Praxis

DEFINITION

The Praxis Series is an Educational Testing Service (ETS) program that provides tests and other services for states to use as part of their teacher certification process. The Praxis Series assessments are also used by colleges and universities to qualify individuals for entry into teacher education programs. A number of professional associations and organizations also use these tests. There are separate Praxis tests for each of several disciplines. In 2003 there are three different specialty area tests in visual arts: "Art Making," "Art Content Knowledge," and "Art Content, Traditions, Criticism, and Aesthetics." ArtLex is an excellent resource for those preparing for these tests, because it cross-references information about art media, tools and techniques, art history, criticism, aesthetics, and other art education topics.