Testing Requirements

To ensure that Fellows teaching in either Shreveport of Greater Baton Rouge enter their teaching careers as highly qualified new educators, ready to earn their teaching certification, Fellows must register for, study for, and pass the Praxis I and appropriate Praxis II subject area test(s) before the start of the summer Training Institute and before enrollment in the Teaching Fellows program can be finalized

NOTE:  **You do not have to take the Praxis I exam BEFORE applying to become a Fellow.  We encourage you to apply now and if you are invited to an Interview Event, we will ask you to bring of copy of your registration for Praxis I or proof of exemption.**

The Praxis I is a general knowledge exam including sections on reading, writing, and mathematics. All Fellows must take and pass all three sections of the Praxis I (reading, writing, and math) prior to summer Institute. The Praxis I is available in both computer-based and paper-based administrations. Registration is handled by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). We strongly encourage candidates to register as soon as possible for the next available computer-based test administration. (The computer-based version is available on a daily basis, while the paper-based version is only available on limited set test dates). To learn more information about the Praxis I and to register for the Praxis I exam, visit the ETS website.

Exemptions from the Praxis I
To waive the Praxis I requirement, candidates must submit one of the following documents to the Teaching Fellows program by the start of the summer Training Institute. Candidates are encouraged to bring the official copy (no photocopies accepted) of one of these documents to the interview event:

• An official ACT score report with composite score of 22 or above.
• An official SAT score report with a combined verbal and math score of 1030 or above
• An official Master’s Degree transcript from a regionally accredited college/university

The Praxis II is a subject area-specific exam. Candidates invited to interview with the Louisiana Teaching Fellows to teach math, science or special education, or if positions are available, Language Arts or elementary education will need to take and pass the appropriate Praxis II exam(s). Candidates should review the program eligibility requirements, consider their eligibility when stating subject area preferences on the Fellows online application, and then wait for specific, individualized testing directions from our program office before registering for this exam. Candidates invited to interview with the Teaching Fellows program will receive individualized guidance on the appropriate exam(s) for their candidacy with their invitation to interview, and are urged to register at that time for their exam. The appropriate Praxis II exam(s) will vary for each candidate, depending on a candidate’s eligibility and the subject he/she may teach in the fall. The Praxis II is offered in a paper-based test administration, and registration is handled by the Educational Testing Service (ETS). To learn more about the Praxis II and to register for the Praxis II exam (exam dates are listed below), visit the ETS website once you have received instructions from the Fellows office.

Praxis Preparation
It is imperative that all candidates STUDY thoroughly for the Praxis I and Praxis II exams. The exams often prove difficult even for individuals with deep content knowledge or relevant professional experience. As you prepare, consider the following recommendations and resources:

• Visit www.ets.org for information about the Praxis II. Select the Tests at a Glance feature to access an overview of the material covered on the exam and download sample test problems. Consider purchasing ETS’ Praxis Study Guides. However, please note that many candidates report needing study materials beyond these ETS resources
• Refer to college and high school textbooks focused on the appropriate subject matter for your Praxis II 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 candidates or teachers you may know

Note that it is common for candidates to take the exams a second time due to failure on the first attempt. Therefore, the Louisiana Teaching Fellows program strongly recommends that candidates register now for the Praxis I, and that candidates invited to interview with the program register for the Praxis II as soon as possible upon receiving individualized direction on which exam to take. This will allow candidates to maximize their chances of passing and to have time to re-take the exam if needed.

All candidates will be required to submit proof of test registration and/or scores if invited to interview with the program, and all Fellows must prove that they have passed the Praxis I and Praxis II prior to the start of the summer Training Institute. Candidates who do not meet these testing requirements will not be permitted to continue on in the Teaching Fellows program. Please note that it takes approximately one month to receive test scores. Test takers who registered online for a paper-based test must access test scores via their ETS account—score reports will no longer be mailed. Candidates are responsible for all Praxis registration costs (note that there is an additional fee for late registration).

The following table lists the Praxis II paper-based test administrations for 2010 Fellows and candidates, as well as the registration deadlines:

Candidates are responsible for all Praxis registration costs (note that there is an additional fee for late registration).

All Fellows will begin their careers in education by teaching students in the schools and in the subject areas where high-quality teachers are needed the most. By teaching high-need subjects such as math, science and special education, or if there are positions available in Language Arts or elementary education, you will have the opportunity to impact student achievement in significant and meaningful ways for your students.

Want to learn more? If you have further questions about exams required to teach in the RSD in Louisiana through this program, please contact us at infoshreveport@louisianateachingfellows.org or infobatonrouge@louisianateachingfellows.org Please be sure to read the eligibility page for additional information on program eligibility requirements.