Praxis II Preparation
What is Praxis II: The Praxis II test is a standardized test offered by Educational Testing Services (ETS) and designed to evaluate a student's knowledge in his/her content area.
When should I take Praxis II: Students are required to have a passing score on the Praxis II approximately 9 months prior to student teaching. Early Childhood, Elementary, Special Education, and Secondary/K-12 majors should plan to take this test by the spring of their junior year or at least three semesters prior to student teaching. Communicative Disorders majors should plan to take this test during their graduate program. ETS makes scores available on their website one month after the test is given. Students have 30 days to download their scores from the ETS website. The SOE recommends printing multiple, colored copies of the score report for future use. Some students need to retake the Praxis II, so the SOE recommends planning ahead to take this test as advised.
How do I take Praxis II: Praxis II is offered 3-7 times a year and only in a written-version. Registration is available online at the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis). Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on seat availability at the test sites. Registration deadlines are at least one month prior to the test date.
The School of Education recommends that students take time to prepare for this exam. The following resources are available to assist you in your preparation.
Tests at a Glance - ETS offers these brief guides that include test descriptions, sample questions, and test-taking strategies. While these guides can be helpful to better understand the test, the School of Education does not recommend using the Test at a Glance as a student's primary source for test preparation.
Praxis II Study Guides - Study guides designed by ETS have been purchased for each of the subject areas and are available at the Reserve Desk of the University Library. Study Guides can be checked out for a 3-day period.
SOE Group Study Sessions - The School of Education offers an organized, 4-5 hour, group study session (typically in October/November and February) for Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education majors. At the study session, students answer sample test questions and discuss, as a group, the information being covered. The cost of the SOE Group Study Session in the past has been $15 per student. Students who are interested in attending a Group Study Session are encouraged to attend the session one-year prior to taking the actual test, typically this means Spring of your Sophomore year. Please contact the SOE Advising, Recruitment & Retention Office, CPS 469, to sign up for a study session at 715-346-2040.
Upcoming Praxis II Group Study Sessions:
Sunday, September 25, 2011 from 4:00 to 8:15pm
You are welcome to bring something to eat and/or drink. There will be a short break. Students should bring a calculator, paper and pencil!
The next Praxis II study session will be held in Jan/Feb 2012.