Overview
This lecture provides an overview of the Arizona Elementary Education AEPA test, detailing the test objectives, sample questions, key content areas, and preparation resources for prospective elementary educators.
Test Structure & Content Areas
- The test covers Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, and The Arts.
- Each subarea has specific objectives focused on foundational knowledge and skills required for elementary teaching.
- The distribution of test items is: Language Arts (25%), Mathematics (21%), Science (21%), Social Studies (21%), The Arts (12%).
Language Arts Objectives
- Understand the reading process, including phonemic awareness, decoding, and vocabulary strategies.
- Analyze literary and informational texts for structure, elements, and comprehension strategies.
- Master the writing process and six traits of writing, including conventions and purpose.
- Apply listening, speaking, viewing, and presenting skills across contexts.
Mathematics Objectives
- Demonstrate number sense, operations, and estimation.
- Use data analysis, probability, and discrete math for problem solving.
- Recognize and apply patterns, algebra, and functions.
- Understand geometry, measurement, spatial reasoning, and use appropriate formulas.
- Employ logical reasoning, problem-solving strategies, and mathematical modeling.
Science Objectives
- Apply scientific inquiry methods and principles of investigation.
- Understand historical development of science and the interrelation between science, technology, and society.
- Comprehend key concepts in life, physical, and Earth/space sciences.
- Evaluate environmental interactions, energy flow, and the scientific impact of human activities.
Social Studies Objectives
- Examine major events in American and world history and their significance.
- Understand political systems, government structures, and citizenship responsibilities.
- Apply geographic concepts and analyze human-environment interactions.
- Grasp economic principles, trade, and decision-making processes.
The Arts Objectives
- Recognize principles and practices in visual art, music, theatre, and dance.
- Analyze elements of design, music terminology, performance, and cultural roles of the arts.
Sample Test Strategies
- Practice with selected-response and performance assignment questions.
- Use sample answer sheets and performance task rubrics to guide preparation.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Phonemic Awareness — Ability to hear and manipulate individual sounds in words.
- Six Traits of Writing — Ideas, organization, voice, word choice, sentence fluency, conventions.
- Scientific Inquiry — Systematic process of observing, questioning, investigating, and reporting results.
- Vertex-Edge Graph — A diagram showing relationships (edges) between points (vertices), used in discrete math.
- Absolute Location — The precise latitude and longitude of a place.
- Symmetry (Arts) — Balance and proportion in visual or performance arts.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the full list of test objectives for each content area.
- Complete practice questions and written response tasks using sample materials.
- Consult recommended journals and textbooks for further study in each subject.