Mackenzie Howie

EDU 299

2/9/20

Praxis Analysis

Requirements

In the state of Nevada, anyone seeking a Bachelor’s degree in education must pass

the Praxis Core exam before they go to UNLV, NSC, or UNR for the degree. The passing

score for the Math Praxis is 150. To pass the Reading Praxis, one needs a score of 156.

For the writing exam, a score of 162 is passing.

Preparation

This is my second time taking the practice praxis exams. The first time, I read

through the study guides but did very little actual studying, just to get a baseline of what I

know. My two poorest scores were in reading and math, so I’ve studied more for those

two than writing as I got a good score last time! The only way I’ve found to study for

these, though, is to read through the study guides a few times.

Results

For Writing, I got an 83% range, which means I’m likely to pass the writing

portion. This is a little disappointing, as I got 85% last time I took this practice exam!

Last time in Math, I got 67% and this time I got 80%, which means I’m likely to

pass! I’m so impressed with the growth I’ve had in math. This is my weakest subject and

I did not expect that big of a leap!

 For Reading, I got a 75% range, which is “borderline” according to the testing site

(meaning I could improve). Previously, I got 68% in this though, so at least I’m showing

a little improvement.

Future Exam Preparation

As far as preparing for the real exams, I need to focus on math and reading. I

found this great tutor through an old job, and she has gotten me through my last 3 math

courses. She explains things in a way I can understand! This new score also has me

feeling like I might be able to pass the math exam without having a heart attack. What’s

funny is I’m a tutor in reading for Title I. Lately though, within the last year, I’ve had this

odd brain fog when it comes to retaining what I’ve read. I have no idea what it could be,

but it only happens when I have to read and reference it!

I think I need to practice some mediation when it comes to these tests. The fact

that they cost so much money and that my future depends on them? That makes me

anxious! I was the kid in high school who couldn’t take the SATs the first time because I

pulled up in my car and threw up. Tests just make me worry. The only subject I’m not

worried about at all is writing, as I tend to tear apart people’s writing anyway. I think I’ll

do alright there.

My strategy for these tests is to take Math first and get that out of the way. I

talked to my counselor at CSN and he suggested I take the tests separately if I’m anxious

about them. So, I figure I’ll knock Math out as quickly as I can after I’ve had a few

sessions with my tutor. Then, after I’ve read the Reading study guide and maybe gotten a

few books, I’ll try the Reading exam. I’m going to save Writing for last because I’m most
comfortable with it. I’m still incredibly nervous about it though, so if there is any advice

from anyone reading this, I would appreciate it!