Praxis Subject Area Assessment https://www.ets.org/praxis/ar/test-takers/plan-your-test/licensure/requirements.html Current state regulations require all MAT candidates to pass the Praxis content subject assessment(s) required for their chosen licensure path before they may enroll in more than 6 credits. This means if you have not passed your Praxis subject assessment(s) prior to admission, you must pass during your first term (6 credits/2 courses).
If you are in K-6 (Elementary) or Special Education, you are also required to take the Foundations of Reading assessment. The timeline for this test is during your internship semester OR AFTER you have taken all of the literacy courses and elementary courses. Those in the Special Education program need to attempt the FoR prior to entering internship. Anyone on the Elementary or Special Education track not passing the FoR prior to graduation will not earn their initial teaching license until UCA receives their passing score.
Pedagogy Assessment: The state recently removed the PLT exam as a requirement for licensure. Instead, they are allowing preparation programs to use their own assessments to show pedagogical knowledge. For UCA MAT programs (general ed. & special ed.) this pedagogical summative assessment is included in the internship assignments.
Please keep in mind that you may still want to take the PLT, IF you think you may want to eventually pursue an administrative position or district specialist/interventionist position. If you choose to go ahead and take the PLT, we will submit that to ADE, so they have proof of completion. IF you are K-6 Elementary Education or Special Education, you will be required to pass the Foundations of Reading exam, before your license will be issued.
Praxis Support
ETS Support
- There are Praxis preparation resources available for free from ETS. Visit the ETS website and locate the Arkansas page by searching for state requirements. Once you find your required exam(s), view the test details. Scroll down on the test details page and look for the option to Get Free Resources. You’ll enter your email and ETS will send you a detailed guide for the exam.
- Read the Praxis website for strategy and tips for test takers and for information on how to develop a study plan.
College Resource Center Guides
DESE Praxis Sessions and Other Study Resources
The Arkansas Department of Elementary and Secondary Education offers various FREE virtual study sessions for many of the Praxis exams. Make sure you are signed up for the MAT Listserv, in order to receive updated information on those sessions and when they are offered.