Testing Announcements and Updates: ELAR 7-12 (331)
September 2, 2024
exam #231 will be available until September 1, 2024, and can be used for certification through September 1, 2025.
new #331 first administration will be on September 2, 2024, with a score reporting date of September 27, 2024.
New ELAR 7-12 (331) informational one-pager is now available to address timelines and other frequently asked questions related to the exam launch, program requirements, and candidate preparation resources.
Reminder:
ELAR 4-8 Exam Transition and Certification Communication
The last day that a certificate may be recommended by the EPP using the ELAR 4-8 (#117) exam results remains October 30, 2022. TEA staff sent direct email communication (including a one-pager FAQ linked here) to candidates who have passed ELAR 4-8 (#117) but have not been issued a standard ELAR 4-8 Certificate and additional email communication to EPPs with candidates who have passed test #117 but have not been issued a standard certificate in ELAR 4-8. Both emails contain more information about this upcoming deadline.
The Science of Teaching Reading (STR) Exam
Overview of the STR Exam Requirement:
House Bill 3, passed during the 86th Texas Legislature, established the requirement that all teacher candidates who teach students in grades Pre-K-6 demonstrate proficiency in the science of teaching reading on a new, standalone certification exam. This requirement takes effect on January 1, 2021.
The STR exam will be required for the issuance of four certification fields.
Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Early Childhood–Grade 6
Core Subjects with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
English Language Arts and Reading with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
English Language Arts and Reading/Social Studies with Science of Teaching Reading: Grades 4–8
The STR exam will be required for the issuance of intern, probationary, and standard certifications for these certification fields beginning January 1, 2021.
Teachers who are currently standard certified in Core Subjects: EC-6, Core Subjects: 4-8, English Language Arts and Reading: 4-8, or English Language Arts and Social Studies: 4-8 will not be required to pass the STR exam for renewal of their certificate. The STR exam requirement only impacts candidates seeking certification after Jan. 1, 2021.
The Content of the STR Exam:
The State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)-approved Science of Teaching Reading standards define the knowledge and skills required of beginning educators related to the science of teaching reading who teach students in grades PK-6. The development of the STR certification exam is based on the Science of Teaching Reading standards.
The STR standards can be referenced: 19 TAC Chapter 235. Classroom Teacher Certification Standards
The STR Test Framework guides the test development process for the STR exam and is based on the SBEC-approved STR certification standards.
The STR Test Framework can be referenced: New Educator Standards and Test Frameworks
Webinars and Resources Related to the STR Exam:
STR Preparation Manual Available
The preparation manual for the 293 Science of Teaching Reading (STR) TExES is now available on the Texas Educator Certification Exam website. The preparation manual is web-based and responsively designed for viewing on multiple devices. A PDF version that includes the exam framework and sample exam questions will also be available for download.
New Educator Standards and Test Frameworks
The development of certification tests is based on the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC)-approved certification standards for each field. Prior to approval by the SBEC, each set of proposed certification standards is posted for 30 days for public comment. Test frameworks, which help guide the test development process for a new or revised certification test and are based on SBEC-approved certification standards, are also posted for 30 days for public comment.
Drafts for Public Comment
No draft frameworks available for public comment.
Approved Test Frameworks
Recently approved test frameworks are posted below.
#217 English Language Arts and Reading 4-8 Framework
#293 Science of Teaching Reading Framework - Version with marked changes and the final framework with all revisions incorporated.
#370 Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities for Trade and Industrial Education 6-12
Calendar
Updated: May 8, 2020
If your TExES exam was cancelled due to COVID-19 and your exam registration expired before you could reschedule, please contact Pearson. Pearson will provide you with a free exam code to allow you to register again.
If your scheduled TExES exam was cancelled due to COVID-19 and you are unable to find an appointment before your exam registration is set to expire, please contact Pearson. If your exam registration will expire within two weeks’ time, Pearson will instruct you to withdraw your registration for a full refund (minus the tx.gov fee).
Updated: Feb. 21, 2020
If you have already passed a content specific test, please call the office before January 24, 2020 to get more information on the new testing process. 956-354-2098