Are you planning to take the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education (391) exam? Well, you’ve come to the right place! This article will summarize the exam structure and provide valuable tips and resources to help you ace the test.
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam assesses your knowledge and skills in various social studies-related areas. Understanding the structure and format of the exam, as well as knowing how to prepare effectively, can greatly improve your chances of success.
So, whether you’re a first-time test taker or looking to retake the exam, let’s dive into the details of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts exam and explore some strategies for preparation and test-taking. By the end of this article, you’ll be armed with the knowledge and tools you need to tackle the exam confidently. Let’s get started!
Overview of the TExES Core Subjects: Fine Arts (391) Exam
Understanding what to expect on test day is important. This exam assesses your knowledge and skills in various subject areas relevant to teaching middle school students. Let’s look at the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education (391) overview to help you better prepare.
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam consists of 40 multiple-choice questions. This exam covers 5 competencies:
- Visual Arts
- Music
- Health
- Physical Education
- Theatre
We will break down the requirements for the competencies later in the article!
Time Limit
You will have 35 minutes to complete TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam.
Passing Score
To pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam, you must score 240. Your test score is based on the number of multiple-choice questions you answered correctly.
Number of Questions
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam has 40 selected-response questions covering 5 competencies. We will dig deeper into the competencies below.
Cost
The TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education exam costs $58. If you are taking the full Core Subjects (all 5 subtests) the cost is $116. Check the TExES website to find more information on how to pay for your exam.
Breakdown of Exam Content
Once you clearly understand the structure of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education (391) exam, it’s important to delve into the breakdown of the exam content. This breakdown will give you an idea of what specific topics you need to focus on during your preparation. For a full list of things you need to understand under each competency visit the preparation manual for this exam.
Competency 1: Visual Arts – The teacher understands the concepts, processes and skills involved in the creation, appreciation and evaluation of art and uses that knowledge to plan and implement effective and engaging visual arts instruction.
- Knows how to involve students in activities that promote enjoyment and understanding of visual arts by providing students with a wide range of opportunities to create and respond to visual arts so that they develop visual arts literacy.
- Knows and understands how perception is developed through observation, prior knowledge, imaginative and cognitive processes and multisensory experiences.
- Selects and uses instructional strategies, materials and activities to help students deepen and expand their ability to perceive and reflect on the environment.
- Knows and understands how critical thinking and creative problem solving are applied in the perception of artworks.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the elements of art (i.e., color, texture, shape, form, line, space, value) and provides instruction that promotes students’ understanding of the elements of art as well as students’ ability to apply that understanding in creating original artworks.
Competency 2: Music – The teacher understands the concepts, processes and skills involved in the creation, appreciation and evaluation of music and uses that knowledge to plan and implement effective and engaging music instruction.
- Knows how to involve students in activities that promote enjoyment and understanding of music by providing students with a wide range of opportunities to make and respond to music so that they develop music literacy (e.g., concert attendance, authentic performance opportunities).
- Applies knowledge of standard terminology for describing and analyzing musical sound (e.g., rhythm, melody, form, timbre, tempo, pitch, meter, dynamics, intonation, intervals) and has a basic understanding of how to read, write, recognize aurally and interpret standard music notation.
- Knows how to arrange vocal and instrumental music for specific purposes and settings (e.g., guides students in creating simple song arrangements and accompaniments using voices, classroom percussion, and melody instruments).
- Knows and understands music of diverse genres, styles and cultures.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the purposes and roles of music in society and how music can reflect elements of a specific society or culture.
Competency 3: Health – The teacher uses knowledge of the concepts and purposes of health education to plan and implement effective and engaging health instruction.
- Understands health-related behaviors, ways that personal health decisions and behaviors affect body systems and health and strategies for reducing health risks and enhancing wellness throughout the life span.
- Demonstrates knowledge of major areas in health instruction, including body systems and development (e.g., structures and functions of various body systems, relationships among body systems, five senses); illness and disease (e.g., types of disease, transmission mechanisms, defense systems, disease prevention); nutrition (e.g., types of foods and nutrients, maintenance of a balanced diet); stress (e.g., effects of stress, stress-reduction techniques); and fitness (e.g., components of fitness, methods for improving fitness, posture).
- Knows and understands stages of human growth and development, including physical and emotional changes that occur during adolescence
- Understands substance use and abuse, including types and characteristics of tobacco, alcohol, other drugs and herbal supplements.
- Understands types of violence and abuse, including causes and effects of violence and abuse and ways to prevent and seek help in dealing with violence and abuse.
Competency 4: Physical Education – The teacher uses knowledge of the concepts, principles, skills and practices of physical education to plan and implement effective and engaging physical education instruction.
- Applies key principles and concepts in physical education and physical activity (e.g., cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, weight control, conditioning, safety, stress management, nutrition) for the promotion of health and fitness.
- Knows and helps students understand the benefits of an active lifestyle.
- Understands appropriate methods, including technological methods, for evaluating, monitoring and improving fitness levels.
- Applies knowledge of movement principles and concepts to develop students’ motor skills including understanding key elements of mature movement patterns (e.g., throwing, jumping, catching) and various manipulative skills (e.g., volley, dribble, punt, strike).
- Selects and uses developmentally appropriate learning experiences that enhance students’ locomotor, nonlocomotor, body control, manipulative and rhythmic skills.
Competency 5: Theatre – The teacher understands the concepts, processes and skills involved in the creation, appreciation and evaluation of theatre and uses that knowledge to plan and implement effective and engaging theatre instruction.
- Knows and understands how perception is developed through the use of elements of drama and conventions of theatre.
- Knows how to involve students in activities that promote enjoyment and understanding of theatre arts by selecting and using instructional strategies, materials and activities to help students interpret creative expression and performance.
- Demonstrates the knowledge of the elements of theatre (i.e., dramatic play, expressive movement, voice, characterization) and theatre occupations, provides instruction that promotes students’ understanding of the elements and occupations, and helps them apply that understanding in creating theatrical productions.
- Integrates instruction in theatre with instruction in other subject areas.
- Knows how to promote students’ ability to identify and use technical elements (e.g., properties, scenery, sound, costumes, lighting) to create suitable environments for dramatic play and performance.
Source: TExES Core Subjects EC–6 (391) Preparation Manual
By understanding the breakdown of each section, you can prioritize your studying and allocate more time to areas where you may need additional practice and improvement. Remember, a balanced approach to studying all sections will lead you to success in the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam.
Test Preparation Tips
Preparing for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam can feel overwhelming, but you can confidently tackle it with the right strategies and mindset. Here are some test preparation tips to help you make the most of your study time:
Reviewing Key Concepts and Skills
- Start familiarizing yourself with the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education (391) exam outline and content areas. This will help you prioritize your study materials and focus on areas that need attention.
- Create a study schedule and allocate dedicated time to each subject area. This will ensure you cover all the necessary content and give yourself enough time for review.
- Review core concepts and skills in each subject area, such as key terms and techniques, scientific formulas, and scientific principles. Use textbooks, online resources, and study guides to refresh your knowledge.
Practicing Sample Questions and Practice Tests
- Regularly practice sample questions and full-length practice tests to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing. This will help you build endurance and confidence in answering different questions.
- Analyze your performance in practice tests to identify areas where you need improvement. Focus on understanding the reasoning behind correct answers and learn from any mistakes you make.
- Use official TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and PE (391) exam preparation materials, specifically designed to align with the exam content and format. These resources will give you a realistic idea of what to expect on test day.
Developing Effective Study Strategies
- Break down your study materials into smaller, manageable chunks. Focus on understanding the main ideas, key details, and concept connections.
- Use visual aids, such as diagrams, charts, and flashcards, to organize and reinforce information. Visualizing complex ideas can make them easier to comprehend and remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as summarizing content in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies can deepen your understanding and retention of the material.
Managing Test Anxiety and Stress
- Test anxiety is a common challenge, but there are strategies to help manage it. Practice relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk, to calm your nerves before and during the exam.
- Get enough restful sleep the night before the exam, as lack of sleep can impact your focus and cognitive performance.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle leading up to the exam. Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and stay hydrated. Physical well-being can positively influence your mental state.
- Remember, everyone’s study journey is unique. Find the best methods for you and adapt them to your learning style. Stay organized, stay consistent, and stay positive. You can succeed on the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education (391) exam, you must be well-prepared and aware of the instructions to ensure a smooth testing experience. Here are some important exam-day instructions to keep in mind:
Checking Required Documents
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all the necessary documents to bring with you. These typically include:
- Admission ticket: Make sure your admission ticket is printed and ready to present at the test center.
- Valid identification: Bring a valid form of identification, such as a driver’s license or passport, to verify your identity.
- Necessary materials: Some exams may require you to bring specific materials, such as calculators or pencils. Check the exam guidelines to ensure you have the necessary materials with you.
Check the TExES website to learn more about the testing policies and what you should bring on test day.
Understanding Exam Format and Instructions
Before the test day, take some time to familiarize yourself with the exam format and instructions. This will help you understand the structure of the exam and prevent any surprises or confusion during the test. Key things to keep in mind include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limits for each exam section and plan your time accordingly. Pace yourself to ensure you have enough time for each question.
- Marking scheme: Understand how questions will be scored and how to mark your answers on the answer sheet properly. This will help you make sure the actual exam is clear.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules regarding breaks or how to handle specific question types.
Managing Time Effectively
Time management is crucial during the exam to ensure enough time to answer all the questions. Here are some tips for managing your time effectively:
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a few moments at the beginning of each section to read and understand the instructions thoroughly. This will help you approach the questions with clarity.
- Prioritize easier questions: Start with the questions you find easier, as this will help you build confidence and save time for the more challenging ones.
- Pace yourself: Keep an eye on the time and allocate it wisely for each question. If you’re stuck on a difficult question, move on and return to it later if you have time.
- Remember, staying calm and focused on the task can greatly improve your performance during the exam. Use these exam-day instructions to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success.
Scoring and Results
Once you’ve completed the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam, you will receive your score report. Score reports are sent out on specific dates determined by the state. Check the TExES website to learn more about the score reports dates for your exam.
You can dig deeper into TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education scores using our scoring guide!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) exam is a comprehensive assessment designed to evaluate aspiring educators’ knowledge and proficiency in mathematics. By understanding the exam structure, content breakdown, and test preparation tips, you can confidently approach the exam and increase your chances of success.
More TExES Core Subjects EC-6: Fine Arts (391) Resources!
