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Passing the Special Education TExES Exam

Keys to Certification and Exceptional Learners

By: Elaine L. Wilmore

Built on her successful TExES test-prep seminars, Elaine Wilmore breaks down the Texas special education exams and shows you how to raise your TExES exam scores.

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Product Details

Grade Level: PreK-12
ISBN: 9781452285955
Published By: Corwin
Year: 2013
Page Count: 184
Publication date: October 09, 2013

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Description

Gain confidence, lower stress, and raise your TExES exam scores!

Testing for certification can be a stressful experience. State exams are rigorous and cover numerous domains and competencies. Test scores can impact both special education certification and teacher preparation programs. You may find there is simply too much material to study, or that test-prep books hammer you with too many random questions.

Understanding what will be on the test and why is a key to success. With artful prose, TExES test prep veteran Elaine Wilmore breaks down the EC-12 and Supplemental special education test so you can feel calm and confident on test day. Built on her successful test-prep training seminars, she navigates each special education domain and competency and covers

• Philosophies behind the test questions
• Teaching stories that improve answer recall
• Tips for analyzing test questions
• Ways to use key words and concepts to improve test results
• Hints for managing time while testing
• Tips for before, during, and after the exam
• Techniques for in-state and out-of-state test takers

With its empowering approach, this book shows you how to think like the test was developed and improve your test results.

“Dr. Elaine Wilmore has, once again, created the must-have educator preparation resource—this time for special education instructors. Packed with real-world examples, sparkling wit, and expert subject knowledge, Passing the Special Education TExES Exam is the gold standard resource for Texas educators.”
—Richard W. Kincaid, Director, Career and Technical Education
Round Rock ISD, Round Rock, TX

“This is much more than a test preparation manual… Teachers will refer to it long after they have become certified.”
—La Vonda Loney, Assistant Principal
Killeen ISD, Killeen, TX

Key features

A strong overview and explanation of each domain and/or competency in the test
A through discussion of relevant concepts that relate to that domain and/or competency
Tables and figures geared for visual and kinesthetic learners
“The Code of Ethics and Standard Practice for Texas Educators” and application thereof
A "Guess My Favorite" section to encourage critical thinking, understanding of philosophy, synthesis of concepts, curiosity, engagement of the reader, and plain old fun
An “Important Points to Remember” chapter summary
Test-Taking Strategies, Creating a Personal Plan for Success, and Bringing It All Together

Author(s)

Elaine L. Wilmore

Learn more about Elaine Wilmore's PD offerings

Dr. Elaine Wilmore was a public school teacher, counselor, elementary, and middle school principal before she moved to higher education. She has extensive background in everything from Early Childhood Education to creating and leading doctoral programs. She currently serves as a Doctoral Dissertation Adviser for Nova Southeastern University. She also founded and is President of Elaine L. Wilmore Leadership Initiatives, which focuses on improving campus and district leadership to increase student performance. Elaine formerly served as a Professor, the Chair of Educational Leadership, Counseling, and Foundations and as the founding Doctoral Director at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. She also served at Dallas Baptist University as Assistant Vice President for Educational Networking and Program Director for the M.Ed. and, again, the implementing director of the Doctor of Education degree in Educational Leadership.

Prior to her position at Dallas Baptist University, Dr. Wilmore served as Special Assistant to the Dean for NCATE Accreditation, Chair and Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA), and was the founder of all initial Educational Leadership graduate programs at UTA including the innovative field-based and grant funded Educational Leadership UTA, which received national acclaim, and the Scholars of Practice program. While at UTA she also served as Director of University Program Development where she developed and was the original Chair of the Faculty Governance Committee for the College of Education. Dr. Wilmore’s respect amongst those in higher education has led her to serve as a tenure reviewer in four states and a manuscript and proposal reviewer for many conferences and professional journals.

"I attended your workshop at College Station this past summer. I am happy to announce that I passed my certification exam the first time around! I am so excited and look forward to the future and what doors may open. Thank you for your strategies and your book!" - Elodia Witterstaetter, TX

Table of Contents

Section I: Knowledge, Skills, and Dispositions

Chapter 1. Welcome!

An Overview of the Texas Learner - Centered Domains and Competencies

Idealistic Teaching: A Skill or An Art?

Getting Started

The "Guess My Favorite" Feature

Section II: Domains and Competencies for the EC-12 and Supplemental Special Education TExES Exam

Domain I: Understanding Individuals With Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs

Chapter 2. Understanding and Applying Knowledge and Characteristics of Students with Disabilities

Domain I: Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs

Domain Key Concepts: Student Characteristics, Assessment, and Evaluation

Competency: 001

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 3. Formal and Informal Assessment and Evaluation for Instructional Decision Making

Domain I: Understanding Individuals with Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs

Domain Key Concepts: Student Characteristics, Assessment, and Evaluation

Competency: 002

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Chapter 4. Understanding and Applying Knowledge of Procedures for Planning Instruction

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain Key Concepts: Instructional Strategies, Student Achievement & Behavior, Transition Issues

Competency: 003

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 5. Understanding and Applying Knowledge and Procedures for Teaching with Assistive Technology Competency

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain Key Concepts: Instructional Strategies, Student Achievement & Behavior, Transition Issues

Competency: 004

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 6. Promoting Educational Performance in All Content Areas, Settings, and Situation

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain Key Concepts: Instructional Strategies, Student Achievement & Behavior, Transition Issues

Competency: 005

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 7. Understanding and Applying Issues and Procedures for Teaching Appropriate Behavioral and Social Skills

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain Key Concepts: Instructional Strategies, Student Achievement & Behavior, Transition Issues

Competency: 006

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 8. Understanding and Applying Knowledge of Transition Issues and Procedures

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain Key Concepts: Instructional Strategies, Student Achievement & Behavior, Transition Issues

Competency: 007

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Domain III: Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics

Chapter 9. Promoting Student Performance in English Language Arts and Reading

Domain III: Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics

Domain Key Concepts: English, Language Arts, and Mathematics

Competency: 008

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 10. Promoting Student Performance in Mathematics

Domain III: Promoting Student Achievement in English Language Arts and Reading and in Mathematics

Domain Key Concepts: English, Language Arts, and Mathematics

Competency: 009

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Domain IV: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Chapter 11. Understanding the Philosophical, Historical, and Legal Foundations of Special Education

Domain IV: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Domain Key Concepts: Communication, Collaboration, Ethical and Legal Issues

Competency: 010

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 12. Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Domain IV: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Domain Key Concepts: Communication, Collaboration, Ethical and Legal Issues

Competency: 010

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Chapter 13. Communication and Collaboration

Domain IV: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Domain Key Concepts: Communication, Collaboration, Ethical and Legal Issues

Competency: 012

The Special Education Teacher Knows How to…

Guess My Favorites

Important Points to Remember

Section III: Comparison and Contrasts of Domain and Competencies for the EC – 12 Special Education TExES Exam and the Supplemental Special Education TExES Exam

Chapter 14. Comparison of Competencies between the EC – 12 and the Supplemental Special Education TExES Exams

Section IV: The Real Deal: Practical Application

Chapter 15. Test Taking Strategies

Watch Your “Sherry’s!”

The Dot Game: Psychological and Time Management

The Dog and Star Game: Making Good Choices

"Multiple – Multiples:” Follow the Process!

Chapter 16. Creating a Personal Success Plan

Tips for Repeat Test Takers

Tips for "Out of State" Test Takers

How to Prepare From Now till Test Taking Week

How to Prepare The Week of the Test

What to Do, and Not Do, the Night Before the Test

What to Do, and Not Do, the Morning of the Test

Living Your Life After the Test

Chapter 17. Forever and Ever, Amen

Bringing it All Together

Some Last Reminders

Ace This Test!

Chapter 18. Suggested Additional Reading

Domain I: Understanding Students With Disabilities and Evaluating Their Needs

Domain II: Promoting Student Learning and Development

Domain III: Promoting Student Achievement in English, Language Arts, and Mathematics

Domain IV: Foundations and Professional Roles and Responsibilities

Appendix A: Texas Administrative Code

Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Appendix B: Council for Exceptional Children

Code of Ethics

Appendix C: Council for Exceptional Children

Professional Standards and Practice Throughout the Career

References

Reviews

"Dr. Elaine Wilmore has, once again, created the must-have educator preparation resource—this time for special education instructors. Packed with real-world examples, sparkling wit, and expert subject knowledge, Passing the Special Education TExES Exam is the gold standard resource for Texas educators."

Richard W. Kincaid, Director, Career and Technical Education
Round Rock ISD, Round Rock, TX

"Dr. Elaine Wilmore has done it again. A must have to all educators who wish to pass the Special Education TExES Exam. This is a well-thought-out and complete guide to passing the test and nothing less. Thank you!"

Tania Moran, Teacher
Northside ISD, San Antonio, TX

"This is much more than a test preparation manual, it is a special educator's guide to continual success. Dr. Wilmore has captured the very best elements of teaching and combined them with the characteristics/ needs of special learners to create this one-of-a-kind guide. Teachers will refer to it long after they have become certified."

La Vonda Loney, Assistant Principal
Killeen ISD, Killeen, TX

"The preparation of special education teachers is at a critical stage in our nation today; fewer and fewer teachers are willing to be certified in this area. Dr. Wilmore's book will greatly assist prospective special educators in passing the certification exam and preparing for their time in the classroom."

Linda N. Townzen, School Administrator
Norman Consulting, Arlington, TX

"This book is an excellent resource, not only for those pursuing the EC-12 Special Education TExES Exam, but also for educational leaders. The text thoroughly reviews fundamental concepts, provides great strategies, and includes realistic and humorous scenarios. An outstanding, enjoyable and easy read."

Maryanne Piña-Olguin
Texas A&M University, Fort Worth, TX

Other Titles in: Special Education | Special Education Assessment & Testing

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