All praxis information is provided in the 2012-2013 ETS Praxis Series Information Bulletin found at: http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/bulletin/

PRAXIS I PPST (Pre-Professional Skills Tests)

This exam assesses a combination of high-school level reading, writing and math skills administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The Writing test includes an essay section. Praxis I may be taken in two different formats: computer based(CBT, offered year-round at authorized testing centers) and paper-based(offered seven times per academic year at authorized testing locations).

The Teacher Education Program at the University of Sioux Falls requires all teacher candidates must meet or surpass qualifying Praxis I cut-off scores before admittance to the education program. *Note: Individuals with previous baccalaureate degrees are not required to take the Praxis I.

Registration for Praxis I Exam:

Remember to list the University of Sioux Falls and the South Dakota Department of Education as recipients of your scores:

University of Sioux Falls Institutional code: RA6651

South Dakota Department of Education: 8112

1.      Computer Based Praxis I Tests:

Register here for a Praxis test. Prometric Services has a testing facility in Sioux Falls located off of 57th and Louise Ave.  Call (605) 362-4875 or 1-800– 853-6773.    Tests are only offered on certain dates. Check website for testing availability, dates, sites, and registration deadlines. Register on-line at http://www.ets.org/praxis/register.

2.      Paper Based Praxis I Tests: Register on-line at:    http://www.ets.org/praxis/register.  Candidates must register by deadlines (usually 1 month prior to exam dates). Augustana College in Sioux Falls has been a testing site in the past. Check website for testing availability, dates, sites and registration deadlines.

¹ The Praxis I Combined Test only shows a test code for computer; however, you may take all three Praxis I tests on paper for the reduced fee if you register to take them all on the same test date. Just select all three tests when you register.

² If you register for two Praxis I tests at the same time, to be taken on the same test date, you will receive the discounted rate of $125. If you register individually for each test and take them on separate test dates, you will be charged full price ($85) for each test.

Fees are subject to change without notice.  See ETS website www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees for current rates and payment methods. A limited number of fee waivers are available for enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who meet eligibility requirements. Below is the link to the site.  http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/

PRAXIS II EXAMS:

CONTENT EXAMS & PRINCIPALS OF LEARNING AND TEACHING (PLT)

To receive certification/licensure in the state of South Dakota, you are required to pass Praxis II content and pedagogy exams. The Praxis Content Exam is required prior to the student teaching practicum and the PLT is required for state licensing.

1.     Praxis II Content assessments measure general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge. They are primarily delivered in a multiple-choice format. They are also a requirement of student teaching.  Students must successfully pass their appropriate content exam prior to their student teaching practicum.

Paper-Delivered and Computer Delivered test fees range from $115-$139 each.

Fees are subject to change without notice.  See ETS website www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees for current rates and payment methods. A limited number of fee waivers are available for enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who meet eligibility requirements. Below is the link to the site.  http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/

See additional Praxis II testing information from the South Dakota Department of Education. Or, contact Fredrikson School of Education, 331-6710, for more information.

2.      Praxis II Principals of Learning and Teaching (PLT) assessments measure your general teaching knowledge at two grade levels:, K-6, and 7-12. These tests use a case study approach and feature constructed-response and multiple-choice items.  The PLT must be passed before receiving certification from the state of  South Dakota. Although the test can be taken prior student teaching, it is recommended candidates take the PLT during the student teaching semester.

Principles of Learning & Teaching (PLT): $90 each    

A limited number of fee waivers are available for enrolled undergraduate and graduate students who meet eligibility requirements. Below is the following link: http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/fees/fee_waivers/

Praxis 2012-2013 Testing Schedules

Paper and Pencil Administrations:

September 22, 2012

November 3, 2012

January 26, 2013

April 13, 2013

June 8, 2013

July 20, 2013

Computer Testing Windows (now longer windows):

August 6-11, 2012 Praxis II/SLS

September 10-15, 2012 Praxis II/SLS

October 8-20, 2012 Praxis II/SLS

December 17-22, 2012 Praxis II/SLS

February 4-9, 2013 Praxis II/SLS

March 18-23, 2013 Praxis II/SLS

April 29 – May 4, 2013 Praxis II/SLS

July 29 – August 3, 2013 Praxis II/SLS

October 22-27, 2012 World Language Tests Only

December 10-15, 2012 World Language Tests Only

February 11-16, 2013 World Language Tests Only

March 25-30, 2013 World Language Tests Only

May 20-25, 2013 World Language Tests Only

Praxis Webinar Fall 2012 Schedule (listed in CST)

September 27 – Thursday, Noon – 1 PM – Praxis I

October 16 – Tuesday, Noon – 1 PM – Praxis II

November 7 – Wednesday, Noon – 1 PM – Praxis I

December 4 – Tuesday, Noon – 1 PM – Praxis II

FREQUENTLY ASKED PRAXIS QUESTIONS:

How do I find out the correct exam title and score needed in order to be certified with the state of South Dakota?

Go to the South Dakota Department of Education’s website to view the cut-off scores here: http://www.doe.sd.gov/oatq/praxis.asp . If you have questions about which praxis II exam you need to register for to fit your teaching goals, please contact the Education Office at 605-331-6710 or Julie McAreavey, Certification Officer at 605-331-6644 or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .  Exams are revised periodically which causes them to expire. 

How can a student prepare for the praxis exams?

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the free study resources available on ETS website.  http://www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials.  The Test Webinars are highly recommended.

Praxis I PPST Preparation:

·        Using Express Libraries test takers can select the appropriate skill to study.  Use the link below to access the study resources that fit your specific needs:

http://www.learnatest.com/LEL/index.cfm/learningCenter/collegeStudents   

·        The USF Academic Success Center also has several resources available.  605-331-6648.

What do I need to know about test day?

·        Please refer to the ETS website http://www.ets.org/praxis/test_day/ for more specific information because strict guidelines required for taking these exams from what to bring to what not to bring. 

·        Remember to list the University of Sioux Falls as a recipient of your scores. 

 How and when do I receive my scores?

·        All scores can be received through ETS’s website or by phone 1-877-387-8322.  Receiving scores by phone may require a fee payment. At the time a test taker registers for an exam, ETS will set up a username and password which can be used after taking an exam to view their score report.

·        Paper based exam scores will be available per the score posting schedule found on ETS’s website.  See Below: http://www.ets.org/praxis/scores/get

·        Computer based Math and Reading Exam scores will be compiled and given to test takers immediately following completion of the exam.  The Writing Exam is sent for assessing which takes about 2-3 weeks. 

·        Test takers are encouraged to check the ETS website for their scores 1-2 weeks after taking the exam to view and save their scores. Test takers will be given 1 year to view them and then they will be removed from the website.  Additional score reports can be requested at a $40.00 fee.*To avoid this extra fee be sure to save a copy for your personal records. 

When can the USF Education Office expect to receive my score report?

·        Usually, it takes close to 2-4 weeks after the exam date for the office to receive a score report.  Students are welcome to check with the office at any time to find out if it has been received.

·        These scores reports will be used by students when completing employer applications and applying for a state teaching license through the State of South Dakota Department of Education.  

·        It is highly recommended that students work with the Academic Success Center to create a credential file that includes these score reports.  Employers may contact USF to view credential files prior to interviewing teacher candidates.

  What if I did not pass one or more of the exams?

·        Be sure to take the time to improve and develop the specific skills in which improvements are needed prior to retaking the exam.  Immediately retaking these exams rarely results in a passing score and sometimes can result in even a lower score. Refer to the sub-score section on the last page of the score report to identify areas to improve.

·        The Academic Success Center will also work with student individually to develop and improve problem areas prior to retaking the exams.

·        Please contact the Fredrikson School of Education for other resources. 

HELPFUL RESOURCES & CONTACT INFORMATION:

1.      2012-2013 ETS Praxis Series Information Bulletin:

http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/bulletin/

General Inquiries & To Register: 1-800-772-9476

Scoring Services: 1-877-387-8322

Disability Services: 1-866-387-8602

2.      Prometric Testing Facilities: www.prometric.com

(605) 362-4875 or 1-800– 853-6773.

3.      Fredrikson School of Education

3^rd Floor Glidden Hall,

Katy Lahren 331-6710 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

Julie McAreavey 331-6644 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

4.      USF Academic Success Center in McDonald Center

http://www.usiouxfalls.edu/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1927&Itemid=326

Billie Streufert 605-331-6648 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

5.      South Dakota Department of Education: http://www.doe.sd.gov/oatq/praxis.asp

800 Governors Drive, Pierre, SD 57501
Main phone: (605) 773-3134   Main fax: (605) 773-6139