TExES/ExCET Exam Preparation
The best preparation for a TExES/ExCET test is a
well-rounded education with in-depth learning experiences in your teaching
field. Because the range of knowledge and skills required of teachers is so
broad, it is unlikely that you can learn all that is necessary to pass the
test in a short time. However, here are some steps you may wish to follow
before you take the examination.
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) has registration
materials and preparation manuals for the TExES/ExCET test. SBEC has preparation materials available depending on your exam needs and the specific test you plan to
take. Visit the Texas Educator Certification website at www.texes.ets.org/prepMaterials for a list of available resources.
Study Materials
Because the TExES/ExCET assessments cover the wide range of
knowledge required for teaching, there are many sources that may help you
prepare for the assessments and for your teaching experience. ATPE does not
guarantee that the use of materials in this list will result in better
performance on a test, and there may be other materials not listed here that
will be helpful in preparing to take tests.
- TExES/ExCET Study Guides
Each test is based on a framework, or list of objectives,
which is included in the study guide. Each question on the test assesses your
knowledge of one of the objectives. These study guides also contain sample
questions that will give you an idea about the types of questions that may be
asked on the test. Study guides are available at no cost through education
departments at Texas colleges and universities, alternative certification
programs, SBEC Information and Support Center at (512)936-8400 and the Texas Educator Certification Website at
www.texes.ets.org.
Each year some tests are redeveloped or new tests are
implemented. Be sure to get the most current study materials for the tests you
plan to take.
- Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
Chapter 75 of the Texas Administrative Code, the State
Board of Education Rules for Curriculum, (more commonly known as the TEKS)
outlines Texas’ curriculum guidelines. The Texas Essential Knowledge and
Skills were an important influence in determining the content of the TExES/ExCET
tests because they define the content that Texas teachers are required to
teach. The TEKS for specific content areas may be available from school
districts, universities, and Education Service Centers. You may view and
download the TEKS at
www.tea.state.tx.us
or call the Office of
Curriculum and Professional Development at (512) 463-9581.
- State-Adopted Textbooks
The most recently adopted textbooks and teacher guides in
the courses you will be eligible to teach may also be helpful in your test
preparation. If you are already employed by a Texas public school, you may be
able to borrow textbooks from your district. Additionally, some Education
Service Centers and some university libraries have the textbooks available for
reference purposes, if not to checkout. If you are not in Texas, reviewing
textbooks adopted by your state may also be helpful.
- Journals and Other Materials from Professional Organizations
Most of the content areas included in the TExES/ExCET program have a corresponding professional
organization. For example, if you are planning to be an algebra teacher and are going to take the
Mathematics TExES
test, you may wish to contact the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics
to find out about their publications. Though they may not have materials
specific to the TExES/ExCET, they generally publish journals, policy statements,
and/or current research that may aid you in your test preparation. In addition
to the printed materials, local chapters often have meetings and workshops on
pertinent topics.
- College Texts, Notes, and Assignments
When reviewing materials from college coursework in preparation for a TExES/ExCET exam, you may wish to focus your study on courses
that included content that will be assessed on the test. For example, if you
are studying for the Special Education test and feel you need
additional work in the subarea of Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Disabilities, you may wish to
study your notes and text from the course that examined the range of
disabilities, rather than materials from a course in one specific disability.
- TExES/ExCET Exam Books
-
The Best Test
Preparation for the ExCET – Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas
By Research & Education Association - This test preparation book
includes two full-length exams from the ExCET Professional Development Tests, a review of
key educational theories and concepts, and a review of legal matters that are relevant to
teachers.
-
Pass the TExES (PPR)
By Mark Mentze - This book will prepare teachers for the TExES
PPR exam like no other book of its kind. The book covers all levels, and
includes easy-to-study outlines, worksheets, study techniques and helps, and
a CD.
-
Barron’s
How to Prepare for the ExCET (Examination for the Certification of Educators in Texas:
Professional Development Tests)
By Sandra Luna McCune, Mary Ella Lowe & Donnya E. Stephens
The State Board for Educator Certification does not endorse
any commercially developed study guides. If you choose to purchase one, be
sure to keep your focus on the objectives listed in the TExES/ExCET Study Guide. ATPE does not
guarantee that the use of materials in this list will result in better
performance on a test, and there may be other materials not listed on the
website that will be helpful in preparing to take tests.
Additional Help
Twenty Education Service Centers (ESC’s) support Texas
educators in a variety of ways. Some of them offer preparation courses for
certain TExES/ExCET tests or other workshops that relate to your content area.
Others may have textbooks and other reference materials that you can use.
Check out their website or call for more information to find out how they may
be able to help you.
Also, most universities in the state offer coursework in teacher education,
and some offer TExES/ExCET preparation classes. You may wish to contact the
education department of a university in your area to find out what support is
available. Some large school districts also provide study sessions for their
teachers. Look for study groups with other examinees for support as well.
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