The Praxis tests are required by the Pennsylvania Department of Education for teacher certification. All candidates for certification must take the PPST tests that evaluate the basic skills of reading, writing, and mathematics. In addition, candidates are required to taken other tests in the field(s) for which they are seeking certification.
Pass rates are computed and reported for all tests taken by ten or more candidates in a given year. In 2002-2003, in addition to the PPST tests, scores were reported for those Saint Joseph's candidates who took Elementary Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment; Fundamental Subjects; Exceptional Students; and Principles of Teaching and Learning. For all of these tests, the overall pass rate for our students was either 99% or 100%.
All students who wish to be accepted into one of the Education Department's certification programs must pass the PPST tests for admission. In addition, the Department strongly advises that all certification candidates successfully complete the other required Praxis tests prior to their completing the program so that they may be certified at that time.
