"Frustrated" or "Surprised?" An Examination of the Perspectives of Spanish Teacher Candidates Regarding the Praxis II Subject-Matter Tests

Abstract

Researchers (Sandarg & Schomber, 2009; Wilkerson, Schomber, & Sandarg, 2004) have urged the profession to develop a new subject-matter licensure test to reflect the best practices in the foreign language classroom.  In October 2010, the Praxis II: World Language Test joined the Praxis Series.  Given that this standards-driven test differs significantly from its previous versions, the Content Knowledge and Productive Language Skills tests, it is unknown how teacher candidates will respond to its unique challenges.  This qualitative study examines the perspectives of five prospective foreign language teachers who took one of the versions of the Praxis II subject-matter test.  The data revealed that two groups, Surprised Prevailers and Frustrated Forgoers, perceived the Praxis II differently.  Their test experiences may provide foreign language teacher educators with strategies to overcome test challenges and improve curricula.