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Being a Fellow

TExES Exams

What is the TExES?

The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) is the state-mandated test which evaluates a teacher candidate's content knowledge. Only Fellows who have passed the TExES will be eligible for hire by partner school districts and certification.  Additionally, all Fellows must take the exam prior to the start of Institute.

 

Which TExES will I take?

In order to be eligible for alternative certification through TTF, Fellows must meet the coursework requirements for a specific content area. For credit hour requirements, see the Program Prerequisites page of the website. Those coursework requirements will assist Fellows as they prepare to take the TExES exam. Below is a table outlining the recommended content knowledge for passing the TExES exam.

Subject Area

Suggested Content Knowledge

Bilingual Generalist (EC-6)

ESL/Generalist (4-8)

Candidates are generally required to have a background including math, science, English/language arts, and social studies coursework.  Bilingual Education candidates must demonstrate full written and oral proficiency in Spanish.

 

Math (4-8 & 8-12)

A major in math or related field or substantial math credits is generally required.

 

Science (4-8 & 8-12)

A major in science or related field or substantial science credits is generally required.

 

Special Education (EC-12)

Candidates are generally required to have a background in math, science, English/language arts, and social studies coursework.  Additionally, an understanding of special education law and/or experience working with individuals with special needs is encouraged but not required. 

In addition, all Fellows must take and pass the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Exam (PPR) by February of the first year of teaching in order to be eligible for certification. Bilingual Education Fellows must take and pass an additional exam—the Bilingual Target Language Proficiency Test (BTLPT)—by February 2011 in order to be eligible for certification. Special Education Fellows will be required to take an additional content area exam in order to be considered "highly qualified" and eligible for hire.  TTF will consult with each Special Education Fellow to determine the additional TExES to take.

 

When will I take the TExES?

When you enroll in the program, TTF will give you a designated window in which you must take the TExES content exam, as well as instructions on how to sign up for the appropriate exam.  Candidates register for the exam and pay all testing fees through www.texes.ets.org.  It is very important that you take the exam in the appropriate time range so that you will have the time needed to prepare and can take part in the test prep offered by TTF. Additionally, this will provide you with the opportunity to retake the exam if necessary. We encourage candidates to apply early so that they have time to prepare for and take the exam prior to the start of Institute.  Please note you must pass the TExES to be eligible for your probationary certificate and employment with school districts.

Failure to take the exam during the given time frame will delay or prevent your ability to interview for teaching positions; taking the test at a later date can make securing a teaching position far more difficult. For this reason, candidates are encouraged to apply and interview early!

"Taking the test in February meant that once Institute came I could focus on my classroom, my FA sessions, and interviewing instead of studying and spending a much-needed Saturday taking a test!"

– Texas Teaching Fellow

Although it is not expected that Texas Teaching Fellows will take the test prior to admission into TTF, some applicants may wish to take the test as a Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT). Please note that passing a PACT does not guarantee admission to TTF. For more information about the PACT, please visit http://www.texes.ets.org/epp/epppact/. Out-of-state applicants may wish to extend their stay and take the test while they are in town for their scheduled Interview Event.

If you are interested in taking the TExES exam prior to admission into TTF, please follow the steps below:

  1. Go to the TExES New User Identification page at https://www.texes-ets.org/custom/public/pp_ev_tea.php .
  2. Click on the link to the right that says “No TEA ID”.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. Click on the link that says “pre-admission content tests (PACT).”
  4. From there, follow the directions for signing up for a PACT.

Applicants interested in taking the exam prior to admission into TTF should contact their local TTF office for guidance. Not all TExES exams correspond to subject areas in which Texas Teaching Fellows may teach.

 

How should I prepare for the TExES?

It is imperative that all candidates study thoroughly for the TExES content exam.  These exams often prove difficult, even for those individuals with deep content knowledge or relevant professional experiences.  As you prepare for the TExES, consider the following recommendations and resources:

  • Free preparation manuals can be found at www.texes.ets.org. These manuals include information regarding the format of the exam and the content of the exam.
  • Refer to college and high school textbooks focused on the appropriate subject matter for your TExES exam.
  • Consider purchasing study guides from major test prep providers at a local library or bookstore
  • Actively search the internet for additional test prep materials and resources
  • Form study groups with other Fellows
  • Practice by taking TAKS exams available on the TEA website.

In addition to your personal study plans, TTF will provide the following test preparation assistance:

  • Information regarding the TExES in the form of emails and a TExES Information Session. Additional study aids will also be available on the myTTF homepage once a Fellow has enrolled in TTF
  • Self-guided study sessions hosted by TTF providing Fellows an opportunity to use TTF test prep materials and time to study together
  • Opportunities to take a practice version of the TExES

Be sure to study thoroughly for your required exams and take your exams as soon as possible to accommodate taking the exam again, if necessary.  (There is a 60-day mandatory waiting period to retake an exam.)

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