The Praxis Series is an Educational Testing Service (ETS) program that provides tests and other services for states to use as part of their teacher certification process. The Praxis Series assessments are also used by colleges and universities to qualify individuals for entry to their teacher education programs. More information regarding the Praxis Series as well as, Tests at a Glance, a quick guide to each test, sample test questions and explanations can be found at www.ets.org/praxis.

Complying with the Standards for Practitioner and Administrator Preparation Programs of the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 79.14(2)d which state: “The teacher candidate performance system shall include the administration of a basic skills test with program admission denied to any applicants failing to achieve the institution’s designated criterion score.”, Buena Vista University chose to use the Praxis I (CPPST/PPST) Academic Skills Assessments from the Praxis Series: Professional Assessments for Beginning Teachers as the basic skills test. After careful study of the Praxis I testing policies in other institutions in Iowa, the Teacher Education Committee set the following as minimum scores for admission to the practitioner preparation program at BVU: reading 173, writing 172 and math 171. These scores are at the midpoint of other institutions in Iowa.

BVU requires the minimum scores be met in two of the three basic skills tests within three attempts each. Unlimited attempts are allowed to achieve the minimum score on the third test. Students who intend to take a Praxis I test more than three times must notify the education coordinator at their campus/Center via the Intention to Pursue Completion of Praxis I form.

Payment of the initial registration as well as any retakes is the responsibility of the student. The tests are administered as either paper-based (PPST) or computer-based (CPPST). It is highly recommended that students complete the Praxis I requirement early in their academic career so that they can proceed with the checkpoints of the Teacher Education Program.

Information including registration forms, directions for on line registration, test sites and dates, test preparation, non-standard testing accommodations and more is found at www.ets.org/praxis. The University’s education coordinators also will answer any questions students may have regarding registration.

Non-standard testing accommodations are provided for students with disabilities who meet ETS requirements. The request form for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations as well as other information regarding non-standard testing can be found on the web site www.ets.org/praxis. All requests for accommodations must be approved in accordance with The Praxis Series Program policies. Because ETS needs to review documentation in order to provide appropriate accommodations, test takers seeking non-standard testing accommodations must register through the Educational Testing Service. Test takers who require only minor modifications to the standard testing environment (e.g., wheel chair access, adjustable table or chair, or special lighting) or who have documented medical needs (e.g., diabetes, epilepsy) that necessitate taking medication or snack breaks will submit a letter of support from a medical doctor or other qualified professional stating the nature of the disability and the minor modifications requested with the test registration form and fee. All other requests for accommodations must be made on the request form for Nonstandard Testing Accommodations.

Buena Vista University provides tutorial support for the Praxis I exam via the BVU Center for Academic Excellence (Donna Musel (museld@bvu.edu) phone: 712-749-1237. Practice tests are available at www.ets.org/praxis and at www.testprepreview.com. Questions regarding Praxis testing should be addressed as follows:

• Program issues, parent/student concerns: Dr. Kline Capps, Dean, School of Education, 712-749-2275.
• Praxis Registration Information: Joan Hakes, Education Coordinator, Storm Lake Campus, 712-749-2107 or the education coordinators at the student’s specific Center.
• Adaptations/accommodations, tutorial support: Donna Musel, Director, Center for Academic Excellence, 712-749-1237.
• Test administration, Praxis workshops: Dr. Rita McKenzie, Assistant Dean, School of Education and Graduate Studies, 712-749-2156.
• Test scores, Praxis data base administration, Jan Finnegan, Data Base Manager, School of Education, 712-749-2277.

Storm Lake testing dates for 2007-2008 are listed below. Other test sites and dates can be found at www.ets.org/praxis.

November 17, 2007 ETS must receive registration forms by 10/18/2007 (Praxis I & II)
April 26, 2008 ETS must receive registration forms by 3/27/2008 (Praxis I & II)
June 14, 2008 ETS must receive registration forms by 5/15/08 (Praxis II)