Artifact Reflection

Title of Artifact: Middle Level Praxis Exam

Date Completed: July 2015
Artifact Description: The artifact is my Middle Level Praxis Exam scores.
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
The artifact primarily aligns with Standard 1 Content: teachers know the subjects they are
teaching, which states, The teacher understands the central concepts, tools of inquire, and
structures of the disciplines she or he teachers and can create learning experiences that make
these aspects of subject matter meaningful for pupils.
As part of the requirement to earn my Cross-Categorical Special Education license, I completed
my Middle Level Praxis exam. In order to teach a subject area, it is imperative that a teacher
know the subject that they are teaching. The Middle Level Praxis exam tested my knowledge of
the basic core classes at the middle school level. I had to prepare to take the exam like I would
prepare to present a lesson. I make sure that I fully understand the information that I am
presenting to my classes so that I can pass my knowledge on to the students. In the weeks
leading up to the Praxis exam, I planned my time so that I could concentrate on the different
subject areas that would be on the test. Prior to teaching a lesson, I always preview the content
and prepare notes and create higher order questions for those lessons.
UWP Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment
The artifact primarily aligns with standard KSD1.a Demonstrates knowledge of content and
pedagogy, which
states, The candidate displays extensive content knowledge of his/her subject areas and
demonstrates a continuing search for new content knowledge, resources, and best instructional
practices, while understanding student diversity and student misconceptions and
misunderstandings as key to the teaching process.
The completion of the Middle Level Praxis exam represents my knowledge for the subjects I will
be dealing with in my special education classroom. That being said, learning never ends. As a
teacher, we can always learn more and find better ways to teach a topic that makes it
memorable for a student. Prior to teaching a lesson, I like to find a bit more information about the
topic I am teaching so that I have a better and more complete idea of what I am presenting. Even
if it is just one more additional piece of information, it is beneficial.
Secondary Alignment
1. KSD4.f Shows professionalism
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
Through reflecting on this standard, I learned that there is always room in a teachers brain to fit
more content!
A teacher should always be actively learning. Although it is important to understand the content
of my subject area, it is just as important that I am able to present that content information in a
meaningful way to my students. What may work well for one student may not work the same for
another student and varying teaching strategies can be beneficial for different types of
learners. Teaching may not always be easy, but when I see my students really grasp a concept
because of the way that I taught it, it makes me enjoy what I do even more.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience/artifact:
As a result of this artifact, I learned that I should continue to prepare for each lesson by
completely understanding my topic and that I should continue to create thought provoking
questions for my students. I learned that I truly enjoy trying to find different lessons or activities

that will make my students understand atopic. I really think about what the specific grade level
will take form an activity or lesson and use it only if I think that it will make an impact.