If you’re considering a career in teaching in Texas, you may have come across the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam. This exam is vital in assessing your knowledge and skills necessary to teach students in Texas public schools. Understanding the scoring system and what it entails is crucial for preparing effectively. This article delves into everything you need about TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam scores.
Overview of the TExES Special Education EC-12 Exam
The TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam is designed to evaluate your competency in four domains:
- Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs
- Promoting Student Learning and Development
- Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics
- Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities
The test consists of 150 selected-response questions and has a 4 hour and 45 minute time limit. Our TExES Special Education exam overview expands more on the structure of the exam.
How the Exam is Scored
The total raw score for the exam is calculated by summing up the total number of questions you answered correctly on the exam and the score(s) on the constructed-response questions. You are not penalized for incorrect answers, meaning you won’t lose points because you answered some questions incorrectly. The exam is scored by a machine.
Passing Score
To pass the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam, you must receive a total score of 240.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) score report will include your:
- Total Test Performance
- Performance by Domain
- Performance by Competency
- Holistic Scores
To see an example of what your score report will look like, check out this TExES 291 sample score report.
Total Test Performance
The Total Test Performance shows whether not you passed or not. You will see “Passed” or “Not Passed” status. This section will also show your “total scaled score” which will determine if you passed the exam or not.
Performance by Domain and Competency
For most exams you will see information detailing your performance in each domain and competency. This section of the score report will show you how many questions you answered correctly for each domain and competency. These details are provided strictly for informational purposes. Be careful when using these numbers to determine how well you understand a certain topic. The number of questions is not sufficient enough to give a true estimate of concept knowledge, so simply use this data as a general guideline.
Holistic Scores
Holistic scores are provided on exams that have constructed-response questions (CRQs). These scores show you how well you meet the required criteria in your responses. If your scores so you had Limited, Little, or No Knowledge/Understanding on a constructed-response component, your score report will contain additional information regarding your performance.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t pass the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam you can retake the test. However, you must wait 30 days before you can retest. You must complete the registration process and submit payment again to retake the exam. It’s crucial to carefully analyze your score report to identify areas of weakness and develop a targeted study plan to improve your performance in those subject areas. To help you in future study or in preparing to retake the test, your score report shows how you performed in each content category.
Conclusion:
The TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam scores play a significant role in assessing your competency as a math teacher in Texas. By understanding the scoring system, criteria, and passing score requirements, you can effectively prepare for the exam and increase your chances of success. Remember to utilize your score report as a valuable tool for identifying areas that need improvement, enabling you to focus your efforts and enhance your overall performance. With diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the exam, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in the TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) exam.
More TExES Special Education EC-12 (160) Resources!
