Praxis test validation continues

The Department of Education has completed validating more than 40 content areas for the Praxis test. Another set of tests are scheduled for evaluation in early fall. 

A test advisory council will recommend qualifying scores at the November Board of Education meeting. Qualifying scores will be posted on the department’s Web site. A list of the tests and matching content areas can be found at www.state.sd.us/deca/OPA/Praxis/Praxis.htm.  

As of July 1, 2005, teachers new to the profession need to pass both a content and pedagogy test to be certified in South Dakota. This will apply to the fall graduating class of 2005. Existing teachers wishing to add an endorsement onto their certificate after the July 21 date also will need to take a test. Teachers may take coursework to support the test, or they may simply take the test and meet or exceed the qualifying score to add the endorsement. 

The first session of tests for South Dakota will be available at the April testing date. Tests are administered at the public universities and some private universities across the state. Pre-registration is necessary. A list of test dates is available at www.state.sd.us/deca/OPA/Praxis/Praxis.htm. Teachers may take the test as many times as necessary before submitting their scores to the Department of Education.

The tests meet the “highly qualified” teacher requirement of No Child Left Behind.