The Alabama Music Educators Association (AMEA) has expressed concern over the score required to pass the Praxis-Music: Content Knowledge examination for aspiring music teachers. According to the AMEA, Alabama’s requirement of 161 is the highest among participating U.S. states and territories in the Southern region.
The AMEA, led by its Higher Education Division, released the information in an article intended to address challenges facing music education. The association’s leadership includes President, whose name was not provided, Vice-President/President-Elect Dr. Brandon Slocumb, and Secretary/Treasurer Dr. Russell Greene. They succeeded Dr. Stephen Foster, who served as Past-President for four years.
The Praxis-Music: Content Knowledge (5113) examination is a component of the teacher certification process in Alabama, and is administered by Educational Testing Service (ETS). The exam evaluates a beginning teacher’s knowledge of music history, theory, composition, world music, literature, performance, conducting, pedagogy, professional issues, and technology.
The exam consists of two sections: Section 1 includes 30 multiple-choice questions accompanied by musical excerpts, while Section 2 contains 90 multiple-choice questions without audio. Test-takers are allotted two hours to complete the 120 questions. Results are reported on a scaled score from 100 to 200.
AMEA recommends prospective test-takers consider additional coursework, prepare for unexpected topics like copyright law, and schedule exams with ample time for retakes if needed. Study materials are available from ETS and other providers.
For more information, visit myamea.org.