Praxis is a series of tests that are developed to assess the knowledge and skills of prospective teachers.  There are two tests that must be successfully completed by teacher certification candidates: Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) and Praxis II: Subject Assessments.  It is each student’s responsibility to register and arrange to take these two tests.  Any students who have additional questions about this aspect of the teacher certification process are encouraged to visit Carol Marx, the Education Department administrative assistant, in Briggs 117.

PRAXIS I: PRE-PROFESSIONAL SKILLS TEST (PPST)

What is Praxis I and when should I take it?

The Praxis I test is intended to evaluate your basic skills in three broad areas: reading, writing, and mathematics.  This test may be taken either on a computer or in a paper-based format.  If you decide to take the paper-based version, you must be especially mindful of the limited number of testing dates and their registration deadlines; if you elect to take the computer-based version, you will have more flexibility in scheduling your testing session.  Although there are minor differences between the two versions of the test (including the fees), both take approximately 4 to 4.5 hours to complete.  For more information on the Praxis I exam structure, deadlines, and registration fees, please visit www.ets.org/praxis.

Although not required, we recommend you take at least one education course before taking the test.  You may pick up registration materials for the Praxis I test in the Education Department office together when you pick up the Petition for Admission to Student Teaching and Teacher Certification Handbook.  You must pass the Praxis I test before you can be interviewed for admission to the Teacher Education Program.

Important note:  Lawrence must receive an official score report directly from ETS.  When you register for the test, you should request that your scores be reported directly to Lawrence University.  If you do not include this institutional information when you register, you will have to pay an additional fee to have the scores reported to Lawrence.

Where do I take Praxis I?

You can take the paper-based version of the test at Lawrence in November.  Visit the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis/register ) for the exact date of the exam and its registration deadline (approximately one month before the test date).  Since seating is limited and not guaranteed to LU students, it is highly recommended that you register as early as possible.  Late registration is available (space permitting) for an additional fee. 

The computer-based version of the test can be taken on other dates at a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) center.  The closest CBT center is in UW-Oshkosh’s Polk Library (920-424-1433).  Check the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis) for additional locations (perhaps in your hometown) and possible test dates.  You must schedule your testing session beforehand by calling 1-800-853-6773 or contacting the CBT center directly.

When will I receive my scores, and what happens if I do not pass Praxis I?

If you take the computer-based test, you will receive the scores for the reading and math sections immediately after you have completed the test.  Two to three weeks later, you and Lawrence will receive an official copy of those scores along with your score on the writing section.  If you elect to take the paper-based version of the test, your scores will be sent approximately four weeks after your testing session. 

If you do not pass a section of Praxis I, you may retake just the failed section of the test for a lesser fee than the entire exam.  You will need to follow the same steps for registration outlined above.

If you have not passed Praxis I (in whole or in part) after taking it at least three times, you may apply for a waiver of the Praxis I requirement, provided that you meet the minimum 2.75 GPA requirement.  No more than 10% of the total number of student teachers in a given year may receive such a waiver, and they are granted only in extraordinary circumstances.  Please consult the Teacher Certification Handbook or the department chair for further information.      

PRAXIS II: SUBJECT ASSESSMENTS

What is Praxis II and when should I take it?

Unlike Praxis I, which is the same for everyone, Praxis II has different tests for different subjects.  The purpose of Praxis II is to test your content knowledge in your chosen licensure subject area(s).  If you are working toward a license in more than one subject area, you must take a Praxis II test for each of your areas in which a test is offered.

Note that the Subject Assessment test may include questions on a broad range of topics in your subject area.  For example, if you are taking the test in Social Studies, you will be expected to answer questions about U. S. history, world history, government (civics/political science), geography, economics, and behavioral sciences (psychology).

Visit the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis) for information about your particular test and for test preparation tips.  To find the most useful and accurate information concerning your Subject Assessment test, follow these steps:

1. Locate the “State Testing Requirements” heading in the left-hand column of the page.
2. Indicate that you are getting licensed in Wisconsin – this will redirect you to a page with the detailed information you need concerning your Praxis II test.
3. Scroll down the page to the heading “What Are the Praxis II: Subject Assessment Requirements?” From there, you will be able to click on the subject area(s) relevant to you for an in-depth breakdown of what your test(s) will entail.

You must pass Praxis II before you will be allowed to student teach.  There are no exceptions or waivers for this state-mandated test.  Students typically take the Praxis II test in the academic year before student teaching.  Although the content-driven nature of the test may tempt you to delay as long as possible, it is unwise to do so.  You must take the test no later than March of the year prior to student teaching.  This allows your scores to be received in time and provide the possibility for one retake, should you fail to pass the first time, before a delay in student teaching becomes necessary.

Important note:  Lawrence must receive an official score report directly from ETS.  When you register for the test, you should request that your scores be reported directly to Lawrence University.  If you do not include this institutional information when you register, you will have to pay an additional fee to have the scores reported to Lawrence.

Where do I take Praxis II?

Unlike Praxis I, Praxis II can be taken only in a paper-based format.  Lawrence holds a Praxis II testing session in March.  Please refer to pages 22-24 of The Praxis Series 2008-2009 Bulletin or visit the ETS website (www.ets.org/praxis/register) for the exact date of the exam and its registration deadline (approximately one month before the test date).  Since seating is limited and not guaranteed to LU students, it is highly recommended that you register as early as possible.  Late registration is available (space permitting) for an additional fee. 

When will I receive my scores, and what happens if I do not pass Praxis II?

Your scores will be sent approximately four weeks after your testing session.  If you do not pass Praxis II, you may retake the test as many times as necessary to receive a passing score.  You will need to follow the same steps outlined above to register to re-take the test.  Please note that the paper-based format of the test limits your scheduling options and that you must pass Praxis II before you can begin to student teach.  Therefore, wise planning and preparation for this test is crucial for your successful completion of the Teacher Education Program.