10 Sped Tests
DPI Required Tests for Early Childhood Special Education and Cross Categorical Special Education Certification
In order to obtain a teaching license in Special Education, Wisconsin DPI requires proficiency in content knowledge and foundations of reading. Please review each area below to understand how proficiency can be met:
Content Knowledge – Students must demonstrate proficiency in content knowledge related to their certification area(s). Proficiency can be demonstrated by either:
- 3.0 GPA or higher in language arts, math, science, and social studies courses as demonstrated on official transcripts (courses not related to these subject areas will not be considered); or
- Praxis II – Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent on content knowledge exams for certification in Early Childhood or Cross Categorical Special Education.
Foundations of Reading- The Wisconsin DPI has approved an alternate assessment for the Foundations of Reading Test for the Educate Pathways 10 Sped Program. The alternate assessment is built into the required program coursework. Students who pass the course do not need to register and pay for the Foundations of Reading Test through Pearson. There is no additional cost for the FoRT Alternate Assessment when taken through the Educate Pathways 10 Sped Program.
IMPORTANT NOTE: When you register for these tests, please include Educate Pathways as a recipient of your test scores. The institution number for Educate Pathways is #1390.
Content Knowledge/Praxis II
Content Knowledge – Students must demonstrate proficiency in content knowledge related to their certification area(s). Proficiency can be demonstrated by either:
- 3.0 GPA or higher in language arts, math, science, and social studies courses as demonstrated on official transcripts (courses not related to these subject areas will not be considered); or
- Praxis II – Passing scores as established by the State Superintendent on content knowledge exams for certification in Early Childhood or Cross Categorical Special Education.
Praxis II Test Information
Click here for information on the Praxis II Tests (be sure to enter Educate Pathways institution number 1390 for reporting)
PRAXIS Tips and Resources
How to Prepare
Several months before you plan to take the PRAXIS II:
- Audit a class if you know you are weak in that subject.
- Study high school or college textbooks from appropriate grade levels and subjects.
- Use thePraxis website to find study materials and tips on taking the PRAXIS II exams.
- Use the Advanced Placement web site review test items from specific content areas: http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/ap/about.html
- Use the GED study materials on Test Prep Review web site: http://testpreview.com/
- Request accommodations for the actual ETS test if needed: extra time for non-native speakers and those with special educational needs.
During the Exam
- Focus on your areas of strength and try to get as many answers correct in those areas. Spend the remaining time on the weak area(s) again try to get as many correct.
- On most questions, two of the responses can be eliminated using logic and any background the student knows. Eliminate unlikely answers and use logic to choose the answer.
- Use the margins in the exam booklet to work problems or jot down what is already known.
- Some students with test anxiety are finding relaxation techniques helpful when taking the test.
- If you experience distractions you have the right to ask the Proctor to fix the problem:
- talking during the test
- allowing the whole group to take a break together
- allowing test takers to leave early
- Proctors should write the start time on the board - if they do not, write the time on the test book yourself.
- If a student cannot finish the test, they should pick one letter (a, b, c, or d) and use the same answer all the way down the column.
- General test-taking strategies
- When studying any test preparation materials be sure that you are familiar with each choice under a multiple choice test question. Chances are, the question will change but the responses (i.e., A, B, C, D, etc.) will remain the same.
- Study sample test questions out loud with someone else who is taking the same test. You may find that you learn additional strategies for taking the test and you will also become familiar with the formal language of the test.
- Keep up on current events.
- The History Channel offers many programs on anthropology, archeology, world history, American and world history and geography.
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