AEPA Elementary Education Exam

The Elementary Education test measures your knowledge according to the Arizona Academic Standards. Success on the test indicates that you are qualified to teach this subject in Arizona public schools. The test content is drawn from five subareas based on AEPA learning objectives: Language Arts (25% of the test); Mathematics (21%); Science (21%); Social Studies (21%); and the Arts (12%). The Language Arts subarea covers principles, processes, and concepts related to listening, speaking, viewing, presenting, reading, and writing (including the six traits of writing). Test-takers should have broad mathematical knowledge (e.g., of data analysis, probability, algebra, functions, number operations, etc.) and knowledge of scientific investigation, the history of science, relations between science and other human activity, and basic principles of diverse sciences (e.g., physical science). The Social Studies section regards major developments in American and world history, diverse political systems, citizenship, and principles and concepts of geography and economics (including interactions among people, the environment, and culture). Finally, the test requires knowledge of basic principles and skills of visual arts, music, theater, and dance.

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AEPA Elementary Education Practice Questions

1. Which of the following is NOT a typical component of a readability index?

A: number of syllables in the words
B: difficulty of vocabulary
C: length of sentences
D: conceptual difficulty

2. Right after a student has finished having a temper tantrum, the teacher should _____.

A: call the student's parents
B: gently discuss the incident with the student
C: send the student to the principal's office
D: spank the student

3. What is the primary focus of kindergarten?

A: teaching the child how to spell
B: helping students make the transition from home to school
C: working on basic math skills
D: teaching the child to look after his or her own belongings

4. What is the primary characteristic that determines whether a child is ready to be in school?

A: age
B: physical development
C: maturity
D: test scores

5. Which of the following is NOT an appropriate use of peer instruction?

A: in large classes
B: for reinforcing content
C: for introducing a new lesson
D: in classes with students of varying ability

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Answer key

1. D. A readability index is concerned only with the difficulty of the written text; it does not emphasize the difficulty of the ideas therein.
2. B. Teachers should always discuss a traumatic behavioral event immediately after it is over, while it is still fresh in the student's mind.
3. B. During kindergarten, students are generally learning how to go to school rather than learning specific content knowledge.
4. C. A student's emotional and intellectual maturity is by far the most important factor regarding readiness for education.
5. C. Students should not have to discuss uncovered material with one another before the teacher has introduced it.