Taking The English TExES and Becoming Certified to Teach English/Language Arts and Reading Grades 8-12:

The Texas Examination of Educator Standards (TExES) is a series of tests that educators must pass to teach in Texas. The English TExES is the content test you must take to become certified to teach English/language arts and reading grades 8-12. A computer administration of this test is not offered at this time. You should take this test after completing English 3389 and the other courses required for your degree. 

The test is organized around eleven competencies which cover material you have studied in your college English courses. It is composed of approximately 90 multiple-choice questions and a written-response component. You will have five hours to complete the test. To understand this test, download the official English TExES preparation manual and study guide at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/  Click “Standards and Testing.” In the pull-down menu, select “Study Guides.” Scroll down to guide #131 for English/Language Arts and Reading Grades 8-12.

Step 2: Select Your Classes Carefully

Once you have downloaded the official study guide, study the eleven competencies to understand what you will be expected to know and be able to do to pass the English TExES. Select classes that will help you learn what you need to fulfill these competencies. To help you select classes, study the course descriptions in the university catalog and the course descriptions available in Flowers Hall during pre-registration. You may also talk to an advisor.

Schedule your course work so that the semester before you student teach you can register for the Curriculum and Instruction Secondary Block and English 3389 The Discipline of English, a set of classes that compliment each other.   Plan your course load so that by your student teaching semester you have completed all the other courses required for your degree. 

During English 3389, you will participate in a review of the English TExES multiple-choice questions and the written response component. You will also take a practice test. To register for the official English TExES, you must have completed the review and practice test.

Using the official study guide you have previously downloaded, study the following sections:

·        Review Competencies 1-11.

·        Answer the multiple-choice questions and grade your answers using the answer key provided.

·        Study the sample written response component question.

·        Set a timer for 90 minutes, the suggested time limit, and practice answering the sample written-response question.

Once you have taken the review and practice test in English 3389, your instructor will inform Judy Cuevas, Center for Student and Professional Services, that you are eligible to take the official English TExES. 

·        Check the dates for the test administrations at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/ by clicking “Test Dates.”

·        Once you have decided the date you wish to take the test, contact Judy Cuevas, Center for Student and Professional Services, at jc36@txstate.edu. She will give you a number which will allow you to register for the test on-line. 

·        WARNING: you must contact Ms. Cuevas at least two weeks before the official registration deadline.

Step 5 Apply for Certification

Once you have completed all the required certification exams, course work for your degree, and student teaching, you may apply for certification. Find out how to apply for certification at http://www.sbec.state.tx.us/ by clicking on “Certification Information.”

For more information, contact Patricia Margerison, TExES coordinator, Department of English, Flowers Hall 221, 512-245-3629

e-mail: pm07@txstate.edu