Are you planning to take the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (391) exam assesses your knowledge and skills in various social studies-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: Social Studies 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: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (391) overview to help you better prepare.
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (391) exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. This exam is covers 5 competencies:
- Social Science Instruction
- History
- Geography and Culture
- Economics
- Government and Citizenship
We will break down the requirements for the competencies later in the article!
Time Limit
You will have 50 minutes to complete TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (391) exam.
Passing Score
To pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (391) exam has 40 selected-response questions covering 5 competencies. We will dig deeper into the competencies below.
Cost
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies 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: Social S dxswtudies (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 and applies social science knowledge and skills to plan, organize and implement instruction and assess learning.
- Understands the social studies content and performance standards that constitute the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS)
- Understands the vertical alignment of the social sciences in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) from grade level to grade level, including prerequisite knowledge and skills.
- Understands and uses social studies terminology correctly.
- Understands the implications of stages of student growth and development for designing and implementing effective learning experiences in the social sciences (e.g., knowledge of and respect for self, family and communities; sharing; following routines; working cooperatively in groups)
- Selects and applies effective, developmentally appropriate instructional practices, activities, technologies and materials to promote students’ knowledge and skills in the social sciences.
Competency 2: History :The teacher understands and applies knowledge of significant historical events and developments, multiple historical interpretations and ideas and relationships between the past, the present and the future as defined by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- Demonstrates an understanding of historical points of reference in the history of Texas, the United States and the world (e.g., the Texas Revolution, the Republic of Texas and the annexation of Texas by the United States).
- Analyzes how individuals, events and issues shaped the history of Texas, the United States and the world.
- Demonstrates an understanding of similarities and differences among Native American groups in Texas, the United States and the Western Hemisphere before European colonization.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the causes and effects of European exploration and colonization of Texas, the United States and the Western Hemisphere.
- Analyzes the influence of various factors (e.g., geographic contexts, processes of spatial exchange, science, technology) on the development of societies.
Competency 3: Geography and Culture: The teacher understands and applies knowledge of geographic relationships involving people, places and environments in Texas, the United States and the world; the teacher also understands and applies knowledge of cultural development, adaptation, diversity and interactions among science, technology and society as defined by the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS).
- Analyzes and applies knowledge of key concepts in geography (e.g., location, distance, region, grid systems) and knows the locations and the human and physical characteristics (e.g., culture, diversity) of places and regions in Texas, the United States and the world.
- Analyzes ways that location (absolute and relative) affects people, places and environments (e.g., the location of renewable and nonrenewable natural resources such as fresh water, fossil fuels, fertile soils and timber)
- Analyzes how geographic factors have influenced the settlement patterns, economic development, political relationships and historical and contemporary societies, including those of Texas, the United States and the world.
- Demonstrates an understanding of physical processes (e.g., erosion, deposition, weathering; plate tectonics; sediment transfer; flows and exchanges of energy and matter in the atmosphere that produce weather and climate; weather patterns) and their effects on environmental patterns.
- Analyzes how humans adapt to, use and modify the physical environment and how the physical characteristics of places and human modifications to the environment affect human activities and settlement patterns.
Competency 4: Economics: The teacher understands and applies knowledge of economic systems and how people organize economic systems to produce, distribute and consume goods and services.
- Compares and contrasts similarities and differences in how various peoples at different times in history have lived and met basic human needs, including the various roles of men, women, children and families in past and present cultures.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the ways people organize economic systems and of the similarities and differences among various economic systems around the world.
- Understands and applies knowledge of basic economic concepts (e.g., economic system, goods and services, free enterprise, interdependence, needs and wants, scarcity, roles of producers and consumers, factors of production, specialization and trade, entrepreneurship); knows that basic human needs are met in many ways; and understands the value and importance of work and of spending, saving and budgeting money.
Competency 5: Government and Citizenship: The teacher understands and applies knowledge of concepts of government, democracy and citizenship, including ways that individuals and groups achieve their goals through political systems.
- Demonstrates knowledge of historical origins of democratic forms of government, such as ancient Greece.
- Understands and applies the purpose of rules and laws; the relationship between rules, rights and responsibilities; the fundamental rights of American citizens guaranteed in the Bill of Rights and other amendments to the United States Constitution; and the individual’s role in making and enforcing rules and ensuring the welfare of society.
- Understands the basic structure and functions of the United States government, the Texas government and local governments (including the roles of public officials); the relationships among national, state and local governments; and how local, state and national government services are financed.
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: Social Studies (391) exam.
Test Preparation Tips
Preparing for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (391) exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (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 TExES 391 Social Studies scoring guide!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Social Studies (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: Social Studies (391) Resources!
