Michael Granado

Praxis Core Exam Analysis

In order to become and reach my final goal of starting my teaching career, I must

first pass the Praxis Core Exams before I can further my education following my time at

CSN. This is a state requirement before I can take classes at UNLV to continue my

Bachelors degree in Education. The Praxis core exam consists of three tests one must

pass in order to be eligible for further education. The three tests are in reading, math, and

writing. And each test has a minimum score to be considered passing. They are as

follows: for math the passing score is 150, reading 156, and writing is a 162. All can be

taken at once or in separate tests. You must additionally wait a minimum of 21 days

before you are allowed to retake a failed test.

I prepared for the practice tests by looking over the requirements for each test. As

well as what would be covered. I read and took the practice questions presented in each

section prior to overlooking the study guides. I began with the math portion as I knew

that would take me the longest. Math has been and never will be my strong suit. I went

over the study guide and took that test following the completion of my studying. This

section I spent two days overlooking. I similarly did the same thing with the other two

sections, being reading and writing. Only for those I took one day to study the guides. I

felt I was strong enough to only day a day each to overlook and complete the tests.

When completing the three exams I was given a score with a percentage and if I

need significant improvement, need improvement, are borderline to passing, are likely to

pass, or are very likely to pass. For math I scored as expected in the 57% range which is
needs significant improvement. The questions asked in the math portion were based on

algebra, geometry and other concepts. But since I have not done this level math in almost

ten years, I forgot a lot of how to do a big majority of it. Additionally, the change to

common core is something new to me. In reading and writing I scored, 52% and 50%.

Which is as well in the needs significant improvement category. I was quite surprised by

these as I thought they were my strengths out the three tests. I am uncertain if by not

completing the essay portion had any effect on my overall score for the writing section.

It is apparently obvious that I need further studying in all sections in order to pass

the Praxis Exam. I intend to take more practice tests, and overlook more study guides

especially in the math portion. If I need to I will also look for study groups or tutors who

specialize in the passing of the Praxis. Though the end result of my scores were at first

very discouraging to see, I am committed to my goal of being a teacher. I will need to

relearn some of the concepts and ideas I have not used in some time. I am as well very

appreciative that I got to take these practice tests in order to know what I need to work on

and get a glimpse of what the real test would be like.