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.

The Standards for Practitioner and Administrator Preparation Programs of the Iowa Administrative Code, Chapter 79.13(2)c, states:

“For teacher preparation programs, the system includes the administration of a basic skills test, with program admission denied to any applicant who fails to achieve the institution's designated criterion score.”

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.  Appeals to waive or modify Praxis requirements will not be approved.

Score Requirements

To comply with this code, Buena Vista University chose to use the Praxis I 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 Teacher Education Program at BVU (these scores are at the midpoint of other institutions in Iowa):

• Reading - 173
• Writing - 172
• Math - 171

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 specific BVU site via the Intention to Pursue Completion of Praxis I form.

Test Registration

Information including registration forms, directions for online registration, test sites and dates, test preparation, and more is found at www.ets.org/praxis. The Student Professional Experiences Coordinator or your specific site Education Coordinator can answer any questions you may have regarding registration.

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).

Accomodations

Non-standard testing accommodations are provided for students with disabilities who meet ETS requirements. The request form for non-standard testing accommodations as well as other information regarding non-standard testing can be found at www.ets.org/exadep/english/disabilities/. 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 non-standard testing accommodations.

Test Preparation

Buena Vista University provides tutorial support for the Praxis I exam via the BVU Center for Academic Excellence. Assistance for GPS students may be available at their local community college.

Practice tests are available at:

www.ets.org/praxis/prepare/materials  Provides information regarding test preparation materials, strategies and tips, developing a study plan, and test prep webinars.

www.testprepreview.com Provides sample tests.  

Questions?

Questions regarding Praxis testing should be addressed as follows:

• Program Questions: Julie Finnern, Assistant Dean - School of Education, Email - Finnern@bvu.edu, Phone - 712.749.2065, or the Education Coordinator at the student's specific BVU site.
• Praxis Registration Information: Pippa Fineran, Student Professional Experiences Coordinator, Email - FineranP@bvu.edu, Phone - 712.749.2221, or the Education Coordinator at the student's specific BVU site.
• Adaptations/Accommodations & Tutorial Support: Donna Musel, Director - Center for Academic Excellence, Email - MuselD@bvu.edu, Phone - 712.749.1237.
• Test Scores/Praxis Database Administration: Leah Marshall, Assessment Technician, Email - MarshallL@bvu.edu, Phone - 712.749.2156.