PRAXIS II Tests: An Orientation
If I Have Passed All Teacher Preparation Classes, Why Do I Have To Take Additional Exams?
When students enter an accredited teacher preparation program, they study educational psychology, human growth and development, classroom management, and instructional methods. Students must also master the content material of the subjects that they plan to teach. In order to ascertain that certified teachers meet quality as well as quantity standards after completing a teacher preparation program, many states, including Kentucky, mandate successful completion of designated tests that are independent of an educational institution.
- KRS 161.030 http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/krs/161%2D00/030.pdf and
- 16 KAR 2:010 http://www.lrc.state.ky.us/kar/016/002/010.htm mandate these requirements for educator certification in Kentucky.
The Education Professional Standards Board (EPSB) was established as part of the 1990 Kentucky Education Reform Act (KERA) to oversee the education profession. The EPSB is the standards and accreditation agency for Kentucky teachers and administrators and for programs of education at Kentucky colleges and universities. The Division of Professional Learning and Assessment of the EPSB maintains the PRAXIS II tests required for teacher and administrator certification.