Praxis I for Education Majors

							                             Praxis I for Education Majors

WHAT is it? A: It's a basic competency test for Education majors which they must take
and pass before being admitted to a School of Education.

WHERE DO I GET more information and sign up to take it? A: In the GC Counseling
and Testing Office there is a registration package with all the details or you may register
on the www.teachingandlearning.org web site as well as other sites listed below.

WHO must take it? A: Any Education major that wants to go from Gainesville College
to a college or university in Georgia and study for a degree in Education.

WHY must educators take it? A: Admission to schools of Education is contingent on
successfully passing the exam and it is designed to check that students are competent in
Verbal, Math and Writing skills, the governing body that runs Education in Georgia says
so. http://www.gapsc.com/
http://www.gapsc.com/TeacherTesting.asp

WHEN must students take the test? A: As the test is part of the application process to a
teacher education program at a senior college/university, don't take the test later then 60
days before you want to make that application. So, probably the middle of your
sophomore year at the latest. Too, it is logically advantageous to take it immediately
after finishing the Math and English Core while skills are keen. See the Bulletin for the
year's testing schedule and register to take it.

UNDERSTAND that you must make two applications to go to a teacher education
program at a senior college/university: one to the main institution and one to their School
of Education. It is wise to closely examine their web-sites for any unique issues about
applying.

WHERE CAN I TAKE this exam? A: When you sign up for the test there are many
locations to choose from, including Athens and Dahlonega.

SHOULD I TAKE IT on a computer or in a paper format? Take it in the form with
which you are most comfortable. For whatever reason, GC students passed at slightly
higher rates on the computer version of the test in 1999 - 2003.

HOW can I get out of it? A: Students who have 1000 on their SAT's will be
exempt. Candidates are exempt from this requirement if they have earned
qualifying scores on any of these tests:
The new scores (9/1/05) are:
SAT – minimum required score – 1000 (with no minimum verbal score or math
score required) The composite score is obtained by adding the Verbal and the Math
scores. Candidates must take both the Verbal and the Math sections of the test.
ACT – minimum score – 43 (with no minimum English score or Math score
required)
The composite score is obtained by adding the English and Math scores. Candidates must
take both the English and the Math sections of the test.

 GRE – minimum score – 1030 (with no minimum Verbal score or Quantitative
score required)
The Composite score is obtained by adding the Verbal and Quantitative scores.

       If you have taken other exams those scores may exempt you. See the
       following:
       http://www.gapsc.com/msgc_exempscorespraxis1.asp

See this Georgia Professional Standards Commission bulletin for the most current details
on required test scores:
http://www.gapsc.com/TeacherTesting/Documents/PraxisIExemptionChanges2003.pdf
http://www.gapsc.com/

HOW MUCH money will it cost me? A: $35.00 per each of the three parts. Private
testing centers are more expensive; University testing centers are less expensive. It will
cost $125.00 to go to the UGA testing center and take all three parts in one sitting. The
exams require about 4 hours.

WHAT CAN I DO to prepare for the test and practice?
Find and study the Praxis I, PPST, Pre-Professional Skills Test. It is in the Gainesville
College Ready Reference section [Ground Floor]. Also, study the sample tests and
questions on the Internet. The Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning
Teachers Registration Bulletin is available free and provides detailed information about
registration, a registration form, test dates, and test fees. http://www.ets.org/praxis/
Or, to order a copy, call 1-609-771-7395. It also lists code numbers for test centers and
score recipients.

What is probably the single, fastest way to register with the most flexible time and
be assured of taking the test in a calm and controlled computer environment? Call
the testing office at UGA and make an appointment to take all three part of the test on the
same day. The number is 706-542-8071. Or, you could call and make an appointment to
take the test at UGA via the national registration service: 800-853-6773. Understand that
if you take all three parts in one day it is best to start by 8:30 a.m. If you take all three
parts in one day the cost it $115.00. If you take the parts individually on separate days
it’s $130.00. Have a credit card ready to register and pay for the test. Success.
One may also take the test through a private testing center. Specifically, Prometric
Testing Center, with offices around Atlanta. Call 864-676-1506. Monday, Tuesday,
Thursday and Friday 8:30 am-8:30 pm. Wednesday 8:30 am-6:00 pm. Saturday 8:30 am-
3:00 pm. Maybe this will help those who have missed deadlines and/or need to take the
test on the weekend.

Too, I understand that some sophomore students are re-taking the SAT instead of the
PRAXIS. If one can score 1000 on the SAT one is exempt from the PRAXIS. It seems
many students can easily make 1000 on the SAT's after a year or two in college. One
advantage to such is that the SAT is less expensive.
                                                                                    JOS