PRAXIS II The Best Teachers' Test Prep for the PRAXIS : Content Area Exercises

by Staff of Research Education Association

• ISBN13: 9780738603995
• ISBN10: 0738603996
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2009-08-07
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn

Summary

Get Teaching with REA's PRAXIS II Elementary Education (0012)Teacher Certification Test Prep! REA'sPRAXIS II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises (0012)test prep helps teacher candidates master the information they need to get their certification and start teaching! With a growing need for qualified teachers across the country, REA has added this new teacher certification title to our existing series of PRAXIS II Elementary Education test preps. The PRAXIS II (0012) rounds out the series that began with REA's PRAXIS II (0011) and PRAXIS II (0014) titles. The comprehensive review guides teacher candidates through all the topics found on the official PRAXIS II (0012) exam, including: Language Arts/Reading Mathematics Social Studies Science Interdisciplinary Instruction This test prep features two full-length practice tests, complete with detailed explanations of all answers to highlight personal strengths and weaknesses. The book also includes an adaptable study schedule for optimum study time-management and REA's test-taking tips that boost your confidence on test day! With REA'sPRAXIS II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises (0012)you'll move right to the head of the class!

Table of Contents

Introduction

About the Praxis Series

How to Use this Book

About the Test

Format of the Test

How Will the Responses be Scored

Studying for the Test

Study Schedule

The Day of the Test

References

Reading and Language Arts

Theory

General Approaches to Instruction

Curriculum

Teaching Word Recognition and Language Acquisition

Teaching Reading

Teaching Writing

Teaching Spelling

Assessment for the Language Arts

References

Mathematics

Curriculum

Operations

Measurement

Probability

Teaching Mathematics

Assessment for Mathematics

References

Science and social studies

Science Curriculum

Instruction

Science Content

Assessment in Teaching Science

Social Studies Curriculum

Concepts in K-6 Social Studies Instruction

Instruction in Social Sciences

Assessment in Teaching Social Studies

References

Interdisciplinary instruction

Introduction

Theory and Approach

Unit and Lesson Planning

Assessment in Interdisciplinary Instruction

References

Practice tests 1 & 2

Introduction

Scoring Guide

Practice Test 1 Constructed-Response Questions

Practice Test 1 Constructed-Response Sample Answers

Practice Test 2 Constructed-Response Questions

Practice Test 2 Constructed-Response Sample Answers

Index

Table of Contents provided by Publisher. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

The Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises 0012 is the third in REA’s series of Praxis II Elementary Education test preps, and is complementary to REA’s PRAXIS II Elementary Education (0011) and (0014) titles.Think of this book as your toolkit to pass the test. It will help take the mystery and anxiety out of the testing process by equipping you not only with the nuts and bolts, but also, ultimately, with the confidence to succeed alongside your peers across the United States. We at REA have put a lot of thought into this, and the result is a book that pulls together all the critical information you need to know to pass the Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises 0012 test. Let us help you fill in the blanks—literally and figuratively! We will provide you with the touchstones that will allow you to do your very best come test day and beyond. In this guide, REA offers our customarily in-depth, up-to-date, objective coverage, with test-specific modules devoted to targeted review and realistic practice exams complete with the kind of detail that makes a difference when you’re coming down the homestretch in your preparation.
ABOUT THE PRAXIS SERIES
Praxis is the Educational Testing Service’s (ETS) shorthand for Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers. The Praxis Series is a group of teacher-licensing tests that ETS developed in concert with states across the nation. There are three categories of tests in the series: Praxis I, Praxis II and Praxis III. Praxis I includes the paper-based Pre-Professional Skills Tests (PPST) and the Praxis I Computer-Based Tests (CBT). Both versions cover essentially the same subject matter. These exams measure reading, mathematics, and writing skills and are often a requirement for admission to a teacher education program. Praxis II embraces Subject Assessment/Specialty Area Tests, including the Praxis II Social Studies series, of which the Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises 0012 exam is a part. The Praxis II examinations cover the subject matter that students typically study in teacher education courses such as, human growth and development, school curriculum, methods of teaching, and other professional development courses. In most teacher-training programs, students take these tests after having completed their classroom training, the course work, and practicum. Praxis III is different from the multiple-choice and essay tests typically used for assessment purposes. With this assessment, ETS-trained observers evaluate an instructor’s performance in the classroom, using nationally validated criteria. The observers may videotape the lesson, and other teaching experts may critique the resulting tapes.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
What Do I Study First?
Read over REA’s subject reviews and suggestions for test taking. Studying the reviews thoroughly will reinforce the basic skills you will need to do well on the exams. Make sure to do the practice exams in this book so that you will be familiar with the format and procedures involved with taking the actual test.
When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate! Cramming is not an effective way to study because it does not allow you the time needed to learn the test material.
ABOUT THE TEST
The Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises (0012) test is required in seven U.S. states: Connecticut, Hawaii, Maryland, Nevada, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and South Carolina. Unlike the 0014 exam, which assesses K-6 curricular content in a multiple-choice exam, and the 0011 test, which evaluates curriculum, instruction, and assessment in a multiple-choice test, the 0012 exam requires longer and more insightful responses to problems (i.e., content area exercises) that are presented.
Who Takes the Test?
Most people who take the Praxis II Elementary Education: Content Area Exercises (0012) are seeking initial licensure. You should check with your state’s education agency to determine which Praxis examination(s) you should take. The ETS Praxis website (www.ets.org/praxis/) and registration bulletin may also help you determine the test(s) you need to take for certification. You should also consult your education program for its own test requirements. Remember that colleges and universities often require Praxis examinations for entry into programs, for graduation, and for the completion of a teacher certification program. These requirements may differ from the baseline requirements the state has for teacher certification. You will need to meet both sets of requirements.
When Should I Take the Test?
The Praxis II Elementary Education 0012 is a test for those who have completed or almost completed their teacher education programs. Each state establishes its own requirements for certification: some states specify the passing of other tests; some states may require the test for initial certification; and other states may require the test for beginning teachers during their first months on the job. Generally, each college and university establishes its own requirements for program admission and for graduation. Some colleges and universities require certain tests for graduation and/or for completion of a teacher education program. Check with your college and the state teacher certification agency for details.
When and Where Can I Take the Test?
ETS offers the Praxis II tests seven times a year at a number of locations across the nation. The usual testing day is Saturday, but examinees may request an administration on an alternate day if a conflict—such as a religious obligation—exists.How Do I Get More Information on the ETS Praxis Exams?
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the Praxis II Elementary Education 0012 test or any other test consult the ETS registration bulletin or website. Contact ETS at:
Educational Testing Service
Teaching and Learning Division
P.O. Box 6051
Princeton, NJ 08541-6051
Phone: [phone]
Website:www.ets.org/praxis
E-mail:[e-mail]
Special accommodations are available for candidates who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, or specific learning disabled. For questions concerning disability services, contact:
ETS Disability Services: [phone]
TTY only: [phone]
Provisions are also available for examinees whose primary language is not English. The ETS registration bulletin and website include directions for those requesting such accommodations. You can also consult ETS with regard to available test sites; reporting test scores; requesting changes in tests, centers, and dates of test; purchasing additional score reports; retaking tests; and other basic facts.