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A Job Analysis of the Knowledge Important for Newly Licensed (Certified) General Science Teachers

Author(s):
Tannenbaum, Richard J.
Publication Year:
1992
Report Number:
RR-92-77
Source:
ETS Research Report
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
60
Subject/Key Words:
Content Validity, Job Analysis, Job Knowledge, Praxis Series, Science Education, Teacher Certification, Teacher Qualifications

Abstract

(60pp.) This job analysis was conducted to define a knowledge domain important for newly licensed (certified) general science teachers. The results will be used to develop test specifications for the Praxis II Subject Assessment in General Science. The draft domain for general science consisted of seven major knowledge areas partitioned into various subareas and 278 specific knowledge statements. The seven major knowledge areas were: 1) scientific methodology/techniques/history; 2) basic principles of science; 3) physics; 4) chemistry; 5) biology; 6) earth and space science; and 7) science, technology, and society. The draft domain was reviewed and slightly modified by an advisory/test development committee of teachers and administrators, and the revised domain was subject to verification/refutation through a national survey of general science education professionals who were asked to rate the specific knowledge statements in terms of importance for and level of understanding needed by newly licensed (certified) general science teachers. Three types of data analysis were conducted to support the development of content valid (content relevant) test specifications for the Subject Assessment in General Science. A mean importance rating cutpoint of 2.50 was established, and 153 of the 270 statements were judged eligible for inclusion in the development of test specifications. Evidence was also provided of the judged importance of the seven major content areas and the comprehensiveness of the knowledge domain. Both teachers and teacher educators judged the content areas to be important (scale value of 3.00) and well covered (scale value of 4.00). Much of the report is presented in eight appendices showing information on the job analysis process and results. (JGL)

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