TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) Scoring Guide
If you plan to teach core subjects at the upper elementary or middle school level, you may have heard of the TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) test. This test is part of the overall Core Subjects 4-8 exam, which you must pass to receive your teaching certification. It’s important to recognize that you cannot pass the overall exam without passing the Science (809) section.
With so much at stake, it’s crucial to understand the scoring system for this exam. If you know what it takes to pass, you’ll be able to prepare more effectively.
To give you a leg up, this article will cover all you need to know about TExES Science (809) exam scoring.
Overview of the TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) Scoring Guide:
The TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) exam covers a number of competencies, which may include material related to:
- Safety and correct use of equipment
- Scientific inquiry and processes
- History and societal impact of science
- Forces and motion
- Physical properties of matter
- Energy and transformation
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The structure and function of living things
- Reproduction, heredity, adaptation, and evolution
- Ecosystems
- Earth systems
- Weather and climate
- The solar system and universe
- History of Earth
- Scientific pedagogy
The exam consists of 42 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 50 minutes. It is part of a longer TExES Core Subjects 4-8 exam that lasts 4 hours and 45 minutes.
For more details on the structure of this test, take a look at our TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (809) exam overview.
How the Exam is Scored
The TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science exam is scored by taking the sum of your correct answers and converting this into a scaled score that takes test difficulty into account.
There is no penalty for incorrect answers on this exam.
Passing Score
To pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) exam, you must receive a scaled score of at least 240.
When Will You Get Your Score Report
Your TExES Core Subjects 4-8 (211) score will be posted to your Pearson account after 10 p.m. (CT) on the report date for your exam. This should fall within seven days of your testing date. You will also receive your TExES score via email if you selected that option at registration. View the score report dates on the TExES website to find out when to expect your scores.
Understanding Your Score Report
Your TExES Core Subjects 4-8 score report will show your Total Test Performance as well as your Performance by Domain and Competency. The Total Test Performance section states whether you passed and provides your overall scaled score.
The second section shows how you performed on each subtest. If you didn’t pass the Core Subjects exam overall, this is where you should look to determine if you passed the TExES 4-8: Science (809) section. If you passed this section with a reasonably high score, that’s good news. It means the Science (809) exam probably isn’t where you need to focus as you study for a retake. (To help you assess your performance: 240 is the minimum passing score and 300 is the highest possible score.)
If you did not pass the Science (809) exam, the score report will also allow you to see how you did on each competency. However, be cautious about putting too much stock in this information. Each competency accounts for a very small number of questions, making it hard to draw firm conclusions about your performance. If you’ll be retaking the Science (809) exam, it’s wise to study broadly.
Retaking the Exam
If you don’t pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8 exam on your first try, you are allowed up to four retakes. You must wait 30 days between each attempt.
If you failed the TExES Science (809) test but passed the three other subsections of the Core Subjects 4-8 exam, you are allowed to retake the Science (809) test as a standalone exam. If you failed more than one subtest, however, you will have to take the whole Core Subjects exam again.
Conclusion:
TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) exam scores play a key role in becoming certified to teach core subjects in Texas. Understanding how this test is scored and what is required to pass should help you prepare more effectively, maximizing your chances of success.
If you don’t pass the TExES Science (809) exam on your first try, remember to take advantage of the detailed performance breakdown on your score report. It may provide helpful insights.
Even if your first try was unsuccessful, you should feel confident that you can pass the TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science exam. With diligent study and a clear understanding of the test, you’ll be well prepared for your next attempt.
More TExES Core Subjects 4-8: Science (809) Resources
