Welcome to the Certification Exam Support Hub at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV). Our goal is to assist students in the Teacher Education Program with the TExES exams. We provide teacher candidates guidance, tutoring, and assistance with the development of a study plan in four content areas or subjects: EC-6 Core Subjects (391), Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (160) 2nd attempt, PK-3 Early Childhood (292) 2nd attempt, and Science of Teaching Reading (293).
Certification Exam Study Plan
Tutoring
Tutoring sessions are also available and mandatory based on your study prescription to help you prepare for your certification exam. Sign into your EAB Navigate and schedule an appointment with our wonderful tutors at the Certification Exam Support Hub!
Study Resources
The study resources below will to help you review the content material of the official TExES Certification Exams with the purpose of including a diverse and inclusive list of guides to allow for student exploration of various preparation materials to discover which works best for individual use.
TExES Core Subjects EC-6 Study Resources
Pearson Overview & Exam Framework
The TExES Core Subjects EC–6 (391) exam is designed to assess whether an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills of the five subject domains: English Language Arts and Reading; Mathematics; Social Studies; Science; and Fine Arts, Health, and Physical Education.
Copyright © 2020 by Texas Education Agency (TEA). All rights reserved.
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Ana Reyna
Flashcards
Article Videos
Competency 002: Word Analysis and Identification Skills
Understand the importance of word analysis and identification skills for reading comprehension.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 003: Reading Fluency
Understand the importance of fluency to reading comprehension.
Flashcards
Articles
- Fluency: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Fluency Reading
Videos
Competency 004: Reading Comprehension
Understands and knows the components and processes of reading comprehension.
Flashcards
Articles
- Comprehension: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Reading Comprehension and Applications
Videos
Competency 005: Vocabulary Development
Understand the importance of vocabulary development and apply that knowledge to teach reading, listening, speaking, and writing.
Flashcards
Articles
- Vocabulary: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Vocabulary Development
Videos
Competency 006: Reading, Inquiry, and Research
Understand the importance of study and inquiry skills and promote students' development in applying study and inquiry skills.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 007: Writing Conventions
Understand how young students use writing conventions and how to help students develop those conventions.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 008: Written Communication
Understand that writing to communicate is a developmental process and helps young students develop in this competence.
Flashcards
Articles
- Writing: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Written Communication
Videos
Competency 009:Viewing and Representing
Understand how to interpret, analyze, evaluate and produce.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 010: Assessment of Developing Literacy
Understand the basic principles of assessment and use a variety of literacy assessment practices.
Flashcards
Articles
- Assessment: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Assessment of Developing Literacy
Videos
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Eliasar Sauceda
Competency 001: Mathematics Instruction
The teacher understands how students learn mathematical skills and uses that knowledge to plan, organize and implement instruction and assess learning.
Flashcards
- Competency 001
- Full Study Set [Full Set #2] [Full Set #3] [Full Set #4]
Videos
Competency 002: Number Concepts and Operations
The teacher understands concepts related to numbers, operations and algorithms and the properties of numbers.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 003: Patterns and Algebra
The teacher understands concepts related to patterns, relations, functions and algebraic reasoning.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 004: Geometry and Measurements
Understands and uses geometry, spatial reasoning, measurement concepts and principles and technology.
Flashcards
Interactive Article
Videos
Competency 005: Probability and Statistics
Understands and uses probability and statistics, their applications and technology.
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Competency 006: Mathematical Processes
Understands and uses mathematical processes to reason mathematically, to solve mathematical problems, to make mathematical connections within and outside of mathematics and to communicate mathematically.
Flashcards
- Competency 006
- Full Study Set [Full Set #1] [Full Set #2] [Full Set #3] [Full Set #4]
Videos
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Orlando Buentello
Competency 001: Social Science Instruction
Comprehensive knowledge of the social sciences and recognizes the value of the social sciences.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 002: History
Applies knowledge of significant historical events and developments, as well as of multiple historical interpretations and ideas.
Flashcards
Article
- World History (General review of concepts)
Videos
Competency 003: Geography and Culture
Applies knowledge of people, places and environments to facilitate students' understanding of geographic relationships and cultures.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 004: Economics
Understands how people organize economic systems to produce, distribute and consume goods and services.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 005: Government and Citizenship
Applies knowledge of concepts of government, democracy and citizenship.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Elizabeth Garcia
Competency 001: Laboratory, Processes, Equipment, and Safety
Understands how to manage learning activities, tools, materials, equipment and technologies to ensure the safety of all students.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 002: History and Nature of Science
Understands the history and nature of science, the process and role of scientific inquiry and the role of inquiry in science instruction.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 003: Impact on Science
Understands how science impacts the daily lives of students and interacts with and influences personal and societal decisions.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 004: Concepts and Processes
Understands the unifying concepts and processes that are common to all sciences.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 005: Students as Learners and Science Instruction
Has theoretical and practical knowledge about teaching science and about how students learn science.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 006: Science Assessment
Knows the varied and appropriate assessment practices for monitoring science learning in laboratory, field and classroom settings.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 007: Forces and Motions
Understands forces and motion and their relationships.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 008: Physical and Chemical Properties
Understands the physical and chemical properties of and changes in matter.
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Competency 009: Energy and Interactions
Understands energy and interactions between matter and energy.
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Competency 010: Energy Transformation and Conservation
Understands energy transformations and the conservation of matter and energy.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 011: Structure and Functions of Living Things
Understands the structure and function of living things
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 012: Reproduction and the Mechanisms of Heredity
Understands reproduction and the mechanisms of heredity
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Competency 013: Adaptations and Evolutions
Understands adaptations of organisms and the theory of evolution.
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Competency 014: Organisms and the Environment
Understands the relationships between organisms and the environment.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 015: Structure and the Functions of the Earth System
Understands the structure and function of Earth systems.
Flashcards
Interactive Articles
Videos
Competency 016: Cycles in the Earth Systems
Understands cycles in Earth systems.
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Competency 017: Energy in Weather and Climate
Understands the role of energy in weather and climate.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 018: Solar Systems and the Universe
Understands the characteristics of the solar system and the universe.
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Victor Sanchez
Competency 001: Visual Arts
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.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 002: Music
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.
Flashcards
Articles
- Notes and rhythm (Video lessons & Glossary)
- Reading Music (Video lessons & Glossary)
Videos
Competency 003: Health
Uses knowledge of the concepts and purposes of health education to plan and implement effective and engaging health instruction.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 004: Physical Education
Uses knowledge of the concepts, principles, skills and practices of physical education to plan and implement effective and engaging physical education instruction.
Flashcards
Videos
Competency 005: Theatre
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.
Flashcards
Videos
TExES Pedagogy & Professional Responsibilities Study Resources
Pearson Overview & Exam Framework
The TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC–12 (160) test is designed to assess whether an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills of designing appropriate instruction, fostering a positive classroom environment, promoting engaging instructional activities, and fulfilling professional roles and responsibilities that adhere to legal and ethical requirements of the profession.
Copyright © 2020 by Texas Education Agency (TEA). All rights reserved.
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Alma Gonzalez
Flashcards
- Exam Overview [Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3]
- PPR Common Verbs
- PPR General Vocabulary
- PPR ESL Proficiency Levels
MOMETRIX (Interactive Guide)
Article
Designing Instruction & Assessment to Promote Student Learning
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
The teacher designs instruction appropriate for all students that reflects an understanding of relevant content and is based on continuous and appropriate assessment.
Flashcards
- Domain 001 Vocabulary
- Domain 001 Concepts
- Competency 001 - Human Development
- Competency 002 - Diversity & Design
- Competency 003 - Designing Instruction
- Competency 004 - Learning Processes
Videos
Creating a Positive, Productive Classroom Environment
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
The teacher creates a classroom environment of respect and rapport that fosters a positive climate for learning, equity and excellence.
Flashcards
- Domain 002 Vocabulary
- Domain 002 Concepts
- Competency 005 - Supportive Environment
- Competency 006 - Management Issues
Videos
Implementing Effective, Responsive Instruction and Assessment
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
All teachers communicate information in different formats and for diverse audiences.
Flashcards
- Domain 003 Vocabulary
- Domain 003 Concepts
- Competency 007 - Principals for Communicating
- Competency 008 - Engaging Instruction
- Competency 009 - Technology
- Competency 010 - Assessment
Article
Videos
Fulfilling Professional Roles and Responsibilities
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
The teacher fulfills professional roles and responsibilities and adheres to legal and ethical requirements of the profession.
Flashcards
- Domain 004 Vocabulary
- Domain 004 Concepts
- Competency 011 - Family
- Competency 012 - Practitioner
- Competency 013 – Legal & Ethical Standards
Article
Videos
TExES Science of Teaching Reading Study Resources
Pearson Overview & Exam Framework
The TExES Science of Teaching Reading (293) exam is designed to assess whether an examinee has the requisite knowledge and skills of reading pedagogy, foundational skills of reading development, comprehension of concepts and vocabulary, and the analysis of assessment data related to reading development in the form of a short-answer response.
Copyright © 2020 by Texas Education Agency (TEA). All rights reserved.
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses // Tutor: Linda Sanchez
Flashcards
Articles
Videos
Free Practice Test
Practice Test with Cost
Domain I: Reading Pedagogy
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
Competency 001: Foundations of the Science of Teaching Reading
Understand foundational concepts, principles, and best practices related to the science of teaching reading.
Flashcards
- Science of Teaching Reading Set #1
- Competency 001 - Foundations of the STR
- Reading Pedagogy Foundations of STR - Interactive
Article
Videos
- STR-Science of Teaching Reading Competency foundation
- STR Competencies
- 240 Tutoring Study Guide + Practice Questions (13:56)
Competency 002: Foundations of Reading Assessment
Understand foundational concepts, principles, and best practices related to reading assessment.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Domain II: Reading Development: Foundational Skills
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
Competency 003: Oral Language Foundations of Reading Development
Understand foundational concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of oral language, including second-language acquisition, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level oral language skills.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 004: Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of phonological and phonemic awareness, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level phonological and phonemic awareness skills.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 005: Print Concepts and Alphabet Knowledge
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of print concepts and alphabet knowledge, including understanding of the alphabetic principle, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level print concepts and alphabet knowledge and their understanding of the alphabetic principle.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 006: Phonics and Other Word Identification Skills
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of phonics and other word identification skills, including related spelling skills, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level phonics and other word identification skills and related spelling skills.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 007: Syllabication and Morphemic Analysis Skills
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of syllabication and morphemic analysis skills, including related spelling skills, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level syllabication and morphemic analysis skills and related spelling skills
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Competency 008: Reading Fluency
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of reading fluency, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level reading fluency
Flashcards
Article
Videos
Domain III: Reading Development: Comprehension
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
Competency 009: Vocabulary Development
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to vocabulary development, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level vocabulary knowledge and skills.
Flashcards
Articles
- Vocabulary: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Vocabulary Development
Videos
Competency 010: Comprehension Development
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the development of reading comprehension, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of reading comprehension strategies in order to gain, clarify, and deepen understanding of appropriately complex texts.
Flashcards
Articles
- Comprehension: Introduction (Pre-test, content, & post-test)
- Reading Comprehension and Applications
Videos
Competency 011: Comprehension of Literary Texts
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the comprehension of and critical thinking about literary texts, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level comprehension and analysis skills for literary texts.
Flashcards
Article
- Seven Strategies to Teach Students Text Comprehension
- A reader-response perspective to reading and comprehending the Literary Text
Videos
Competency 012: Comprehension of Informational Texts
Understand concepts, principles, and best practices related to the comprehension of and critical thinking about informational texts, and demonstrate knowledge of developmentally appropriate, research- and evidence-based assessment and instructional practices to promote all students' development of grade-level comprehension and analysis skills for informational texts.
Flashcards
Article
Videos
DOMAIN IV. Analysis and Response
Pearson Sample-Selected Responses
Competency 013: Analysis and Response
Analyze assessment data related to reading development in foundational reading skills and reading comprehension, and prepare an organized, developed written response based on the data and information presented.
Videos
Additional Resources
Free Resources for TExES Preparation:
- Pearson - Texas Educator Certification Examination Program: The Pearson website has Preparation Manuals for all TExES Official Certification Exams.
Special Education
- https://tea.texas.gov/academics/special-student-populations/special-education/resources (TEA SPED Resources)
Bilingual Education/English Language Learners/ESL
- https://www.esc20.net/apps/pages/bilingual-esl-lote-besl (Bilingual education & ESL)
- Spanish Proficiency Exercises (utexas.edu)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Do3GQOInESc (Video: ESL Student Interviews)
Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility
- http://lead4ward.com/resources/ (TEKS)
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xps3irfJQpU&feature=youtu.be (Video: Practice PPR Reading)
- http://tea.texas.gov/student.assessment/staar/ (STAAR Resources)
- https://meadowscenter.org/resource/10-keys/ (10 Key Resources)
- http://www.sedl.org/reading/framework/glossary.html (Glossary of reading terms)
- http://iris.peabody.vanderbilt.edu/iris-resource-locator/?term=reading-literacy-language-arts
- http://www.wtamu.edu/academic/anns/mps/math/mathlab/ (Virtual Math Lab)
- https://online.math.uh.edu/texes4to8/ (Math 4-8)
- https://www.utep.edu/science/teach-math-science/_files/docs/resources-for-mathscience-texes-exams-_-20211006.pdf (Math 7-12)
- https://virtualnerd.com/ (Real Math Help)
- https://www.khanacademy.org/
- https://www.depts.ttu.edu/education/advising/undergraduate/certification_testing_information/documents
/social_studies_key_terms_for_TExES_exam.pdf (Vocabulary and key concepts)
- https://www.uscis.gov/sites/default/files/document/questions-and-answers/100q.pdf (Citizenship test-government and civics content)
- http://www.thestoryoftexas.com/discover/texas-history-timeline (Texas history timeline)
- https://jeopardylabs.com/browse/ (Content review—search ‘social studies’)
- https://spartacus-educational.com/ (Brief Biographies)
- https://www.khanacademy.org/ (Secondary level)
- https://physicsgirl.org/ (Physics Girl Videos)
- https://www.cedfa.org/standards (TEKS by Level)
Contact CESH
Need more information? Submit your questions to CESH at certificationexamsupport@utrgv.edu.