PRAXIS II Tests: An Orientation
Student PRAXIS II Preparation
Before a football player scores a touchdown, a wide range of people have spent much time preparing the right conditions for that touchdown. Scoring well on the PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area Tests requires the same coordinated efforts. Like the football player, the student can carry the ball for a winning score, or the student can drop the ball. The coaches and staff can provide knowledge, assistance, and support to the football player; institutions, faculty, and staff can provide knowledge, assistance and support to the student. The student has to devote the time, energy, and dedication to obtaining the knowledge and skills that a successful PRAXIS II test experience requires.
Taking Responsibility
Future educators actually begin PRAXIS II Subject Assessment/Specialty Area Test preparation with their first education course. The mastery of methods, content knowledge, and instructional skills requires a continuous development through all semesters of a teacher preparation program. The same study habits that produce success in coursework should contribute to success on PRAXIS II tests. However, test takers can improve their performance by becoming familiar with the format and expectations of specific tests.
Students need to prepare for standardized tests in the same way that they prepare for any other type of tests.
In addition, the ability to read, analyze, and synthesize information is an important skill for prospective teachers. If students are concerned about their reading comprehension skills, they might consider taking a reading course before taking the PRAXIS II tests.