MSU-Meridian education student among nation’s best

NEWS RELEASE

Date: Aug. 21, 2009

Contact: Linda Butler, PR/Marketing

MSU-Meridian Campus 601-484-0111

MSU-Meridian education student among nation’s best

MERIDIAN – Whitney S. Alexander, an elementary education major at Mississippi State University-Meridian Campus, has earned the Educational Testing Service (ETS) Recognition of Excellence for her outstanding performance on a Praxis II test.

“Your exceptional performance earned a score that ranks within the top 15 percent of all test takers who took this assessment in previous years,” said Kurt Landgraf, president and chief executive officer of the Educational Testing Service.  “This achievement indicates a high level of proficiency in an area critical for professional educators.”

 Dr. George Thomas, professor and chair of the Division of Education at MSU-Meridian, said Whitney represents the quality of students who earn their degrees on the Meridian Campus.

“We commend Whitney on her outstanding performance on this test,” said Thomas.  “This is great news for Whitney, for our teacher education program, and for the school and students who will be fortunate enough to have her as one of their teachers following her graduation next May.”

The Praxis is a two-part test required of students who desire to become teachers.  Praxis I assesses general knowledge–reading, writing, and math–and must be passed prior to being accepted into the teacher education degree program.  Praxis II tests students’ knowledge of the content or specialty area they plan to teach and usually is taken prior to being placed in a classroom student teaching experience.  It is not unusual, however, for seasoned educators to expand their scope of expertise by taking the Praxis II to become certified to teach in additional content areas.  State licensure as a teacher is contingent upon successfully passing both parts of the Praxis.

“I chose to pursue a career in elementary education because I have a deep concern for the children of America and their education,” said Alexander.  “As a teacher, I will have the opportunity to give the priceless gift of education to many children and, in doing this, fulfill a lifetime goal.”

Alexander and her husband, Ben, live in Little Rock with their new baby daughter, Bella Claire.  The daughter of Jackie and Janice Knight of Decatur, Alexander is a 2006 honor graduate of Newton County High School.  Prior to transferring to MSU-Meridian, Alexander attended East Central Community College where she was awarded the Alyne Simmons Scholarship by the Xi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

ETS believes the best way to advance learning is to enhance teacher quality, one teacher at a time.  Whitney Alexander’s performance on the Praxis II assessment shows her dedication to high standards in education.

Last Updated: 8/24/09