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Praxis Core Analysis

Kimberly D. Hall
Secondary Education-220
Professor Theri Wyckoff, MS
July 2, 2021
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To become a teacher in the state of Nevada, I have specific educational requirements I must

complete before given the option of securing a job in the teaching profession. First, I must

complete an Associates degree in Secondary Education, and I am also pursuing the degree I

would like to focus my instruction to, English. In addition to attaining these two degrees, I

must pass the state-required Praxis Core Exam before being allowed to start the process of

achieving my bachelor’s degree at a higher institute of learning here in Nevada such as UNR or

UNLV, in Secondary Education. During the course of my paper, I will give an explanation of the

requirements to pass the Praxis test, how I have prepared thus far in hopes of achieving

successful scores, what my current practice test scores are predicting for me to receive on

these exams, and what I will do in the future to enhance my chances for passing scores.

The Praxis Core Exam consists of 3 separate portions that are separately graded. They are

the Core Academic Skills in Reading, in which I must received at least a minimum score of 156,

Writing, with a passing score minimum of 162, and last, the math portion with a minimum score

of 150. On the Math portion it states no personal calculators are allowed, but an on-screen

four-function calculator will be provided. I have the option of taking these exams separately for

the price of $90.00 each, 2 registered together for $180.00, or 3 registered together for

$270.00. Furthermore, I have the option of taking all three exams together, referred to as the

Core Combined, for the price of $150.00. If I fail any portion of the exam. I would retake those
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portions only. I can register for my exams via mail, online or mail, by using a credit or debit

card, eCheck, or PayPal, I can find all the information for forms needed, payment waivers,

testing dates, and registration information on the ETS website.

In addition, I must pass my Praxis Subject Assessment for English, which is what I would like

to teach, called the English Language Arts: Content Knowledge Assessment. The Praxis Subject

Assessments measure knowledge of specific subjects that K–12 educators will teach, as well as

general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge. This is a requirement of some

professionals as a requirement for making licensing decisions. All of my Praxis Subject

Assessments tests will be given on the computer, from a network of test centers, which

includes Prometric test centers, universities and other locations.

Currently my practice test scores for the Praxis Exam need significant improvement. I

decided to become a teacher last semester so I am already behind the curve because I am one

semester away from graduation and just now beginning to attempt to achieve the required

scores. In all three sections, Reading, Writing and Math, I received poor scores. In Reading, I

received a 48% and it stated, “Needs Significant Improvement”. My scores for the Praxis Core

in Writing I earned a 60%, and it stated “Needs Improvement”, and finally, I received a 61% in

the Math portion, which also indicated I need improvement. I know I have a long way to go,

but I’m up for the challenge. Currently, I am predicted to fail all three portions, however, with

determination and one more semester remaining before I will need to transfer to UNLV, NSC or
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UNR, I will strive to increase my chances of success. If I am unsuccessful in passing prior to my

transfer to one of these prestigious schools, I will transfer for my English degree and receive

tutoring and other additional aids, until I pass, and can proceed with my degree in Secondary

Education.

To increase my chances of passing all exams, I will continue to utilize the Khan Academy

tools, such as the practice tests, and activities they provide on their website, in which I started

using last semester. Working on the Khan Academy website, has brought my scores up

considerably. I was doing much worse when I first began practicing. The past 3 months, my

focus has been more so on Writing and Math, which my percentage scores were previously in

the 40’s, have now reached the 60’s, and my Reading scores have not suffered, but have not

improved either. I am going to now utilize the ETS study tools as well as the Khan Academy

tools, and in addition, I believe I will purchase the ETS programs for Math, Writing and Reading,

to further enhance my learning material. I will also take advantage of YouTube because I have

found multiple, helpful videos that give instruction on many of the Math problems. One

important addition to my study plan is utilizing my veteran’s vocational rehabilitation benefits,

to pay for the cost of a much-needed tutor.

From now until December, I have to complete the requirements to move on with my

educational goals. I am happy to have the opportunity of trying to become a teacher, and I

hopefully will attain the certifications prior to leaving the College of Southern Nevada. I know
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my Praxis Core Analysis is extremely long, however, it is because I know I have a lot of work to

do.