Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Program Preparation Manual

Overview

• Test Name: Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC12
• Test Code: 160
• Time & Format: 5 hours, 100 selected-response questions, Computer-administered test (CAT)
• Purpose: Assess knowledge and skills for entry-level educators in Texas public schools

Test Structure

• Total Questions: 100 selected-response questions
  • Includes questions that do not count toward the score
  • Scored based on scored questions only

Domains Covered

1. Designing Instruction and Assessment to Promote Student Learning
   • Approx. 34% of the test
2. Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment
   • Approx. 13% of the test
3. Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and Assessment
   • Approx. 33% of the test
4. Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities
   • Approx. 20% of the test

Educator Standards

• Standard I: Design instruction based on understanding content and continuous assessment
• Standard II: Create a respectful classroom environment fostering learning and equity
• Standard III: Promote learning with effective communication and feedback
• Standard IV: Fulfill professional roles, adhere to ethical standards
• Technology Applications Standards: Promote creative thinking, collaboration, manage digital content, ensure safe technology use

Detailed Competencies by Domain

Domain I: Designing Instruction and Assessment

• Understand developmental processes and plan instruction accordingly
• Recognize and respect student diversity
• Design coherent instruction aligning with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
• Apply learning theories and engage students in meaningful ways

Domain II: Classroom Environment

• Establish a classroom climate fostering learning and equity
• Manage student behavior and create organized learning environments

Domain III: Instruction and Assessment

• Communicate effectively in teaching contexts
• Engage students actively in learning
• Use technology effectively in instruction
• Monitor performance and provide timely feedback

Domain IV: Professional Responsibilities

• Encourage family involvement in education
• Enhance professional knowledge through collaboration
• Adhere to legal and ethical requirements in education

Approaches to Answering Questions

• Use strategies for engaging with selected-response questions
• Understand different question formats, including single and clustered questions
• Approach unfamiliar question formats with confidence by reading directions

Practice Questions

• Sample questions provided with rationales for correct answers
• Emphasis on understanding competencies and how they are assessed

Study and Preparation Resources

• Journals: Educational Leadership, English Journal, Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, etc.
• Books and Resources: Covering topics from classroom management to differentiated instruction
• Online Resources: Include Institute of Education Sciences, National Clearinghouse for English Language Acquisition, Texas Education Agency resources

Key Takeaways

• Extensive focus on understanding student development, diversity, and creating effective learning environments
• The incorporation of technology and continuous professional development is crucial
• Understanding legal and ethical responsibilities as educators
• Importance of engaging communication and effective assessment strategies

This manual is an endorsed preparation resource by the Texas Education Agency. It provides comprehensive coverage of the content knowledge required for educators in Texas.