One thing about being a Middle Level Education major is that I have to take many Praxis certification tests.

Now, as a Middle Level Education major with a language arts concentration, I have to take a pedagogy test, an English and social studies test, and a math and science test. I also have to take a second English test – since that’s what my concentration is in. If I wanted to take a few additional tests to receive additional certifications, I have that option, too.

Right now, I have to take one more math class. I still need to take quantitative literacy, but I can take higher level math classes if I wish. I met with my advisor in order to decide which math class I should be taking over the summer at a community college. We ended up looking at what math skills I need to learn, and so far I’ve learned each one on the test except geometry. Unfortunately, a geometry class is not offered over the summer, so I took it upon my self to meet with the head of the mathematics department so I could figure out which class offered would best prepare me.

In the end, he found a basic math class which would be a great review for everything coming up on the test, so I decided to take it. The class should substitute for one of the classes I would have to take anyway so it looks like it is a good fit.

I wanted to write this for anyone who happens to be in my situation where they might want to add on another certification or want some extra practice to prepare for the certification tests.

You can visit the Praxis website and see what information you need to pass the test. I looked at that with my advisor to decided what would be the best math class to take.

This applies to other subjects as well.

Just because a class is required for your education major doesn’t mean that there isn’t another class that could better prepare you for a certification test. After all, you can always potentially fill out a substitution form; if the class helps prepare you for a certification test you need to take, then it probably could substitute for a class you would be taking already. (If that sounds confusing, don’t worry – that’s what your advisor is for – talk to them!) 

The Praxis tests can be intimidating. Everything that you will be asked will probably be taught in a class somewhere that is either required for your major or one you could substitute for one that is required. I would not say that this is something everyone needs to do, but I want people to know that taking courses that prepare for the Praxis is an option.