x, as stated in (E), there will not be at least one value of x less than 100, as stated in the boxed sentence.

When you encounter a NOT, LEAST, or EXCEPT question, it is a good idea to reread the question after you select your answer to make sure that you have answered the question correctly.

3. Skip the questions you find to be extremely difficult. There are bound to be some questions that you think are hard. Rather than trying to answer these on your first pass through the test, leave them blank and mark

GENERAL STRATEGIES FOR TEST-TAKERS !13

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them in your test booklet so that you can come back to them. (If you are taking the PPST on a computer, you can click the “Mark” button to mark a question and then use the “Review” listing to see which questions you have marked and/or left unanswered.) Pay attention to the time as you answer the rest of the questions on the test. Try to finish with 10 or 15 minutes remaining so that you can go back over the questions that you left blank. Even if you don’t know the answers the second time around, see whether you can narrow down the possible answers, and then guess.

4. Keep track of the time. For paper-based tests, wear a watch, just in case the clock in the test room is difficult for you to see. (For the computer-based version of the PPST tests, there is a clock on the screen.) Remember that on an average you have a little more than 1! minutes to answer each of the questions. One and one-half (1!) minutes may not seem like much time, but you will be able to answer many questions in only a few seconds each. You will probably have plenty of time to answer all the questions, but if you find yourself becoming bogged down in one section, move on and come back to that section later.

5. Read all the possible answers before selecting one. Then reread the question to be sure the answer you have selected really answers the ques-tion being asked.

6. Check your answers. If you have extra time left over at the end of the test, look over each question. Make sure you have filled in the “bubble” on the answer sheet (or on the computer screen) as you intended. Many test-takers make careless mistakes that could have been corrected if they had checked their answers.

7. Don’t worry about your score as you take the test. No one expects you to get all the questions correct. This is not like the SAT® or other similar tests, where a higher score means a better chance for success. On this test your score does not matter as long as you pass. If you meet the minimum passing scores for your state or district, you will have fulfilled the requirement.

Do Tests Make You Nervous? Try These Strategies

It’s natural to be nervous before a test such as the Praxis tests. You can use your nervous energy to strengthen your performance if you approach the test with these facts in mind:

• There are no trick questions on the test. (Some questions may be difficult for you, but they were not written in order to trick you or other test-takers.)

• You should have plenty of time to complete the test. The times allotted for the tests are designed to be adequate. You should not feel rushed.

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• Test developers have worded the test questions very carefully and reviewed them many times to make sure they are clear. If a question seems confusing at first, take some time to reread it more slowly.

• You have choices during the test. You can skip a question and come back to it later. You can change your answer to any ques-tion at any time during the testing session. You can mark questionsyou want to return to later.

The Day of the Test. You should complete your review process a day or two before the actual test date. Remember, many clichés you may have heard about the day of the test are true. You should:

• Be well rested

• Take photo identification with you

• Take a supply of No. 2 pencils (at least three) if you are taking a paper-based test

• Eat before you take the test

• Be prepared to stand in line to check in or to wait while other test-takers are being checked in

You can’t control the testing situation, but you can control yourself. Stay calm. The supervisors are well trained and make every effort to provide uniform testing conditions, but don’t let it bother you if the test doesn’t start exactly on time. You will have the necessary amount of time once it does start.

Think of preparing for the test as you would train for an athletic event. Once you’ve trained and prepared and rested, give it every-thing you’ve got. Good luck.

GENERAL STRATEGIES FOR TEST-TAKERS !15

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Documents

Education/Study Guides The People Who Make the Test! Praxisto expect—whether you’re taking the PPST® to begin your teaching career, the PLT to demonstrate your professional expertise,