Presenter Dr. Katherine S. Vonduyke is a professor and coordinator of the Professional Examinations for Educators Resource Center at Neumann University in Pennsylvania.

This workshop will review and discuss Neumann University (PA) sociocultural approach to preparing teacher candidates for state exams. Neumann has been able to raise test scores for the Pedagogical Content Exams for Elementary and Special Education candidates from 10-33% (depending on the test) in the past year. Neumann candidates have traditionally scored well below the state standards on these exams. The workshop will review the measures taken to close the gap, including how to deconstruct the tests. Participants will have the opportunity to walk through some of our test wise, heuristic, and dialogic preparation practices and have their questions answered.