Title: Praxis II ETS Recognition of Excellence Award

Date: March 2014

Artifact Description:
The Wisconsin Praxis II exam for Elementary Education is a content knowledge
based test. During this test, prospective educators are tested on their
understanding and knowledge of four disciplines, reading and language arts,
mathematics, social studies, and science. A minimum score of 147 of 200 is the
passing requirement. I was able to earn a score of 186 of 200. In doing so, I was
also awarded the ETS Recognition of Excellence for earning a score within the top
15% of all test takers.
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment:
This artifact best aligns with Standard 1: Content - The teacher understands the
central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the disciplines she or he teaches
and can create learning experiences that make these aspects of subject matter
meaningful for pupils.
This artifact aligns best with this standard because the exam was specifically
designed and aligned with elementary education content. In order to achieve a high
score, an individual must know and understand general content from each
discipline but also is able to answer questions relating to teaching strategies used in
specific situations. My test scores are a reflection of my commitment to continuous
learning.
I am more competent now in this standard because it is necessary for a prospective
teacher to possess this knowledge and skill in order to create meaningful learning
experiences for students. A teacher that is knowledgeable and passionate about
learning will go beyond providing students broad and general instruction and guide
students in leaning that is significant and rich.
UW-Platteville Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment:
This experience best aligns with KS1.a: Demonstrates Knowledge of Content and
Pedagogy - The candidate displays extensive content knowledge of his/her subject
areas and demonstrates a continuing search for new content knowledge, resources,
and best instructional practices, while understanding student diversity and student
misconceptions and misunderstandings as key to the teaching process.

The Praxis II exam best aligns with this standard because individuals are specifically
tested on content knowledge and instructional practices. Prospective educators
that do well on this exam have demonstrated competency in their understanding of
these disciplines, effective teaching strategies, and their ability to use resources for
preparation to build and deepen their knowledge of the content most often
encountered in elementary education.
I am more competent after this experience because it proves I understand major
concepts, assumptions, processes of inquiry, and ways of knowing that are central to
the disciplines I will be teaching in my future classroom. This skill set, along with
my passion for teaching and learning, will ultimately benefit my future students
learning experience.

Secondary KSD:

KSD4.e: Grows and Develops Professionally
Personal Reflection:
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
What I learned about teaching from this experience is how beneficial it is for
students to have a teacher that is knowledgeable and passionate in the subject areas
he or she teaches. In elementary education, this requires teachers to possess
knowledge that is vast and varied. This exam also helped me to further understand
that within certain disciplines there are situations that call for an educator to
employ specific teaching strategies. As an educator, I feel I am capable of
acknowledging and determining a students struggle and deciphering the most
effective strategy that will guide the student to understanding.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this
experience:
As a result of this experience, Ive realized, as a prospective educator, that my
curiosity and interest in a wide variety of subjects and topics will not only benefit
me as a life longer learner, but also the children I teach. I believe that every child
should have the opportunity to be taught by someone that not only knows the
content he or she is teaching, but is passionate and enthusiastic about passing this
knowledge along to the next generation of learners.