The TExES Science 4-8 exam measures a candidate’s command not only of the core scientific concepts that are part of state curriculum but also the strategies and methods of teaching those concepts to students and assessing their progress. It is required of all those who plan to teach science at this grade level in Texas.
How Do I Register for the TExES Science 4-8 Exam?
Before you can register for this exam, you will need to apply for an approval to test. There are a variety of different routes to approval depending on your educational and professional background so you’ll want to check the website to find out which specific criteria you’ll need to meet.
Once you’ve determined that you meet the criteria of one of the routes to approval, you will submit an application along with any necessary documentation to prove that you fulfill the criteria. The Texas Educator Agency will review your application and if everything is in order, you will receive your approval to test. Once you’ve got that, you’ll be able to register for the exam.
You can register online or by phone. If you need to make any special accommodations for a disability, you might want to register by phone so that you can make these arrangements right away. If you wait until the day of, it might not be possible to make those testing accommodations.
Also be prepared to pay the exam fee of $116 at the time of registration. You won’t be able to reserve your appointment until this fee has been paid.
What Should I Bring with Me on Test Day?
In order to check in, you will need a valid, government issued ID. Acceptable IDs include a passport, state ID, military ID, or driver’s license. Once inside the exam room, the testing center will provide you with a copy of the periodic table for your reference during the test.
You do not need to and will not be allowed to bring any other study materials or personal items of your own into the exam room. The only thing you’ll be allowed to keep on you is your ID. So, if possible, leave everything else at home or in the car. If you don’t want to leave valuables in the car, call the testing center where you scheduled your appointment to find out if they have any lockers for you to store your things during the exam.
Which Fields of Science Are Covered in the TExES Science 4-8 Exam?
The 100 multiple choice questions that make up this exam are divided more or less evenly across physical science, life science, scientific inquiry, earth and space science, and science learning, instruction, and assessment. Take a look at this outline to learn more about what you’ll be expected to know:
- Physical Science – 22 Scored Questions
- Life Science – 22 Scored Questions
- Scientific Inquiry – 22 Scored Questions
- Earth and Space Science – 22 Scored Questions
- Science Learning, Instruction, and Assessment – 13 Scored Questions
Within each of these sections, you are going to see questions that measure your command of the core concepts, principles, and methods related to each subject as well as your ability to effectively and efficiently teach those same concepts, principles and methods to students from diverse backgrounds and with diverse learning needs. So you will need to have just as strong an understanding of the best practices for teaching science as you will an understanding of the science itself according to the established state curriculum in Texas.
What Score Do I Need to Pass the Exam?
You will need to get a minimum of 240 out of a possible 300. This is a rigorous criteria but with enough studying and preparation, you should be able to achieve a passing score on your first try. If you don’t get a 240 or better on your first try, you will have to pay the full exam fee over again for your next attempt so it’s definitely worth giving yourself plenty of time to study.
How Long Do I Need to Study for this Test?
It’s recommended that you spend at least two weeks reviewing the material. However, if you’re able to give yourself four to six weeks, this would be even better. The exact time really depends on how confident you are in your command of all the subjects you will be tested on.
To get the most out of each study hour, make sure you invest in great tools like the Mometrix Study Guide and Mometrix Flashcards. With these, you’ll be able to review all of the essential concepts and ideas while also getting practice questions, study tips, and test taking strategies that will ensure you show up to the testing center ready to do your best!
