Posted by KapellMaster on March 10, 2011 at 1:11pm
For those of u studying to be a music educator or those of you already in the field....just looking for insight on this test as I am taking it for the 4TH TIME this Saturday. Unfortunately for me, I choose to study in a state that has some of the HIGHEST standards in the country for music education majors. I currently have scores that are acceptable in over 40 states but not the one I'm graduating from.I will say that the last time I took the test, I was very familiar with the material BUT time was not on my side so I ended up just filling a lot of questions in. Any suggestions here? Would like to hear insight from anyone who has any experience with this test or any test taking skills that they've found helpful.
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Yes I understand where u are coming from I took the test 6 times and passed it on my 7th time. To be honest the best thing might be for you to change testing locations. I was a student at Alabama A&M University I took the test there everytime and did good at times and bad at other times. Also order the study book from praxis it's some of the best study material, and listen to the listening part and CD over and over again. When I did that and changed locations to Jacksonville State University I passed with flying colors it helps alot when u are away from people u see on a regular bases. Also of course keep GOD first if u need any materials get at me, it was a blessing to me so I would be more than happy to pass it on. I know these may be steps u have tried but just focus and study more on the parts u don't feel to strong on.
Now that budgets cuts are in demand....seems like the technology side of music ed is taken over cause its cheaper and much more popular. Any suggestions on where to find get test prep stuff on technology or any other topics?
Skip the questions that slow you down, then when the time is running out just start bubbling in the answers. It worked for me. Try to take it at a place that you haven't been before. Your test score is factored with everyone else that took the test in that room also, so don't go anywhere that you know the nerds will be at lol. I didn't have many options though because i didn't feel like driving to far. I went 30 minutes away from Grambling and took the test, passed up LaTech which is just 5 minutes away and took it at ULM in Monroe, La lol. Work in study groups, they probably know something you don't know and vice versa. I ate blue berries for a week also because it is said that it helps memory lol.
I had to take mine with all of the LSU students. I went on the Praxis website and downloaded their outline of the test. The outline told you all the main areas that they would be focusing on for the test, including the amount of questions for each section. I took that outline, and highlighted all of my music notes (for the Content Area) and educational notes(for the PLT) and focused my studies on those highlighted areas. After that, I downloaded their sample questions from their website, and used my workbooks from class to get used to the test structure. Any info that I wasn't comfortable with, I researched it online. At Southern, we have an online music database called Naxos, so I used that to get my ears tuned to the different styles of music.
Using the advice that Mr. Jackson and Mr. Haymer gave me, I took the tests separately so I could focus on taking just one test before moving on to the next test. That made studying much easier and less stressful. I didn't buy any study materials because I felt that my notes from class would be good enough. Then again, I am kind of a nerd. I have heard mixed reviews about the different study books and test guides from several students.
Time management can be a deal breaker on the test. I went into the PLT with a strategy, focus on answering the case studies(majority of your score), then save the multiple-choice for last(very easy section). Don't panic if you encounter a few questions on the music part that you don't know. It is quite improbable that you would know every bit of info about each music question.
RJ1919 said:
Skip the questions that slow you down, then when the time is running out just start bubbling in the answers. It worked for me. Try to take it at a place that you haven't been before. Your test score is factored with everyone else that took the test in that room also, so don't go anywhere that you know the nerds will be at lol. I didn't have many options though because i didn't feel like driving to far. I went 30 minutes away from Grambling and took the test, passed up LaTech which is just 5 minutes away and took it at ULM in Monroe, La lol. Work in study groups, they probably know something you don't know and vice versa. I ate blue berries for a week also because it is said that it helps memory lol.
My advice would be pretty much what everyone else is saying about going to another site to take the test. DO NOT GO TO AN HBCU TO TAKE THAT TEST. Go to the big name universities in your state to take the test. Another thing to look at ......chances are you have the knowledge to pass the test but at some point you may get rattled by a question or two, Answer it and be on your way. I wouldn't spend no more than 30 seconds on a question and chances are you think yourself out the right answer by dwelling on the question. The next thing I can tell you and these suggestions will definitely seem real silly but they worked for me and I don't know why but they worked, take at least 16 well sharpened pencils when you test, When I tested I would start getting nervous breaking pencils tips and pressing hard thus writing with a dull pencil, slowing me down. Silly, I know, but it worked after for me the "6th" time I took the test. Do not drink any cokes,coffee or caffiene products that entire week of the test, it does not help because at some point you will crash and the adrenile rush you get from trying to finish that test and the crash will not mix well at all. Additionally, I hope what happened to me, don't happen to you. I took the test a 7th time however my scores did not arrive back from the 6th time until the day I took the test that 7th time. I passed it the 6th time I took it and was pretty ticked off after I got home from taking a 7th to find out I had already passed the music test. I had finally passed for both Louisiana and Mississippi.
Now these next sugeestions will work. But ...........Um.......You'll Get The Point
Step#1Forget all the advice everyone just gave
Step#2 Find the most unorganized, "ghettoest", immoral, unstructured, classless HBCU you can find with a Counseling and Testing Department that operates just like. I suggest my alma mater Alcorn (but we are talking 1993-1997 here so they may have stepped it up since then)
It would be a huge, huge plus if you know someone in Counseling and Testing and they can give you an idea of who will be the test administrator in the room with you (your stand-in) and you could finanicially befriend them to help facilitate the next couple of steps if you want to put them in your plan. It's a judgement call on your part
Step#3Find someone on campus who resembles you who has passed the test. Give them your "slighty damaged" drivers license or if you can hook up a campus ID switch that would really be swell. Offer your "stand-in" $200-$600 dollars for their services. Colleges students are the best option cause in all likelyhood they will be desperate for the money.
Step#4On test day, do not be nervous. Ask yourself how times do they really check to see if your picture I.D. match what you actually look like....NEVER. They are checking mainly for matching addresses and testing information......this is also why you go to the most unorganized place you can find because chances are they really don't care or will try to fix it later if they see something wrong...remember they are their to get that $200 or $300 dollars they get for being there. Keep in mnd the Praxis Exam has aboslutely nothing to do with integrity,honesty or education...IT'S ABOUT MONEY, YO MONEY. To this day, I feel I passed some of those tests the first time but they failed me because the state mandates you go through them and they know it so they profit twice off your best efforts
Step#5Sit back and wait for your passing scores to arrive so you can begin your career as an upstanding educator.
I assure you this common practice at Alcorn when they implemented the rule Juniors and Seniors were barred from taking certain 300 & 400 level courses and people were desperate to graduate.
Honestly, I have never did this but I had people and frat walk me through it. ONE prominant SWAC band director and good friend of mine did this and it worked. Just make sure the person you get to perform the service for you not only has good book sense but good common sense, that's really important. I can tell you personally after taking the N.T.E. and Praxis Exams for both Louisiana and Mississippi I spent a gwop taking them test. After the first $3000.00 in test fees, this last option will start to look pretty good.
I recommend that you do not do this UNLESS your are just really, really desperate or your certification is on the line. Also ask yourself what happens if you get caught...are they gonna throw you in jail? This is another reason why you go to a ghetto testing site (HBCU).
I'm hope me giving you this don't offend you... but I do know the frustration one can feel from not passing these expensive tests and want to offer any advice to help facilitate your advancement.
you don't necessarily have to buy the book, i didn't and i passed. to me its all about knowing the material and making sure you explain it in your writing so much that a dummy could understand it. also don't let small things fool you(on the multiple choice). as for time i advise that you read all of the questions first(on the written part).
The PLT was pretty easy. All you have to do is explain what you would do in certain situations and why. You don't have to get all fancy and drop Theorists names and their entire body of work. Make sure that your answers are politically correct as well. The multiple choice part of the PLT was very easy.
The music content test was definitely much more difficult, but is definitely manageable. Brush up your music history and be able to identify the characteristics of each musical period.
Replies
Now that budgets cuts are in demand....seems like the technology side of music ed is taken over cause its cheaper and much more popular. Any suggestions on where to find get test prep stuff on technology or any other topics?
I've ben using mediacollege.com
I had to take mine with all of the LSU students. I went on the Praxis website and downloaded their outline of the test. The outline told you all the main areas that they would be focusing on for the test, including the amount of questions for each section. I took that outline, and highlighted all of my music notes (for the Content Area) and educational notes(for the PLT) and focused my studies on those highlighted areas. After that, I downloaded their sample questions from their website, and used my workbooks from class to get used to the test structure. Any info that I wasn't comfortable with, I researched it online. At Southern, we have an online music database called Naxos, so I used that to get my ears tuned to the different styles of music.
Using the advice that Mr. Jackson and Mr. Haymer gave me, I took the tests separately so I could focus on taking just one test before moving on to the next test. That made studying much easier and less stressful. I didn't buy any study materials because I felt that my notes from class would be good enough. Then again, I am kind of a nerd. I have heard mixed reviews about the different study books and test guides from several students.
Time management can be a deal breaker on the test. I went into the PLT with a strategy, focus on answering the case studies(majority of your score), then save the multiple-choice for last(very easy section). Don't panic if you encounter a few questions on the music part that you don't know. It is quite improbable that you would know every bit of info about each music question.
RJ1919 said:
Go with what works for you, because everyone has different study habits and tendencies.
My advice would be pretty much what everyone else is saying about going to another site to take the test. DO NOT GO TO AN HBCU TO TAKE THAT TEST. Go to the big name universities in your state to take the test. Another thing to look at ......chances are you have the knowledge to pass the test but at some point you may get rattled by a question or two, Answer it and be on your way. I wouldn't spend no more than 30 seconds on a question and chances are you think yourself out the right answer by dwelling on the question. The next thing I can tell you and these suggestions will definitely seem real silly but they worked for me and I don't know why but they worked, take at least 16 well sharpened pencils when you test, When I tested I would start getting nervous breaking pencils tips and pressing hard thus writing with a dull pencil, slowing me down. Silly, I know, but it worked after for me the "6th" time I took the test. Do not drink any cokes,coffee or caffiene products that entire week of the test, it does not help because at some point you will crash and the adrenile rush you get from trying to finish that test and the crash will not mix well at all. Additionally, I hope what happened to me, don't happen to you. I took the test a 7th time however my scores did not arrive back from the 6th time until the day I took the test that 7th time. I passed it the 6th time I took it and was pretty ticked off after I got home from taking a 7th to find out I had already passed the music test. I had finally passed for both Louisiana and Mississippi.
Now these next sugeestions will work. But ...........Um.......You'll Get The Point
Step#1 Forget all the advice everyone just gave
Step#2 Find the most unorganized, "ghettoest", immoral, unstructured, classless HBCU you can find with a Counseling and Testing Department that operates just like. I suggest my alma mater Alcorn (but we are talking 1993-1997 here so they may have stepped it up since then)
It would be a huge, huge plus if you know someone in Counseling and Testing and they can give you an idea of who will be the test administrator in the room with you (your stand-in) and you could finanicially befriend them to help facilitate the next couple of steps if you want to put them in your plan. It's a judgement call on your part
Step#3 Find someone on campus who resembles you who has passed the test. Give them your "slighty damaged" drivers license or if you can hook up a campus ID switch that would really be swell. Offer your "stand-in" $200-$600 dollars for their services. Colleges students are the best option cause in all likelyhood they will be desperate for the money.
Step#4 On test day, do not be nervous. Ask yourself how times do they really check to see if your picture I.D. match what you actually look like....NEVER. They are checking mainly for matching addresses and testing information......this is also why you go to the most unorganized place you can find because chances are they really don't care or will try to fix it later if they see something wrong...remember they are their to get that $200 or $300 dollars they get for being there. Keep in mnd the Praxis Exam has aboslutely nothing to do with integrity,honesty or education...IT'S ABOUT MONEY, YO MONEY. To this day, I feel I passed some of those tests the first time but they failed me because the state mandates you go through them and they know it so they profit twice off your best efforts
Step#5 Sit back and wait for your passing scores to arrive so you can begin your career as an upstanding educator.
I assure you this common practice at Alcorn when they implemented the rule Juniors and Seniors were barred from taking certain 300 & 400 level courses and people were desperate to graduate.
Honestly, I have never did this but I had people and frat walk me through it. ONE prominant SWAC band director and good friend of mine did this and it worked. Just make sure the person you get to perform the service for you not only has good book sense but good common sense, that's really important. I can tell you personally after taking the N.T.E. and Praxis Exams for both Louisiana and Mississippi I spent a gwop taking them test. After the first $3000.00 in test fees, this last option will start to look pretty good.
I recommend that you do not do this UNLESS your are just really, really desperate or your certification is on the line. Also ask yourself what happens if you get caught...are they gonna throw you in jail? This is another reason why you go to a ghetto testing site (HBCU).
I'm hope me giving you this don't offend you... but I do know the frustration one can feel from not passing these expensive tests and want to offer any advice to help facilitate your advancement.
The music content test was definitely much more difficult, but is definitely manageable. Brush up your music history and be able to identify the characteristics of each musical period.
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