TExES Special Education EC-12 (161) Book + Online (TExES Teacher Certification Test Prep)

I just took my TeXes SPED 161 content exam on Tuesday July 26, 2022 and got my passing results on July 29, 2022. I studied this book for about two weeks, maybe a little less. I read each chapter 3-5 times a day as the chapters are very short and digestible. I can’t say that the book was the sole reason I passed the test because I have been working in and with special education for the last two school years so I have been around it quite a bit. With that said, the book was the largest part of the reason I passed. IF you’re taking this SPED exam with no prior experience in education or SPED then it would probably be beneficial to use a prep program such as 240 Tutoring etc., (only given as an example, never used) combined with the book. Take as many practice exams as possible. If you’re very serious about studying and passing, read each chapter at least twice a day for two weeks and go deeper by researching the topics/chapters of the books.The exam is very conceptual and each potential answer has an element of truth within it which makes the exam that much harder. And for me personally, the test was hard and I left there feeling like I didn’t do well and I was sure I failed, so if you feel that way you’re not alone.The book itself came in great condition and yes Chapter 8 page reference tabs at the top of the page do have “Chapter 7” mistakenly but it doesn’t make a difference. Still a great book.Now with that said, CHAPTER 8 AND 9 ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT chapters in the book. They are relatively short which means you should absolutely do more and further research on them and know them like the back of your hand come test time.

This edition did not have as much content information per Domain as the older edition. I only used this book for the online practice tests. I passed but, it was from studying the older edition.

Passed my exam on the first try! Great information and quizzes! Great to reference back to in the future!

Let me start by saying, I am not a test taker. I have always struggled with tests; the anxiety I get from taking tests is insurmountable. That being said sometimes you just have to suck it up and get it done haha. Anyway, I bought this book to study for the SPED certification test in May. After reading through all of it, I took the first exam at the end of the book, and got an 80. I really loved that it had the answers with in depth explanations. After I got the 80, I went back to the areas that needed additional attention and I studied and took notes on things that I thought were important. The closer it came to taking the real certification test, I had gone through and scanned the book once more. I reviewed and answered 75/135 of the questions from the second section. By that point, I felt comfortable enough to take the test. I tested on 7/22/16, and got my scores back today, and I passed with flying colors! I would say the questions that helped the most were the scenario questions. They helped me think on a higher level and think about how to handle certain situations. I would say this book was perfect for preparing for this test, though, I should also note that I have worked as a SPED aide at an elementary school for about a year, so my experience probably did play a part in passing the test.My only complaint is that I wish the book had a little bit more information about Autism. Other than that, I would say this is a great choice!Good luck y'all! Hope this helped.

I purchased this book about 3 weeks before taking my exam. I Passed my exam with a 263. The book helped give me some content knowledge I did not previously have. Reading through the sections and knowing the IDEA section helped. Overall the online tests help more with situational questions and the format ad higher level thinking required for the exam. Use the Pearson online test and Quizlet flashcards to supplement your learning and you will do fine. i made my own flash cards from the missed questions on practice exams and went back and retook them after studying more until I was achieving 90% or above.

I passed my first test, but the test i took did not reflect much of the content in this study aid. I ended up relying on prior knowledge and experience in the classroom. If you do not have experience in sped or much experience in the classroom, i would recommend this study aid.

I'm a special education teacher in Texas. I got this book for one of my paraprofessionals who is trying to become a sped teacher. I read through it before giving it to her. There were a few things that weren't explained thoroughly or clearly and I had to make notes in it before giving it to her. But for someone who doesn't have sped teaching experience, it will help and be a good starting point. I recommend that when you come across something that seems unclear or doesn't have enough explanation- you research it on the internet to get a better understanding. If you use that method- you should do well. Do not use an old study guide!! Buy this updated book if you are going to study for the test! Terms and concepts in sped are forever changing so be up to date!

I bought this book off Amazon and studied for exactly 19 days! If you’re looking to get certified in Special Education EC-12, this book is for you!! I’ve never been a great test taker and had zero experience/background information in sped at all. This book helped me pass my content test on the first try! It’s very organized and to the point! I promise you, it’s worth every penny! YOU CAN pass the test, and your first step in the right direction is purchasing this book. Good luck to all and God Bless!