Are you planning to take the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the exam structure and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace the test.
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam assesses your knowledge and skills in various mathematics-related areas. Understanding the structure and format of the exam, as well as knowing how to prepare effectively, can greatly improve your chances of success.
So, whether you’re a first-time test taker or looking to retake the exam, let’s dive into the details of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics exam and explore some strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam confidently. Let’s get started!
Overview of the TExES Core Subjects: Mathematics (391) Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge and skills in various subject areas relevant to teaching middle school students. Let’s look at the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) overview to help you better prepare.
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. This exam is covers 6 competencies:
- Mathematics Instruction
- Number Concepts and Operations
- Patterns and Algebra
- Geometry and Measurement
- Probability and Statistics
- Mathematical Processes
We will break down the requirements for the competencies later in the article!
Time Limit
You will have 1 hour and 10 minutes to complete TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam.
Passing Score
To pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam, you must score 240. Your test score is based on the number of multiple-choice questions you answered correctly.
Number of Questions
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam has 40 selected-response questions covering 6 competencies. We will dig deeper into the competencies below.
Cost
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics exam costs $58. If you are taking the full Core Subjects (all 5 subtests) the cost is $116. Check the TExES website to find more information on how to pay for your exam.
Breakdown of Exam Content
Once you clearly understand the structure of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam, it’s important to delve into the breakdown of the exam content. This breakdown will give you an idea of what specific topics you need to focus on during your preparation. For a full list of things you need to understand under each competency visit the preparation manual for this exam.
Competency 1: Social Science Instruction – The teacher understands how students learn mathematical skills and uses that knowledge to plan, organize and implement instruction and assess learning.
- Plans appropriate instructional activities for all students by applying research-based theories and principles of learning mathematics.
- Employs instructional strategies that build on the linguistic, cultural and socioeconomic diversity of students and that relate to students’ lives and communities.
- Plans and provides developmentally appropriate instruction that establishes transitions between concrete, symbolic and abstract representations of mathematical knowledge and that builds on students’ strengths and addresses their needs.
- Understands how manipulatives and technological tools can be used appropriately to assist students in developing, comprehending and applying mathematical concepts.
Competency 2: History – The teacher understands concepts related to numbers, operations and algorithms and the properties of numbers..
- Analyzes, creates, describes, compares and models relationships between number properties, operations and algorithms for the four basic operations involving integers, rational numbers and real numbers, including real-world situations.
- Demonstrates an understanding of equivalency among different representations of rational numbers and between mathematical expressions.
- Selects appropriate representations of real numbers (e.g., fractions, decimals, percents) for particular situations.
- Demonstrates an understanding of ideas from number theory (e.g., prime factorization, greatest common divisor, divisibility rules) as they apply to whole numbers, integers and rational numbers, and uses those ideas in problem situations.
- Understands the relative magnitude of whole numbers, integers, rational numbers and real numbers including the use of comparative language and sets of objects.
Competency 3: Geography and Culture – The teacher understands concepts related to patterns, relations, functions and algebraic reasoning.
- Illustrates relations and functions using concrete models, tables, graphs and symbolic and verbal representations, including real-world applications.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the concept of linear function using concrete models, tables, graphs and symbolic and verbal representations.
- Understands how to use algebraic concepts and reasoning to investigate patterns, make generalizations, formulate mathematical models, make predictions and validate results.
- Formulates implicit and explicit rules to describe and construct sequences verbally, numerically, graphically and symbolically.
- Knows how to identify, extend, and create patterns using concrete models, figures, numbers and algebraic expressions.
Competency 4: Economics – The teacher understands concepts and principles of geometry and measurement.
- Applies knowledge of spatial concepts such as direction, shape and structure.
- Identifies, uses, understands and models the development of formulas to find lengths, perimeters, areas and volumes of geometric figures.
- Uses the properties of congruent triangles to explore geometric relationships.
- Identifies, uses and understands concepts and properties of points, lines, planes, angles, lengths and distances.
- Analyzes and applies the properties of parallel and perpendicular lines.
Competency 5: Government and Citizenship – The teacher understands concepts related to probability and statistics and their applications.
- Investigates and answers questions by collecting, organizing and displaying data in a variety of formats as described in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and draws conclusions from any data graph.
- Demonstrates an understanding of measures of central tendency (e.g., mean, median, mode) and range and uses those measures to describe a set of data.
- Explores concepts of probability through data collection, experiments and simulations.
- Uses the concepts and principles of probability to describe the outcome of simple and compound events.
- Determines probabilities by constructing sample spaces to model situations.
Source: TExES Core Subjects EC-6 Preparation Manual
By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can prioritize your studying and allocate more time to areas where you may need additional practice and improvement. Remember, a balanced approach to studying all sections will lead you to success in the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam.
Test Preparation Tips
Preparing for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam can feel overwhelming, but you can confidently tackle it with the right strategies and mindset. Here are some test preparation tips to help you make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize your study materials and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subject area. This will ensure you cover all the necessary content and give yourself enough time for review.
- Review core concepts and skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques, scientific formulas, and scientific principles. Use textbooks, online resources, and study guides to refresh your knowledge.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Regularly practice sample questions and full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing. This will help you build endurance and confidence in answering different questions.
- Analyze your performance in practice tests to identify areas where you need improvement. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind correct answers and learn from any mistakes you make.
- Use official TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam preparation materials, specifically designed to align with the exam content and format. These resources will give you a realistic idea of what to expect on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections.
- Use visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and flashcards, to organize and reinforce information. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to comprehend and remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are strategies to help manage it. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk, to calm your nerves before and during the exam.
- Get enough restful sleep the night before the exam, as lack of sleep can impact your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. You can succeed on the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam, you must be well-prepared and aware of the instructions to ensure a smooth testing experience. Here are some important exam-day instructions to keep in mind:
Checking Required Documents
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all the necessary documents to bring with you. These typically include:
- Admission ticket: Make sure your admission ticket is printed and ready to present at the test center.
- Valid identification: Bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
- Necessary materials: Some exams may require you to bring specific materials, such as calculators or pencils. Check the exam guidelines to ensure you have the necessary materials with you.
- Check the TExES website to learn more about the testing policies and what you should bring on test day.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
Before the test day, take some time to familiarize yourself with the exam format and instructions. This will help you understand the structure of the exam and prevent any surprises or confusion during the test. Key things to keep in mind include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limits for each exam section and plan your time accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Understand how questions will be scored and how to mark your answers on the answer sheet properly. This will help you make sure the actual exam is clear.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules regarding breaks or how to handle specific question types.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a few moments at the beginning of each section to read and understand the instructions thoroughly. This will help you approach the questions with clarity.
- Prioritize easier questions: Start with the questions you find easier, as this will help you build confidence and save time for the more challenging ones.
- Pace yourself: Keep an eye on the time and allocate it wisely for each question. If you’re stuck on a difficult question, move on and return to it later if you have time.
Remember, staying calm and focused on the task can greatly improve your performance during the exam. Use these exam-day instructions to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success.
Scoring and Results
Once you’ve completed the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam, you will receive your score report. Score reports are sent out on specific dates determined by the state. Check the TExES website to learn more about the score reports dates for your exam.
You can dig deeper into TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies scores using our scoring guide!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate aspiring educators’ knowledge and proficiency in mathematics. By understanding the exam structure, content breakdown, and test preparation tips, you can confidently approach the exam and increase your chances of success.
More TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Mathematics (391) Resources!
