Eric.ed.gov – Relationship between Praxis 1 Scores and SAT/ACT Scores: A Correlational Study

The purpose of this paper is to test the premise that there is a significant correlation between Praxis1 scores and SAT scores among African American students who are applying for admission into the teacher education program. Data for the study included the Praxis 1 (reading, writing and math) scores and SAT (reading, writing and math) scores of African American students who attended a minority-populated institution between the years of 1998 and 2001. Sixty-four SAT math and 64 Praxis 1 math scores, 65 SAT writing and 65 Praxis 1 writing scores, and 68 SAT reading and 68 Praxis 1 reading scores were used in the statistical analysis and the scores were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS). The results of the data analysis showed a statistically significant positive relationship between SAT reading, writing and math scores and Praxis 1 reading, writing and math scores. These results support the decision to substitute SAT scores for Praxis I scores in placing new students into teacher education programs, but also that the evidence for minority students is the same as that for majority ones. (Contains 3 tables.)