INTRODUCTION: PASSING THE TEST
About This Book
REA’s The Best Teachers’ Preparation for the PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics Test (0069) is a comprehensive guide designed to assist you in preparing for this required test for teachers of middle school mathematics. To enhance your chances of success in this important step toward your career as a mathematics teacher, this test guide:
presents an accurate and complete overview of the PRAXIS II
identifies all of the important information and its representation on the test
provides a comprehensive review of every content category on the test
provides three full-length practice tests
suggests tips and strategies for successfully completing standardized tests
replicates the format of the official test, including levels of difficulty
supplies the correct answer and detailed explanations for each question on the practice tests, which enable you to identify correct answers and understand why they are correct and, just as important, why the other answers are incorrect.
This guide is the result of studying many resources. The editors considered the most recent test administrations and professional standards. They also researched information from the Educational Testing Service, professional journals, textbooks, and educators. This guide includes the best test preparation materials based on the latest information available.
About the Test
The PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics test is designed to assess the mathematical knowledge and competencies for a beginning middle school teacher. Below are the content and process categories used as the basis for this test, as well as the approximate percentage of the total test that each category occupies. These categories represent the knowledge that teams of teachers, subject area specialists, and district-level educators have determined to be important for beginning teachers. This book contains a thorough review of all these categories, as well as the specific skills that demonstrate each area.
Who Administers the Test?
All the PRAXIS II tests are administered by the Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org/praxis).
Content Categories Approx # questions Percentage
PART A
I. Arithmetic and Basic Algebra 12 20%
II. Geometry and Measurement 10 17%
III. Functions and Graphs 8 13%
IV. Data, Probability, and Statistical 10 17%
Concepts; Discrete Mathematics
PART B
Constructed Response
V. Problem Solving Exercise 3 33%
Process Categories -- Distributed Across Content Categories:
Mathematical Problem Solving
Mathematical Reasoning and Proof
Mathematical Connections
Mathematical Representation
Use of Technology
Can I Retake the Test?
Most states and institutions allow candidates who do not pass the PRAXIS II to retake it as often as necessary until a passing score is achieved. In these cases, candidates must reregister each time they take a test. However, please check with your state or testing institution for their specific requirements. Candidates who have passed a PRAXIS II test have met that part of the testing requirement for certification and, therefore, are not eligible to retake the test again.
When Should the PRAXIS II Be Taken?
Individual states, institutions, and associations set their own requirements and passing scores for the PRAXIS. Some states specify the passing of additional or different tests. Check with your state agency for details.
ETS offers the PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics (0069) test six times a year at a number of locations across the nation. The usual testing day is Saturday, but examinees may request an administration on an alternate day if there is a conflict, such as a religious obligation.
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the PRAXIS II, consult the PRAXIS II Information Bulletin (found at http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/ PRAXIS/pdf/01361.pdf), or contact the ETS at:
Educational Testing Service
Teaching and Learning Division
P.O. Box 6051
Princeton, NJ 08541-6051
Phone: (609) 771-7395
Website: www.ets.org/PRAXIS II
E-mail: PRAXIS II@ets.org
Is There a Registration Fee?
To take the PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics test there is a fee. A complete summary of the registration fees can be found at the website or phone number listed above.
Calculators
Examinees are allowed to use a four-function, scientific, or graphing calculator during the PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics examination, although a calculator is not required. On test day, bring your calculator to the testing site as one will not be provided. Please see the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis/prxcalc.html) for further details on the types of calculating devices that are prohibited.
How to Use This Book
How Do I Begin Studying?
Review the organization of this test preparation guide.
1. To best utilize your study time, follow our PRAXIS II Independent Study Schedule. The schedule is based on a eight-week program, but can be condensed to four weeks if necessary.
2. Take the first practice test, score it according to directions, then review the explanations to your answers carefully, studying the areas that your scores indicate need further review.
3. Review the format of the PRAXIS II.
4. Review the test-taking advice and suggestions presented later in this section.
5. Pay attention to the information about content and the objectives of the test.
6. Spend time reviewing topics that stand out as needing more study.
7. Take the second practice test and follow the same procedure as #2 above.
8. Follow the suggestions at the end of this section for the day before and the day of the test.
Note: Graphic calculators can be brought for the test. See the ETS website for details on what to bring to the test site, including which brands and models of calculators are acceptable.
When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the PRAXIS II. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate!
An eight-week study schedule is provided at the end of this section to assist you in preparing for the test. This schedule can be adjusted to meet your unique needs. If your test date is only four weeks away, you can halve the time allotted to each section, but keep in mind that this is not the most effective way to study. If you have several months before your test date, you may wish to extend the time allotted to each section. Remember, the more time you spend studying, the better your chances of achieving your aima passing score on the PRAXIS II.
Studying for the PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics Test
It is very important for you to choose the time and place for studying that works best for you. Some students set aside a certain number of hours every morning to study, while some choose the night before going to sleep, and others study during the day, while waiting in line, or even while eating lunch. Choose a time when you can concentrate and your study will be most effective. Be consistent and use your time wisely. Work out a study routine and stick to it.
When you take the practice tests, simulate the conditions of the actual test as closely as possible. Turn your television and radio off and sit down at a quiet table with your calculator, if you will be using one. As you complete each practice test, score it and thoroughly review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly. Do not, however, review too much at any one time. Concentrate on one problem area at a time by examining the question and explanation, and by studying our review until you are confident that you have mastered the material. Keep track of your scores to discover general weaknesses in particular sections and to gauge your progress. Give extra attention to the review sections that cover your areas of difficulty, as this will build your skills in those areas.
Format of the PRAXIS II
The PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics test is composed of five main content categories with both multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The test utilizes five process categories as charted on page two.
Part A of the content categories contains 40 multiple-choice questions, and each contains four response options, A through D. Part B of the content categories is composed of three problem-solving exercises. These are three equally weighted constructed-response questions whose focus is distributed across the four content categories. The content categories were designed to measure the ability to integrate knowledge of mathematics and may involve more than one competency, as well as competencies from more than one content area.
Entry-level middle school mathematics teachers must demonstrate that they have an understanding of the various ways in which math content knowledge is acquired and used. The process categories assess this ability and one or more may be applied to any of the content topics in the test.
You are given two hours to complete the test, so be aware of the amount of time you are spending on each question. Using the practice tests will help you prepare to pace your time evenly, efficiently, and productively.
About the Review Sections
The reviews in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to approach the PRAXIS II, as well as provide strategies for attacking the questions.
Each teaching category is examined in a separate chapter. The skills required for all categories are extensively discussed to optimize your understanding of what this PRAXIS II test covers.
Your schooling has taught you most of what you need to succeed on the test. Our review is designed to help you fit the information you have acquired into specific content and process categories. Reviewing your class notes and textbooks together with our reviews will give you an excellent springboard for passing the PRAXIS II.
Scoring the PRAXIS II Middle School Mathematics (0069)
On the multiple-choice questions, examinees are not penalized for wrong answers. A question answered correctly is worth one raw point, and your total raw score is the number of questions answered correctly on the full test.
How many correctly answered questions equal a passing grade? According to the ETS, there is no way to predict this. There are several editions of each PRAXIS test. and each edition contains different questions. The questions on one edition may be slightly more difficult (or easier) than those on another edition. To make all editions of a test comparable, the conversion tables adjust for difficulty among editions. There is no way to predict which edition of the test you will take next.
Constructed-response questions are scored by educational professionals in the appropriate content area. The PRAXIS Series constructed-response tests do not all use the same scoring procedure. There are two scoring models used. One requires that two scorers rate your response to each question independently. If they disagree by more than a specified amount, a third scorer rates your response. The second scoring model requires that each constructed-response item be rated independently by a different scorer. Under no circumstances does your total score depend entirely on one individual scorer.
Also, on some constructed-response tests, the ratings assigned by the scorers are simply added together to determine your total raw score. On others, the ratings are first multiplied by scoring weights, which can be different for different questions, and the weighted ratings are added to determine your total raw score. The raw point score is then converted to a scaled score that adjusts for the difficulty of that particular edition of the test.
Passing scores vary from state to state, and test-takers should check with their state board of education for their state’s requirements.
Score Results
Your test scores will be mailed approximately four weeks after test day to those who you designated to receive them. There is a fee for each additional score report requested.
Test-Taking Tips
Although you may not be familiar with tests like the PRAXIS II, this book will help acquaint you with this type of test and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties. Listed below are ways to help you become accustomed to the PRAXIS II, some of which may be applied to other tests as well.
Tip 1. Become comfortable with the format of the PRAXIS II. When you are practicing, stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only once, you will boost your chances of doing well, and you will be able to sit down for the actual test with much more confidence.
Tip 2. Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read through each choice to be sure that you are not making a mistake by jumping to conclusions.
Tip 3. Use the process of elimination. Go through each answer to a question and eliminate as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating two answer choices, you have given yourself a better chance of getting the item correct since there will only be two choices left from which to make your guess. Answer all questions you can; you are not penalized for wrong answers, but you are rewarded for correct ones.
Tip 4. Place a question mark in your answer booklet next to answers you guessed, then recheck them later if you have time.
Tip 5. Work quickly and steadily. You will have two hours to complete the test, so work quickly and steadily to avoid focusing on any one problem too long. Taking the practice tests in this book will help you learn to budget your precious time.
Tip 6. Learn the directions and format of the test. This will not only save time, but will also help you avoid anxiety (and the mistakes caused by getting anxious).
Tip 7. Be sure that the answer circle you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the test is multiple-choice, it is graded by machine, and marking one answer in the wrong circle can throw off your answer key and your score. Be extremely careful.
The Day of the Test
Before the Test
On the day of the test, make sure to dress comfortably, so that you are not distracted by being too hot or too cold while taking the test. Plan to arrive at the test center early. This will allow you to collect your thoughts and relax before the test, and will also spare you the anguish that comes with being late.
You should check your PRAXIS II information bulletin or registration information to find out what time to arrive at the testing center.
Before you leave for the test center, make sure that you have your admission ticket and two forms of identification, one of which must contain a recent photograph, your name, and signature (i.e., driver’s license). You will not be admitted to the test center if you do not have proper identification.
You must bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers and an approved graphic calculator (see above) as none will be provided at the test center.
If you would like, you may wear a watch to the test center. However, you may not wear one that makes noise, because it may disturb the other test takers. Dictionaries, textbooks, notebooks, briefcases, laptop computers, or packages will not be permitted. Drinking, smoking, and eating are prohibited.
During the Test
The PRAXIS II is given in one sitting with no breaks. Procedures will be followed to maintain test security. Once you enter the test center, follow all of the rules and instructions given by the test supervisor. If you do not, you risk being dismissed from the test and having your scores cancelled.
When all of the materials have been distributed, the test instructor will give you directions for filling out your answer sheet. Fill out this sheet carefully since this information will be printed on your score report. Once the test begins, mark only one answer per question, completely erase unwanted answers and marks, and fill in answers darkly and neatly.
After the Test
When you finish your test, hand in your materials and you will be dismissed. Then, go home and relaxyou deserve it!
