The Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES) Social
Studies 4-8 (118) exam is used to evaluate an entry-level educator’s knowledge,
skills and abilities teaching Social Studies in grades four through eight in the
state of Texas. The examination is a part of the licensing requirement for
initial teacher certification.
TExES Standards and content
There are ten educational standards approved by the Texas
Board of Education for which teacher standards are determined. The standards
include:
- Standard I: Comprehensive knowledge of social
sciences - Standard II: Integration of social science
disciplines - Standard III: Ability to plan and implement
curriculum, instruction, assessment, and evaluation in accordance with the
Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) blueprint - Standard IV: Ability to apply knowledge of
historical events and developments, historical interpretations and ideas to
facilitate student understanding - Standard V: Facilitation of student
understanding of geographic relationships - Standard VI: Knowledge of economic systems and
their impact on individuals, communities, and geographic regions - Standard VII: Knowledge of how governments and
structures of power function, and facilitate student learning of growth through
political systems - Standard VII: Citizenship and participation in
society - Standard IX: Understanding the development,
adaptation, and inter-relationship of cultures throughout the world - Standard X: Science, technology and society and
the impact on social and environmental development
The examination consists of two domains. Each question
within the domain covers one or more of the educational standards, and specific
competencies found within those domains.
- Social studies content – 71%
Competencies include history, geography,
economics, government, citizenship, cultures, science and technology, and
society.
- Social studies skills, foundations, and
instruction – 29%
Competencies include social studies
foundations and skills, instruction, and assessment.
TExES Design and Delivery
The Social Studies exam is a five-hour computer-administered test (CAT) consisting of 100 multiple-choice questions. Fifteen minutes of the testing time is set aside for a tutorial with the remaining time allocated to the examination. Questions are based on the Social Studies 4-8 knowledge framework, and the exam is used to determine if you have the knowledge necessary as a beginning educator for grades four through eight in Social Studies.
TExES Registration, Scheduling the Exam, and Cost
Registration is available online 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. To register, you create an online account with Pearson. This account is
separate from your Texas Education Agency (TEA) account. The registration fee
is $116.00 and is paid when you register. Once your account is established and
your fee paid, Pearson provides you with an email authorization that allows you
to schedule your exam.
Testing facilities are located nationwide, and test
appointments are scheduled year-round on a first-come, first served basis.
How to Prepare for Test Day
Your testing confirmation includes the location, date, and
time of your exam. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment so you have time
to complete the sign-in activities. Leave your belongings at home as you are
not allowed to bring items into the testing center.
After you check-in, a test facilitator escorts you to your
station where everything you need for the exam is provided including a note
board booklet and an erasable pen. Once you complete the tutorial, your exam
begins.
TExES Exam scoring and results
Each correct answer receives one point, and there is no
penalty for incorrect answers. The total number correct becomes your raw score.
Your raw score is then converted to a scaled score between 100 and 300 with 240
required to pass.
Your score report will be available in your account by 10:00
p.m. central time seven days after the testing window closes. Your results are
emailed to you (if indicated when you registered), and to TEA. Your results are
also reported to your Educator Preparation Program if you indicated one when
you registered.
How to Prepare for the TExES
That’s a great question. We’ve broken down the answer into three parts.
- Do yourself a favor and study. Do not walk in unprepared. We have recommended prep materials below, but that only helps if you actually try. Plus, studying is actually proven to be the best antidote to test anxiety.
- Take care of yourself. Make sure you’re eating well, exercising, and sleeping. All of these things are scientifically linked to brain performance. If you take care of your body, you’ll be helping your grades.
- Get a study guide or set of flashcards. Some people study better a certain way. Find your study strengths and make the most of them. We’ve tried to make it easy for you by tracking down the best study guide and flashcard set for your exam. Below you’ll see links to both!