Praxis Mathematics: Content Knowledge (5161) Book + Online - Softcover

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Used in more than 30 states and the District of Columbia, the Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge (5161) test is by far the most common teacher-certification test in the United States for prospective secondary math teachers.

The 150-minute test contains 60 selected-response, numeric-entry, drag-and-drop and text completion questions covering two wide-ranging content areas:

• Content Category I: Number and Quantity, Algebra, Functions, and Calculus (approximately 41 items)

• Content Category II: Geometry, Probability and Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics (approximately 19 items)

There’s no doubt about it: The test is a mental workout, requiring you to make educated guesses, distinguish patterns, employ logic, construct simple proofs, pull together strands from various areas of mathematics, distinguish between viable and nonviable solutions, and develop and use mathematical models to solve real-world problems. Beyond that, you may encounter some questions that the test developer, Educational Testing Service, is trying out for future tests and will therefore not count toward your score.

This Book + Online prep will equip you to address the full array of question types and the complete range of difficulty you’ll face on the Praxis Math Content Knowledge test. Developed with the needs of teacher candidates like you in mind, this book, along with REA’s online diagnostic tools, helps you customize your prep so you can make the most of your study time. Use all of it or just what you need to brush up in select areas.

Our Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge Book + Online Prep package includes:

• Expert test tips and strategies

• Focused content review developed just for the Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge (5161) test

• An in-depth tutorial on how to get the most out of the Infinity Softworks on-screen calculator

• Practice exercises on every selected-response topic

• Advice on how to solve math problems quickly

• An online diagnostic test to help you pinpoint where you need to spend your valuable study time

• Three full-length practice tests (two in the book and one online)

The REA Study Center (www.rea.com/studycenter) is where you’ll find the online material that accompanies this book—the diagnostic test and a third full-length practice test.

We know your time is precious and you want an efficient study experience. Our online content gives you feedback on where you stand right from the start.

• Automatic Scoring—Find out how you did on your test, instantly.

• Diagnostic Score Reports—Pinpoint the areas that challenge you the most, so you can study effectively.

• Detailed Answer Explanations—Learn not just why a response option is correct, but also why the other answer choices are incorrect.

• Timed Testing—Manage your time as you practice, so you’ll feel confident on test day.

The Praxis Mathematics Content Knowledge test is computer-based, so practicing online at the REA Study Center will simulate test-day conditions and help you become comfortable with the exam format.

We suggest five simple steps to help ensure your success on test day.

Step One: Take REA’s Praxis Math Diagnostic Test

To get you started, we’ve included a diagnostic test at the online REA Study Center. Our customized diagnostic tools will show you how to spend your time and focus your study, highlighting the areas where you need the most help.

Step Two: Evaluate Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Check your diagnostic score report. Wherever you discover weak spots, you’ll know where you need to extend your review. But even where you’re already strong, be sure to read our answer explanations. This is a prime opportunity to reinforce key concepts and hone your skills.

Step Three: Create Your Customized Study Plan

Based on your diagnostic feedback, you’ll know where to focus your prep. We suggest you start your preparation at least five weeks before test day. This will give you plenty of time to study the review materials and take the practice tests.

Step Four: Review the Content

Improve your weak areas by reviewing the appropriate content areas in this book.

Step Five: Take the Practice Tests

With three full-length REA practice tests, this Book + Online prep will thoroughly test your subject knowledge and build your test-day confidence.

To be assured you’re on the path to success on the Praxis Math Content Knowledge test, you should aim to earn a score of at least 70% correct on your practice tests. Think of this as a good approximation of a passing score. We also encourage you to take the interactive practice tests available from ETS. For details visit www.ets.org/praxis.

Now let’s turn to the nuts and bolts of what you need to do now through test day.

To register for the Praxis 5161, you must first create a Praxis account by setting up a user name and password. Go to www.ets.org/praxis.You must provide a valid mailing address, a valid email address, and an accepted form of payment (credit card, debit card or PayPal® account). In addition, for security reasons, you will be asked to select a security question. Remember the answer that you provide to that question.

If you forget your user name and/or password, click the “Forgot your user name or password?” link under “Returning Users” on the Praxis sign-in page (www.ets.org/praxis). You will be prompted to enter information about yourself, and to answer the security question you selected when creating your account. For security reasons, user names or passwords are not sent via email, so you will have to create a new password.

You must log into your Praxis account online for almost all interactions regarding registering, ordering test materials, making any necessary changes to or updating the personal information you provided, and viewing or ordering your scores.

Once you have your Praxis account, you can register by mail, phone, or online. There is a $35 surcharge to register by phone, but there is no extra fee for registration by mail or online. You need to determine whether your state requires the Praxis Math Content Knowledge test (go to http://www.ets.org/praxis/states). Then find out where and when the Praxis 5161 test will be given in your area (see http://www.ets.org/praxis/register/centers_dates). Choose the date and time that is compatible with your schedule. ETS provides real-time seat assignments. You will be advised of seat availability when you select a test center. You must complete the registration process, including payment, and check out to guarantee your seat assignment.

NOTE: Do not wait until the last minute to register for the test. You need to register well ahead of the test date to guarantee your seat. Go to www.ets.org/praxis.

If you register by mail (ETS-Praxis, PO Box 382065, Pittsburgh, PA 15251-8065) or by phone (800-772-9476), ETS will mail you an admission ticket. If you register online through your Praxis account (www.ets.org/praxis), your admission ticket will not be mailed to you. You can always print your admission ticket through your Praxis account. Pay for the test on your Praxis...