STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR TEACHER EDUCATION

PRAXIS II EXAM

Required Missouri Teacher Certification Examination

Prior to applying for teacher certification in Missouri teacher certification applicants muct achieve a qualifying score on the required teacher certification examination specific to their grade level and content field. At present that pre-professional examination is the PRAXIS II subject area assessment. These tests are constructed to represent the knowledge and skills imparted in teacher education progrrams. Each test item was validated for its relationship to the practice of teaching by Missouri classroom teachers and teacher educators. In addition, the PRAXIS II was field-tested by Missouri colleges and universities with approved teacher education programs. Qualifying scores for the Profession Knowledge Test and Specialty Area TEsts were set by the State Board of Education.

Who Must Take the Examination?

1. All candidates for initial certification in Missouri, including out-of-state candidates, must successfully complete applicable portions of the PRAXIS II exam.
2. Candidates with double majors seeking initial certification in two areas (majors in both content fields) must take tests in both areas.
3. Candidates seeking initial certification in their major area of study and an endorsement in a second area will take the test only in the major area.

When should I take the PRAXIS II?

• Students in Elementary Teacher Education should take the PRAXIS II during the semester that they take their final teacher education courses, prior to or during student teaching.
• Students in Secondary Teacher Education should take the PRAXIS II during the semester that they thake the capstone course in their teaching specialty field, prior to student teaching, if possible.

Registration Procedures

PRAXIS II is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS).

Where Should Score Reports Be Sent?

William Jewell Students completing an approved Teacher Education Program should request that score reports be sent to the Education Department at William Jewell College. The code for William Jewell College is R6941 in addition to the State of Missouri. If the student does not have the scores sent to WJC they may have to pay an additional fee to do so when applying for teacher certification. Qualifying scores must be received in the WJC Department of Education office before the graduate can be recommended to Missouri for teacher certification.

May a Candidate Retake Failed portions of the PRAXIS II Exam?

Yes. A candidate for certification may take any or all required tests as many times as desired.