The TExES Core Subjects Test EC-6 (291) is one of the licensure exams for future teachers specializing in early childhood education through sixth grade. Since teachers educating at these grade levels must be able to instruct classrooms in a wide variety of subject areas, the exam includes five subject tests:
English Language Arts and Reading & Science of Teaching Reading
The math portion of the TExES Core Subjects exam focuses on demonstration of mathematics teaching competencies across nine mathematics standards:
Number Concepts
Patterns and Algebra
Geometry and Measurement
Probability and Statistics
Mathematical Processes
Mathematical Perspectives
Mathematical Learning and Instruction
Mathematical Assessment
Professional Development
In order to pass the TExES Math EC-6, candidates must be able to show their comprehension of mathematical concepts, as well as demonstrate their ability to teach these concepts to their students.
Testing Format and Time to Test
There are a total of 47 selected-response questions on the TExES Math EC-6 exam. Test-takers are allowed one hour to complete this exam (that's one fifth of the total five hours allowed for the entire Core Subjects exam). This leaves a little over a minute per question, so it's important for candidates to pace themselves and allow for enough time to complete all 47 questions. The exam is administered via computer at Pearson test centers throughout Texas.
What Types of Questions are on the Exam?
All of the questions on the TExES Math EC-6 exam are selected-response, meaning that candidates will have multiple choices of answers to choose from for each question. The questions are meant to assess whether or not candidates are able to understand basic math concepts as well as educate and assess their students. Often, questions will begin with a short prompt or classroom situation and ask the test-taker to answer related questions.
Candidates can prepare for the types of questions on the exam by becoming familiar with the TExES EC-6 competencies. These six areas represent knowledge and abilities all beginning teachers should have in order to successfully teach math.
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There are six mathematics competencies tested on the TExES Math EC-6 exam:
Mathematics Instruction
Number Concepts and Operations
Patterns and Algebra
Geometry and Measurement
Probability and Statistics
Mathematical Processes
The following sections detail specific skills candidates must demonstrate within the TExES EC-6 Math Competencies in order to pass the exam.
Mathematics Instruction (Competency 1)
Beginning teachers should understand how their students learn and accordingly plan and implement mathematics instruction in their classroom. They must demonstrate a wide range of instructional abilities, including:
Lesson planning. Teachers must be able to plan instructional activities using research-based theories and mathematics learning principles.
Developmentally appropriate instruction. Teachers should understand the different levels of instruction appropriate for different age levels within the early childhood through sixth grade age range.
Varying instructional methods. Methods include mathematics tools (like calculators, scales, protractors etc.), small-group and large-group learning settings, and connections to real-world and cross-curricular uses of mathematics.
Assessment. Teachers must be able to assess their students' mathematical progress (both formally and informally), as well as integrate lesson plans that address the deficits in students' mathematical abilities.
In addition to these instructional skills, teachers must be able to educate their students on the mathematics in the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) - the state curriculum standards in the state of Texas.
Number Concepts and Operations (Competency 2)
This TExES Math EC-6 competency covers the beginning teachers' personal understanding of mathematical concepts. These include:
The four basic operations. Math teachers must have a full understanding of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division, including number properties, operations, and algorithms with integers and real numbers.
Equivalencies and magnitudes. Teachers should understand relationships between numbers and be able to demonstrate this using models/objects (e.g., diagrams, fraction strips, patterns, number lines, etc.).
Number theory. This includes prime factorization, greatest common dividends, and divisibility rules.
Counting techniques. This includes forward, backward, and skip counting.
Fractions. Math teachers must understand fractions and operations involving fractions.
Mental math. Place value, rounding, and other number properties should be used in order to perform mental computation and estimation.
In demonstrating these math competencies, candidates show that they can solve more complex math problems by using a variety of strategies.
Patterns and Algebra (Competency 3)
The Patterns and Algebra competency also tests candidates in their personal mathematics abilities. This content area is more complex than the others, as it covers algebraic reasoning. Some of the teacher skills tested in this competency are:
Linear functions. Teachers must be able to understand and communicate linear functions using graphs, models, tables, and verbal representations, as well as determine linear functions that model sets of data.
Solving Problems. Candidates must demonstrate an ability to use models and algebraic methods to solve mathematics problems.
Expressions and equations. Teachers should be able to translate problem-solving situations into mathematical expressions and equations.
Using algebraic concepts. This includes making generalizations and predictions, analyzing patterns, and formulating models.
Implicit and explicit rules. This includes formulation of verbal, numeric, graphic, and symbolic sequences and the mathematical rules that describe them.
Proficiency in this TExES Math EC-6 competency indicates that a candidate can use algebraic methods to solve math problems using the four basic operations.
Geometry and Measurement (Competency 4)
Beginning teachers should be able to demonstrate knowledge in the following geometry and measurement concepts:
Spatial concepts. This includes directions, shapes, and structures.
Measurement of geometric figures. This includes finding length, perimeter, area, and volume and demonstrating use of formulas and models to find these values, as well as approximations and estimations.
Geometric concepts. Beginning teachers must understand points, lines (including parallel and perpendicular), planes, lengths, distances and angles.
Three-dimensional figures. Teachers should understand representations and calculations pertaining to two- and three- dimensional figures, including polygons, spheres, prisms, triangles, etc.
Tessellations. Teachers must understand tessellations (tilings) as well as their use in illustrating geometric concepts.
Conversions. Teachers must be able to convert between and within systems of measurement.
The coordinate plane. This includes graphing ordered pairs and modeling how to graph ordered pairs.
Comparison of quantities. This includes appropriate explanation and illustration of time, temperature, capacity, percentages, speed, weight, area, money, mass, and other geometric concepts that require units of measurement.
Probability and Statistics (Competency 5)
This TExES Math EC-6 competency pertains to probability and statistics, as well as the application of these mathematical concepts to everyday life. Candidates must demonstrate ability in the following content areas:
Data analysis. This includes collecting, organizing and displaying data, as well as drawing conclusions from data graphs to interpret data.
Central tendency. This includes an understanding of mean, median, and mode and using these concepts to interpret a data set.
Principles of probability. Teachers should be able to predict the outcome of both simple and compound events, as well as interpret probability as a ratio and create probability models.
Supporting arguments. Using statistical information and probability, candidates should be able to make predictions and draw conclusions that support arguments.
Candidates who are prepared to pass this competency will have a solid understanding of the TEKS requirements related to probability and statistics and are prepared to instruct students according to state curriculum.
Mathematical Processes (Competency 6)
The sixth and final competency on the TExES Math EC-6 exam is somewhat of a combination of the previous competencies. This content area covers a beginning teacher's ability to combine their mathematics knowledge to reason through and solve problems, both within mathematics and in the outside world. Some of the abilities tested here are:
Deriving conclusions. Candidates should be able to apply correct mathematical reasoning to reach logical conclusions.
Inductive reasoning. Candidates should also be able to make predictions and then use deductive methods to support or disprove these predictions.
Connections among concepts. Teachers must recognize the relationships between algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, as well as select the appropriate method by which to solve a math problem.
Mathematical representations. This includes graphs, diagrams, tables, pictures, symbols, numeric values, and verbal representations.
Financial literacy. Teachers should be proficient in financial concepts, such as financial institutions, income, savings, taxes, etc.
In addition to these skills, beginning teachers should understand the history of mathematical concepts as well as the way mathematical procedures and thought processes have evolved over time.
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All exams in the Core Subject exam are scored on a scale of 100 to 300. In order to pass the TExES Math EC-6 exam, candidates must earn a score of 240. This number is a weighted interpretation of the raw score, which is just the total number of correct questions.
Each report containing TExES scores includes specific information about a candidates' performance in each standard and competency.
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Candidates should register to take all five portions of the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 exam at once. Registration can be completed through Pearson (the company that administers the exam) or the Texas Educator Certification Examination Program website.
If a candidate is registering for their second attempt, they must either:
Take one subject exam (for example Mathematics) if they have passed all other subject exams on the TExES Core Subjects test, or
Retake the entire exam if they have failed two or more subject exams.
If a candidate needs accommodations, a request must be submitted prior to TExES exam registration using the Alternative Testing Arrangements Request Form. Approval for an accommodation could take up to 3 weeks.
Exam appointments are available year-round on a first-come, first-served basis. This computer-administered test must be completed at a Pearson testing center.
What is the Cost of the TExES Math EC-6 Test?
Upon selecting an exam date and appointment, candidates must pay a fee. The TExES exam cost for the entire five-part TExES Core Subjects exam is $116. The cost to take the TExES Math EC-6 exam (or any other Core Subject test) separately is $58. Fees can be paid using a credit, debit, or check card. The card must be VISA or MasterCard.
Testing Policies
During the registration process, candidates must agree to follow all policies and rules set forth by their testing center. These rules forbid plagiarizing, cheating, bringing prohibited items into the testing center, and disturbing the testing environment.
On the day of the test, candidates must bring their valid ID and check in by submitting a digital signature and photograph. Some testing centers verify identity by scanning the palm. All prohibited materials, including phones, food and drinks, calculators, notes, and other electronics must be left outside the testing room.
Once in the testing room, candidates are given a noteboard for calculations and are then prompted to complete a compliance agreement. After these steps are complete, candidates should follow the prompts on their testing computer to begin their exam.
How To Prepare for the TExES Math EC-6 Exam
Prepare appropriately for the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 exam to ensure success on the first try. Candidates are only allowed five attempts for any given exam, so it's important to create a study plan and become familiar with the content on the exam. Studying the TExES Math EC-6 competencies is a great place to start.
TExES 291 Practice Test
Taking a TExES 291 practice test is one of the best ways to become familiar with the content and style of questions on the TExES Core Subject exam. In particular, the math subject test covers a lot of information candidates won't be able to 'cram' or understand without prior knowledge, so it's important to study efficiently.
There are many TExES Core Subjects EC-6 Math practice questions available online. These questions allow future teachers to practice the kinds of calculations they'll need to make when taking the exam as well as identify areas of weakness where they still need to study more.
How Long Should I Study Before Taking the Exam?
It's important to allow enough time to properly prepare for the TExES exam. It's a good idea to study every day in the weeks/months leading up to your test date, rather than cram the day before.
If candidates must retake the exam, they must wait one month to retest. The entirety of this month should be spent learning from the score report and focusing on competencies where they did not score well.
What Do I Need to Know About Testing Day?
The day of the test, candidates should eat a healthy meal and dress comfortably. If a break is needed, take it, but return to the test room quickly in order to give yourself as much time as possible to complete the exam. (Breaks are counted as part of the exam time). Candidates shouldn't bring anything with them to the testing center other than their valid ID. All other materials are prohibited and should be left outside the testing center, preferably at home.
Expert Contributor
Zenobia Denny
Zenobia Denny, M.A. has been a dedicated educator for over 10 years. She holds teaching certifications in Elementary Education, Special Education, and ESL. She has taken and passed numerous Praxis and TExES exams, including the TExES Principal Certification exam. Zenobia completed an M.A. in Early Childhood Education from Walden University and is currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Educational Psychology with an emphasis in Gifted and Talented.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use a calculator on the TExES EC-6?
There is an on-screen scientific calculator provided for certain questions on the TExES Math EC-6 exam. Test-takers may NOT bring their own calculator.
How do I pass the TExES 291?
In order to be successful on their first attempt of the TExES 291 exam, candidates should utilize study guides and practice tests. The minimum score required is 240 (scaled score).
