PRAXIS II Cooperative Education Exam
The Cooperative Educations exam is administered to individuals with bachelor's degrees related to cooperative education who plan on teaching the subject at the high school level in the state of Pennsylvania. The two hour exam consists of seven subjects that are distributed among 157 questions as follows:
- 34 questions covering Coordination
- 28 questions covering Related Instruction
- 21 questions covering Locating and Developing Training Stations
- 21 questions covering Public Relations
- 19 questions covering Legal Aspects
- 18 questions covering Vocational Guidance
- 16 questions covering Special Needs
The questions in the category of Coordination will concentrate on areas related to the development, implementation, and utilization of Cooperative Education programs for students. This includes program standards, systems for recruitment, choosing training areas and activities that are relevant to the future careers of students, and proper records required for income and hours worked.
Under the category of Related Instruction, examinees will tested on their capability to teach in association with the Capstone and Diversified Occupations programs, to create materials for the programs, to recognize facts from the Scope of Instruction issued by the state, and to find organizations for students in the programs.
The area of Locating and Developing Training Stations focuses on the capacity to survey businesses and students in order to create suitable training stations, the ability to establish committees and install programs to represent various groups, and the competence to assess the development of the student on the job.
The questions in the category of Public Relations will test the understanding of techniques for creating pamphlets, announcements for various media, and oral presentations to advertise or explain cooperative education programs to students and businesses.
The category of Legal Aspects addresses child labor laws at the state and federal levels, the 17 hazardous occupation orders and the exemptions, and the regulations provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, in Chapters 5 and 6 of the guidelines for Diversified and Cooperative Education.
The questions in the Vocational Guidance area will test the examinees knowledge of utilizing tools to evaluate skills and interests of students, as well as recognizing problems with students and being aware of outside help that is available to students.
The Special Needs category focuses on the recognition of creating training areas and materials for students with special needs in addition to being aware of local resources that can assist in training of special need students.
PRAXIS II Cooperative Education Practice Questions
1. Cooperative education offers:
A. on the job training
B. exposure to various job opportunities
C. better-qualified employees
D. All of the above
2. Which of the following is an employer not required to provide as part of a co-op program?
A. Clear job description
B. A soda machine
C. A challenging job
D. Opportunity to master particular job skills
3. To be selected for the Capstone Program, a student must be:
A. at least sixteen years old
B. recommended by the CPI instructor
C. have a "B" average
D. All of the above
4. Why have workplace injuries decreased in the last thirty years?
A. Stronger, more effective enforcement
B. Employers penalize careless workers
C. Employees don't report accidents to their supervisors.
D. OSHA has more investigators.
5. Employers can reduce accidents and injuries by:
A. overlooking minor incidents
B. abolishing the safety committee
C. recognizing safe work place practices
D. ignoring instructions from emergency personnel
Answer Key For Cooperative Education
1. Answer: D
Cooperative education combines classroom instruction with practical, on-the-job experience. For the students, it offers them insight into the real world of work while they earn a paycheck along with academic credit. They are able to apply classroom theory to everyday work situations. They are also exposed to the many opportunities available in the business world. It is a prime example of making education relevant to students' lives.
The schools are able to access the expertise of the business people in the community and tap into a wealth of practical knowledge. This mentor/teacher/employer relationship helps prepare students for the next step in their growth whether their choice is college, the military, or joining the workforce immediately after graduation. The skills gained are invaluable no matter what path is taken. Businesses become involved with the training of future employees, which leads to better-qualified applicants. It also gives businesses a chance to offer input and feedback to the schools in areas they see as critical to preparing students to be responsible, productive citizens once they leave academia.
2. Answer: B
Employers involved with the co-op program have certain responsibilities. They must provide a clear, written job description that allows the student to learn new skills and practice ones already acquired. Assigned tasks should be relevant to the student's career goals and keep him busy during his scheduled time on the job.
The employer must agree to a specific work period equivalent to the academic calendar (quarter, semester, school year) and schedule a certain number of hours per week. This will vary depending upon the student, the job, and specific program requirements. The student must be paid fair wages according to both state and federal guidelines based on the industry and type of job. The employer is required to provide adequate supervision and appropriate training. He is obligated to complete an evaluation of the student's work performance, attitude, and attendance. Completing a form developed by the teacher/coordinator of the co-op program usually fulfills this requirement.
3. Answer: D
The Capstone Program is based on a "learn by doing" approach. It is a combination of classroom instruction and practical on-the-job training and provides a unique experience for both student and employer. In order to qualify for placement in the program, a student must be a senior, at least sixteen years old, and recommended by his CPI instructor. He must have a positive attitude because he is representing the school, the Capstone Program, and his instructor. He must have a "B" average in the trade program and maintain passing grades in all other classes. He must have a ninety percent (90%) attendance record during the current grading period as well as the preceding one.
If there is a discipline issue in school or on the job, the infraction(s) will be reviewed and appropriate action taken, which includes termination from the program. Capstone is not to be used as a way to get out of school and/or make extra money. The student must be interested in the industry, intend to graduate, and have a genuine interest in pursuing specific career goals.
4. Answer: A
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the federal government and part of the U.S. Department of Labor. The agency is charged with protecting the health and safety of working men and women throughout America. OSHA works in partnership with employers and employees through inspections, education, training, and outreach programs. Besides investigators who review complaints, the agency employs engineers, physicians, educators, writers, and technical and support people.
Inspecting the workplace environment is a primary responsibility of OSHA. Because of strong, effective enforcement over the last thirty years, job-related injuries and illnesses have declined by forty-two percent (42%), while employment has more than doubled. One of the reasons for this improvement is many employers voluntarily strive to upgrade working conditions. Companies schedule mandatory safety meetings, create internal safety committees, and publicly recognize and reward individuals and departments who continually exhibit safe work place practices.
5. Answer: C
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific requirements for covered employers. Those who do not have easy access to a hospital, infirmary, or clinic must be equipped to provide first aid. Along with adequate first aid supplies, someone is required to be trained and readily available to provide appropriate assistance. If a serious accident or injury occurs, it is everyone's responsibility to not panic, remain calm, and quickly follow the instructions of emergency personnel.
One of the main things an employer can do to reduce accidents and injuries is to promptly and thoroughly investigate all incidents-including close calls. Looking into these occurrences discovers underlying issues. Immediately taking appropriate corrective action helps prevent future accidents and injuries.
Having a safety program with written safety rules that are known and understood by all employees is another vital tool. A management team that addresses even minor infractions and applies the rules fairly while recognizing and rewarding safe work place practices clearly demonstrates to employees that the company takes safety issues very seriously.
