1. EARLY CHILDHOOD BLOCK Praxis II Seminar Spring 2012

2. Praxis II Exam  The Praxis II exam is required for teacher certification by Mo. Dept. of Elem. & Sec. Education (DESE).  You should take the Praxis II at the end of Block III or the beginning of student teaching. Do not take it before Block III.  This website has important information for you: http://www.semo.edu/eese/praxis2.htm

3. Praxis II Exam What test should you take? Early Childhood majors: Education of Young Children Test Code 0021 – Paper Test Code 5021 – Computer You do NOT have to take the Elementary Education Praxis exam, even if you are adding the Grades 1 - 6 certification.

4. Where do you find out information about your Praxis II test? Test at a Glance (TAAG) Number of questions, format, and weighting of scores Content categories Sample test questions http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXI S/pdf/0021.pdf http://www.ets.org/Media/Tests/PRAXI S/pdf/0021.pdf

5. Education of Young Children exam 90 multiple choice questions (80% of test weight) 3 short constructed-response questions (20% of text points) 2 hour time limit

6. Education of Young Children Multiple choice test categories and number of questions Early Childhood Development: 16 Teaching and Supporting Diverse Children: 14 Creating a Developmentally Appropriate Learning Environment: 17 Teaching and Learning: 22 Instructional Process Content Knowledge Assessment Professionalism, Family, and Community: 21

7. Education of Young Children Constructed response test categories and number of questions Demonstrating Knowledge of Teaching : 3 constructed-response Teaching and supporting diverse children or Creating a developmentally appropriate learning environment Relationships with Families or Professionalism Assessment, Curriculum, or Instruction

8. Education of Young Children Sample Multiple Choice Question Ms. Craig asks her students to write the word sailboat. Levi spells the word PKLLEEP. At which of the following levels is Levi spelling? A. Transitional B. Conventional C. Pre-phonemic D. Phonemic

9. Education of Young Children Sample Multiple Choice Question Ms. Craig asks her students to write the word sailboat. Levi spells the word PKLLEEP. At which of the following levels is Levi spelling? A. Transitional B. Conventional C. Pre-phonemic D. Phonemic

10. Education of Young Children Sample Multiple Choice Question Which of the following early childhood programs was launched in 1965 in an effort to give economically disadvantaged children advanced preparation for the intellectual and social challenges of elementary school? A. High / Scope B. Montessori C. Bank Street Model D. Project Head Start

11. Education of Young Children Sample Multiple Choice Question Which of the following early childhood programs was launched in 1965 in an effort to give economically disadvantaged children advanced preparation for the intellectual and social challenges of elementary school? A. High / Scope B. Montessori C. Bank Street Model D. Project Head Start

12. Education of Young Children Sample Multiple Choice Question Which of the following descriptions of physical development is typical for a 6 yr. old child? A. Walks on tiptoe, begins to skip, draws in circular motions Gallops, able to draw designs, including letters Likes to skip, somersault, copy designs, including letters Stands on tiptoe, kicks ball forward, able to screw and unscrew lids

13. Education of Young Children Sample Multiple Choice Question Which of the following descriptions of physical development is typical for a 6 yr. old child? A. Walks on tiptoe, begins to skip, draws in circular motions B. Gallops, able to draw designs, including letters C. Likes to skip, somersault, copy designs, including letters D. Stands on tiptoe, kicks ball forward, able to screw and unscrew lids

14. Multiple Choice Test Taking Tips Read carefully Underline important details Determine WHAT the question is asking Eliminate the obvious wrong answers to determine the “best answer” “Least” “Not” and “Except” are key words that ask for a choice that doesn’t fit

15. Education of Young Children Sample Constructed Response Question Part A: The parents of your kindergarten students will be coming into your room for parent/teacher conferences. List FOUR materials that the parents would see in a learning center that will promote visual and auditory skills related to reading. Part B: Based on principles of child development and learning, explain how each of these chosen materials will foster a child’s visual and auditory skills related to reading.

16. Education of Young Children Sample Constructed Response Question You are planning an integrated unit on plants and seeds for the diverse learners in your first-grade class. Part A: Describe one developmentally appropriate, plant-related activity that integrates the following disciplines: Science Language arts Mathematics Part B: Describe the conceptual understanding the activity will address in each content area.

17. Praxis II exam Qualifying Score The Missouri Department of Elementary & Secondary Education sets this qualifying score: Education of Young Children – 166 National median score: 183 Southeast median score: 187.45 (2010-2011) Southeast Score Range in 2009-2010: 177 - 197 Southeast Early Childhood program: 100% pass rate (2006 – 2010), 97.5% (2010-2011)

18. Preparing for Praxis II Use study guides! Tests at a Glance are free on ETS website. Study guides for each test are in Kent Library. Organize a study group. Review your notes from any classes related to test topics. Take a sample test. Don’t try to cram– start preparing early! Rest well the night before the test.

19. Questions? This power point presentation is available on Dr. Ray’s websites: http://cstl-coe.semo.edu/jaray Email: jaray@semo.edu