Using the Praxis II test for AL certification and HQT status

The Alabama Board of Education has approved the minimum passing score (or cut score) for 30 Praxis II content tests now necessary for teacher certification as well as “highly qualified” teacher status in Alabama public schools.

The PRAXIS II is a standardized test of the Education Testing Service, the same organization that created the SAT and the GRE. The exam measures knowledge of specific subjects that K-12 educators teach, as well as general and subject-specific teaching skills and knowledge.

Beginning April 14, 2006, anyone completing a preparation program and applying for Professional Education initial certification in a teaching field or any area of instructional support, through traditional or alternative methods, must provide proof of passing the test. The new Praxis II cut scores also serve as the minimum scores for “highly qualified” status in the 30 subject areas.

The PRAXIS II may also be used as an alternative approach for earning teacher certification in additional fields for currently practicing teachers. The additional teaching field approach is restricted to teachers who hold a Professional Educator Certificate in a teaching field, and have at least two full years of teaching experience, with the majority of time assigned at the grade level(s) for which additional certification is sought. A teacher who meets those criteria may add certification at the Class B level by earning a passing score on the appropriate PRAXIS II content test. Doing so will entitle the teacher certified in a new core academic area to be deemed “highly qualified” for that new area.

Questions about this new option and teaching fields may be referred to Dr. Tyna Davis at AEA at 1-800-392-5839.

Register for the PRAXIS II online by clicking here and looking for the PRAXIS link on the new page.