Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Acing the TExES PPR Exam

This blog is dedicated to help anyone preparing for the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (PPR) Tests for teachers in Texas. I teach a class that culminates with students taking the practice PPR test as the final for the class. Students have to pass this test in order to take the actual PPR Exam. I've decided to create this blog after seeing so many students struggle with this test.

I remember one student who came to me with tears in her eyes saying that she had already taken this test three times without any success. She was afraid that she would never pass the test. This was a hard working student that really studied for the test but still didn't pass it. Speaking to her at lenght revealed that she was overanalyzing the questions on the test...a strategy that is taught as part of the critical thinking skills set in most higher level undergraduate classes. Her overanalysis of the questions and the answers was misleading her to select the wrong answers.

So, what strategies and content knowlede do you need to pass this test? That's what this blog is about. My goal is not only to help you pass this test but ace it. Unlike most test prep programs that focus mostly on mastery of content and test taking strategies, a blog allows us to prepare for a test collaboratively. We can analyze questions together and share each other's experiences and insights on best test taking strategies. I will post a topic each week related to the PPR in order to guide our online discussions.

So...to get us started, what are some questions/concerns that you have about the PPR Exam?

2 comments:

  1. Hi Dr. Saleem, I am in your education class and would like to know if using the preparation manuals from the state board site are helpful. Could you explain the Philosophy of education assignment I did not hear your explanation. Sheila

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  2. Hi Sheilak, the prep manuals from the state board site are helpful in preparing for the test. Specially the practice questions at the back of each manual (with an answer key) provide a good idea of what the test is like. For those of you who don't know where these manuals are located...you can find them by clicking on this link: http://www.texes.ets.org/prepMaterials/ (scroll down to download the manuals in the list below).

    Now, are the prep manuals on this site enough to prepare for the test? The answer is, NO. Ideally, your preparation for this test should include the following:
    *Education coursework (go over your notes, tests, text books, etc from these coursework)
    *Field experiences
    *As many simulations of the actual test as possible (there are many practice tests commercialy available in various study guides for this test). By the way...this is probably one of the best ways to prepare for this test.

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