PRAXIS II Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge Exam

This exam is designed for potential instructors of health and physical education. You will be given two hours to complete this 120 question multiple-choice exam. There will be approximately 25 questions regarding fitness exercise, 23 questions, regarding movement forms, 22 questions regarding fundamental movements, motor development, and motor learning, 15 questions regarding community health, diseases and disorders, 16 questions regarding family living and sex education, and 19 questions regarding personal health care.

Fitness and Exercise Science
This section of the exam will assess your knowledge of biomechanics, human biology, physical conditioning, and the components of exercise. The biomechanics section of the test will focus on mass, force, friction, torque, and the basic principles of movement. The human biology section of the test will focus on anatomy, physiology, bodily systems and their function, exercise physiology, and the identification of bones and major muscles in the human body. The conditioning section of the exam will focus on the role of exercise and, intensity and frequency of exercise. The components of exercise section of the exam will focus on flexibility, body composition, muscular endurance, and the cardiopulmonary system.

Movement Forms
This section of the exam will assess your knowledge of volleyball, track and field, soccer, basketball, tennis, softball, martial arts, outdoor interests and pursuits, equipment and facilities. Your knowledge of skill analysis, injury prevention, forms of games, cooperative games, invasion games, gymnastics equipment and safety, gymnastics stunts, tumbling, types of dance, including aerobic, folk, and square will also be assessed.

Fundamental Movements, Motor
This section of the exam will assess your knowledge of theories of motor learning, variables that impact motor performance, growth and motor development, perception, spatial relationships, neurophysiology, loco motor skills, manipulative motor skills and movement concepts.

Community Health/Diseases and Disorders
This section of the exam will assess your knowledge of various diseases and disorders. In the section covering mental and emotional disorders the following topics will be covered: teenage depression and suicide, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, adult suicide, and the prevention and treatment for mental and emotional disorders. The genetic section of the exam will cover disorders such as Down's syndrome, cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia and, Tay-Sachs disease. The chronic diseases section will assess your knowledge of diabetes, cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurological diseases, and other major chronic diseases. The communicable diseases section will cover sexually-transmitted diseases and infectious diseases. Knowledge of educational requirements, training, and types of health-care career choices will be assessed. Services of private and public health agencies and cost involved in delivery of care will also be included in this section of the exam. Your knowledge of the environment, pollution, resources, and population concerns will be assessed in this portion of the exam.

Family Living and Sex Education
This section of the exam will assess your knowledge of various aspects of sex education and family life. The death and dying section of the exam will cover planning for death and, dealing with grief. Long and short term care facilities and services for individuals with a chronic condition will also be covered in this portion of the exam. The gerontology section will cover services for older citizens, the relationship between lifestyle and health and, maintaining good health. The family and society section of the test will cover: domestic violence, rape, incest, divorce, teenage pregnancy and, problems of family and society. The parenting section of the exam will cover medication, child rearing, and the responsibilities of being a parent. The dating and marriage section of the exam will cover assertiveness, communication, responsibility, and readiness for marriage. The psychosocial development section of the exam will cover personal growth and development, values and decision-making, the importance of peer relationships, family relationships, and family structure. The physiology and reproductive anatomy portion of the exam will cover pregnancy, childbirth, family planning, the female reproductive system, the male reproductive system, and growth and development of males and females.

Personal Health Care
This section of the test will cover various topics concerning personal health care. The safety and injury prevention section of the test will cover safety considerations for movement activities and, fitness related safety issues such as environmental conditions, realistic goal setting, dealing with accidents and illnesses, first aid and CPR, water safety certification, proper technique for warm-up and cool down activities, personal safety and safety risks, fitness assessments such as Fitnessgram, the President's Challenge, and Physical Best. The drug usage and abuse section of the test will cover over-the-counter drugs, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, tobacco, alcohol, caffeine, the use and abuse of various drugs, the physical and psychological effects of drug abuse, treatment and recovery from drug abuse, and alternative coping skills. The consumer health section of the exam will cover health myths, individual responsibility for personal health, and importance of regular checkups, advertising, and quackery within the medical system. The nutrition section of the test will cover the relationship between diet and exercise, fad diets, caloric intake, metabolism, nutrition, the food pyramid, and dietary goals. The mental and emotional health section of the test will cover defense mechanisms, personality development, self-concept and self esteem.

PRAXIS II Health And Physical Education Content Knowledge Practice Questions

1. Many child abusers:

A. were abused themselves
B. have some form of mental illness
C. lack a support system
D. All of the above

2. Forms of child abuse include:

A. physical
B. sexual
C. psychological
D. All of the above

3. Which of the following is not a sign of child neglect?

A. Failure to provide a clean, safe home
B. Making sure the child attends school regularly
C. Lack of appropriate supervision
D. Withholding love and affection

4. Which of the following is not a sign of possible child abuse?

A. Clean clothes
B. Depression
C. Overly compliant
D. Eating disorders

5. Victims of domestic violence include:

A. men
B. women
C. young and old
D. All of the above

Answer Key For Health And Physical Education Content Knowledge

1. Answer: D

Child abuse is any act or failure to act that endangers a child's physical or psychological health, development, or well being. Any parent, guardian, or caregiver who neglects a child, physically hurts, or sexually uses him is a child abuser. Most abuse happens by a primary caregiver in the home, but there are many documented incidents in schools, churches, and day care centers. One study indicated there is more neglect and abuse in single-parent homes than in two-parent homes; however, that data has not been verified in other studies. Abused children are at risk for developing a multitude of severe psychiatric disorders and life-long medical problems.

Many child abusers were abused themselves or suffer from some form of mental illness. In other cases, social factors like poverty, divorce, disease, disability, termination of employment, loss or lack of a support system, and poor or nonexistent parenting skills contribute to family stress and exacerbate an already unstable situation.

2. Answer: D

Even if the person did not intend to hurt a child, any injury that results from physical aggression is abuse. Using any type of force to modify behavior can easily spiral out of control, depending upon the situation, the child, and the size and emotional state of the person inflicting the punishment. Thousands of children are abused every year. Some die; others carry emotional wounds. Many end up inflicting abuse onto the next generation.

Sexual abuse is any sexual act between an adult and a child. It doesn't matter how the child acts or reacts or what his physical or verbal response-it is never his fault. It is always the adult's responsibility to avoid inappropriate sexual interaction with a child.

Psychological abuse is any attitude, behavior, or failure to act that interferes with or inhibits a child's mental health or social development. It is usually present with physical or sexual abuse because the intimidation factor is important in these forms of abuse. Emotional abuse can cause severe psychiatric problems that are never completely erased, even with years of professional counseling.

3. Answer: B

Neglect is a pattern of failing to provide for a child's basic physical, educational, and psychological needs. It is very common but often goes unrecognized and unreported because it is an act of omission and can be difficult to identify. The Child Welfare Information Gateway states that "more children suffer from neglect than from physical and sexual abuse combined."

PHYSICAL NEGLECT is failure to provide adequate food, appropriate clothing, supervision, a clean, safe home, and regular medical and dental care.

EDUCATIONAL NEGLECT is failure to enroll a child in a school appropriate for his age and abilities (i.e., special education classes when indicated) and making sure he attends regularly. Ignoring or allowing excessive absences is a form of neglect.

PSYCHOLOGICAL NEGLECT is failure to provide love, affection, emotional support, and encouragement. Ignoring the emotional needs of a child impedes both physical and social development and can easily escalate into psychological child abuse.

4. Answer: A

There are signs that a child is being abused, as well as visible effects in a child's attitude, behavior, and physical and mental health. Burns, bite marks, cuts, bruises, and welts are signs of physical abuse. Apathy, depression, hostility, and difficulty concentrating are signs of psychological abuse. Inappropriate interest in or knowledge of sex (or avoiding the subject altogether); being seductive, overly compliant, or aggressive; and fear of a particular person are signs of sexual abuse.

Extreme hunger; clothing that is inappropriate, dirty, or doesn't fit; or being unkempt and unbathed, with an apparent lack of supervision, all point to neglect. Abused children usually don't want to spend time at home. They have low self-esteem, are frequently depressed and anxious, show signs of alienation and withdrawal, have personality problems, eating disorders, and cognitive and relationship difficulties. They are aggressive, have problems in school, and are often delinquent, get pregnant, use alcohol and drugs, attempt suicide, engage in criminal acts, and exhibit antisocial behavior.

5. Answer: D

The U.S. Office on Violence Against Women defines domestic violence as a "pattern of abusive behavior in any relationship that is used by one partner to gain or maintain power and control over another intimate partner." Family violence occurs at all socioeconomic levels, in all races, ethnicities, and religions. Victims are male and female, young and old; no one is immune from the possibility. The Centers for Disease Control estimates 32 million Americans are affected and considers it a "serious public health problem." Domestic violence can be physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, financial, or social. It may occur occasionally or every day and cause mild, moderate, or severe physical and/or psychological injury. It can lead to death by homicide and suicide.

Until recently domestic violence was viewed as a private family matter. There is still reluctance by the medical profession to question patients about possible abuse, even when the signs are obvious. A woman endures an average of 35 incidents before seeking treatment. Men are even less likely to report abuse because of the social stigma and fear of looking weak and "unmanly."