1. By: Ryann Grummer, Kadie Walker, Barbara Upton, Casey Fragos, and Lora Smith

2.  Take classes during the summer- get finished faster.  Take Math 3318 and 3320 back to back- you can use the same book and online access code. Do not take either during the summer.  Must take all of the methods classes before starting student teaching- CUIN 4316, CUIN 4322, CUIN 4324  Try not to take a class during student teaching- if you must, take SPED 3321 Exceptional Children or FEDU 4310 Human Learning.  Talk to fellow students about professors and classes.

4.  Meet with your advisor to determine what tests you are required to take and when to take them.  TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR)  Focuses on general subject area knowledge and particularly the teaching skills required of the beginning teacher.  TExES Generalist Content Test (EC-6)  The Generalist EC-6 Exam measures competencies in English Language Arts and Reading, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, Fine Arts, and Physical Education.

5.  Receive approval to take test from advisor.  Receive a Texas Educator Approval (TEA) ID number to be used to register for the exam(s).  Register for exams at: http://www.texes.ets.org/ http://www.texes.ets.org/

6.  Learn about the exams  ETS (Eduational Testing Service) publishes Test Preparation Manual ( free! )  www.texes.ets.org www.texes.ets.org  How many questions are on the test?  How much time do you have to take the test?  Topics covered  Example questions

7.  Make an organized study schedule and stick to it  Studying Resources:  On-line Practices Tests:  www.certifyteacher.com www.certifyteacher.com  www.texesexampracticetests.com www.texesexampracticetests.com  Many Study Books to choose from at the bookstores  Practice, Practice, Practice

8.  Pretend it is a PERFECT classroom. All the conditions are perfect / no “what if”.  Go with you “gut” feeling. Don’t second guess yourself.  Take the test that you are most comfortable with.  Paper  Computer  Think Positive  When you start feeling anxious, take a couple of long, deep breaths and exhale slowly.

9.  Take breaks.  Take your time / Read each question slowly.  Be Prepared  Know how to get to your testing center  Leave in plenty of time  Stay Focused  Be well rested

10.  Take the appropriate identification  Admission ticket for the test you are taking  Valid and acceptable identification document(s) with a name, signature and photograph  3 or 4 sharpened soft-lead (No. 2 or HD) pencils with good erasers – for the Paper based test  You cannot bring cell phones, smartphones (e.g., Blackberry, iPhone), PDAs and other electronic or photographic devices into the test center. Stay calm Good Luck!

11.  Planner  Color coded planner  Dividers  When you student teach to separate everything from forms to switching placements to stay organized.  -Have folders for papers you need to grade.  -Plastic protectors for important documents  -Binder for important documents

12.  Meet prior to your placement for lunch or dinner  Meet at the classroom before or after school before your placement to get acquainted with the classroom and more with the teacher.  Always ask if she needs any help with anything  making copies  grading papers  checking his/her box  Slowly take jobs from her, do not take every job from her or she will feel overwhelmed. Make sure she is comfortable.  Be positive at all times.  Ask for advice. She/he will be happy to help.