University of Hawai'i University Relations Media & Publications Honolulu, HI 96822	(808) 956-8856 Telephone (808) 956-3441 Facsimile ur@hawaii.edu E-Mail
For Immediate Release:	November 6, 1998
Contact: Virgie Chattergy, Assistant Dean, UH College of Education 956-7849

UH College of Education students' test scores make the grade Students at the University of Hawai'i's College of Education are scoring well on the PRAXIS tests, which are national teacher exams. All prospective teachers in Hawai'i are required to pass the PRAXIS exams, which consists of three different tests: basic skills, pedagogy (teaching knowledge) and content knowledge. Qualifying scores are established by the Hawai'i Department of Education in collaboration with the Educational Testing Service. Virgie Chattergy, acting assistant dean from the Office of Student Academic Services in the UH College of Education, reports that UH students are scoring at or above the national average on the PRAXIS pre-professional skills tests (basic skills) in reading and math, and passing, only slightly below the national average, in writing. In all three areas, UH students averaged well above the qualifying scores needed for state licensing. Over 90% of the 358 UH students, who took the PRAXIS pedagogy exam between Oct. 1, 1997, and Sept. 30, 1998, passed. Randy Hitz, dean of the College of Education, says this is a good indication that faculty in the College of Education are doing a good job preparing students in the theory and practice of teaching. More than two-thirds of the 326 UH students who took the content knowledge tests met or exceeded the state qualifying score. 69% passed in math; 72% in English; 73% in social studies; 93% in elementary curriculum, instruction and assessment; 94% in biology; 98% in special education; and 100% in physical education.

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