Praxis I - PPST
(Pre-Professional Skills Test)

Description

The Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST) measures basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. All individuals seeking teacher certification in the state of Nebraska must successfully complete all sections of the PPST. The College of Education requires that an individual must pass all sections of the test prior to applying for admission to a teacher preparation program. Computerized and paper and pencil versions of the test are available. Advanced registration and payment of test costs are required.

Registration

Information is available on the Praxis website at www.ets.org/praxis and at the UNO Testing Center in the Eppley Administration Building, Room 113 (402-554-4800).

Time

Please allow 4-6 weeks for test results to be returned.

Costs/Payment

Costs vary depending on which version and which sections of the test are taken. Contact the Testing Center or check the ETS website for current costs. NO CASH payments can be accepted. Payment must be by check, money order, or credit card (Mastercard, Visa, or American Express).

Minimum Passing Scores

As established by the State of Nebraska, the minimum passing scores on a scale of 150-190 are:

READING 170

MATH 171

WRITING 172

Where to Take the Test

The computerized PPST may be taken at the UNO Testing Center (EAB 113; 402-554-4800) or at the Sylvan Learning Center located at 2730 S. 140 th Street (402-334-9449). Appointments are necessary at the both the UNO and Sylvan sites.

The paper and pencil version of the test is given at approved test centers as determined and scheduled by Educational Testing Services. Please check with the UNO Testing Center for dates or check the ETS website.

Where to Send Your Scores

Test scores should be sent to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (RA 6420) AND the Nebraska Department of Education (R 7643).

NOTES:

• Photo ID is required on the day of the test.
• Candidates in the Teacher Academy Program (TAP) are asked to take the computerized version of the PPST.
• Successful completion of the PPST is required before applying for admission to a teacher preparation program. In addition, UNO students wishing to transfer to the College of Education to become teachers, must successfully complete the PPST prior to making a change in college.

You will be sent a personal copy of your test scores. It is STRONGLY recommended that you retain your copy with your other important documents. ETS charges for duplicate scores. Be advised that ETS only keeps score data for 5 years.

KEEP YOUR TEST SCORE REPORT AVAILABLE!

Test Preparation Information

Resources are available to assist you in preparing for the test.

• Study guides by Arco, Barron’s, Cliff Notes, and REA (Research and Education Association) that contain skill review and practice tests are available in the UNO Bookstore and other area bookstores.

• A limited number of study guides are available for checkout through the College of Education Resource Center (KH 538). You must be a UNO student to checkout a study guide.

• The UNO Library has Praxis I, sample tests. Information is available at http://library.unomaha.edu/research/eresources/dblists.php Click “LEARN A TEST connect”. You will be asked to create a user name and password. Scroll down to “TEACHING” in the right hand column, Praxis I is listed there, simply click.

• On-line tutorials are available for each section of the test through Metropolitan Community College. (Check the MCC website for information.)

• Test information and questions can be found on-line at the following websites:

  • http://www.studyguidezone.com/praxis.htm

  • http://www.studytips.com

• Praxis e-books available at: http://store.digitalriver.com

EECIA
(Elementary Education Curriculum instruction and Assessment Test)

Description

Beginning with the 2006-07 academic year, graduates from all teacher preparation institutions in Nebraska with endorsements in elementary education and/or elementary special education will need to successfully pass the Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment (EECIA) test to be considered a “highly qualified” teacher as defined by the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation. The EECIA is a test in the Praxis II series offered by the Educational Testing Service (ETS).

The University of Nebraska at Omaha College of Education welcomes the opportunity for our students to demonstrate their content knowledge, teaching skills, and professional dispositions to the education community. The EECIA test is one method that can be used to demonstrate your content knowledge.

The EECIA is also the mechanism that allows the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE) to communicate your standing as a NCLB qualified professional to the United States Department of Education, to other states in which you may pursue certification, and to school districts who will be considering you for employment.

You may have questions about the test. The following information is provided to help you plan and register for the test. In addition, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions in the Documents section of your Blackboard site for student teacher applicants or for student teaching.