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Question 1
What is a major risk factor associated with sedentary behavior in children?
Correct Answer:
Increased likelihood of obesity
Explanation:
The increased likelihood of obesity is a significant risk factor associated with sedentary behavior in children because prolonged inactivity leads to an imbalance between energy intake and energy expenditure. When children engage in sedentary activities, such as watching television or playing video games, they burn far fewer calories compared to when they are physically active. This lack of movement can result in weight gain if their caloric intake is not adjusted accordingly, leading to obesity and associated health problems such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic syndrome. In contrast, the other options mention positive outcomes, which do not relate to the risks of sedentary behavior. Higher levels of athletic performance, improved social skills, and enhanced cognitive abilities typically require active engagement and movement, contradicting the implications of a sedentary lifestyle which may hinder physical fitness, social interaction through active play with peers, and brain development linked to physical activity.
Question 2
What is the most appropriate feedback for a student struggling to throw a baseball at a target?
Correct Answer:
"Keep your eye on the target."
Explanation:
Focusing on visual targeting is a crucial aspect of developing throwing skills in sports. Advising a student to "keep your eye on the target" encourages them to concentrate on the object they aim to hit, which is essential for improving accuracy and developing hand-eye coordination. This type of feedback aids in building a connection between their body movements and the target, helping to improve the precision of their throws. While the other options do contain elements that could be relevant in certain contexts, they are not as directly impactful in addressing the immediate issue of improving accuracy with throwing. For example, focusing on foot placement is generally more relevant for overall balance and structure rather than directly enhancing target accuracy. Similarly, suggesting to "throw harder" does not help the student develop control or accuracy, which is the focus at this stage. Encouraging the use of both hands could imply an incorrect throwing technique, especially in baseball, where a single-handed throw is standard. Therefore, reinforcing the importance of visual focus on the target is the most appropriate and effective feedback for a student struggling with accuracy in their throws.
Question 3
Which of the following characteristics is most likely to be exhibited by a student who is a victim of bullying?
Correct Answer:
The student isolates himself or herself
Explanation:
A student who is a victim of bullying is likely to exhibit behaviors associated with social withdrawal or isolation as a response to their experiences. Isolation can manifest in various ways, such as avoiding social interactions, spending time alone during recess, or being reluctant to engage with peers. This behavior is often a coping mechanism for the emotional distress that bullying can cause, including feelings of low self-esteem, anxiety, or depression. The other characteristics listed do not typically align with the experiences of bullying victims. Academic excellence might indicate a positive school experience rather than being a victim, while being overly confident can suggest a strong sense of self and resilience, traits not commonly found in those who are bullied. Additionally, active participation in sports often involves social engagement and teamwork, which may counter a tendency to isolate, again reflecting a more positive social experience.
Question 4
Which mental health disorder involves persistent feelings of sadness and loss of interest in activities?
Correct Answer:
Depression
Explanation:
The correct choice is depression, which is characterized by sustained feelings of sadness and a diminished interest or pleasure in activities that were once enjoyable or fulfilling. This disorder can also affect a person's ability to function in daily life, impacting their relationships, work, and overall quality of life. Depression can manifest in various ways, including changes in sleep patterns, appetite, energy levels, and concentration. Recognizing the symptoms of depression is crucial for providing appropriate support and treatment. While generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder also involve significant mental health challenges, they do not primarily manifest through persistent sadness and loss of interest. For instance, generalized anxiety disorder is primarily marked by excessive worry and anxiety, panic disorder is characterized by recurrent panic attacks, and bipolar disorder involves extreme mood swings that include both depressive episodes and periods of mania or hypomania.
Question 5
What is one key aspect of social/emotional learning in physical education?
Correct Answer:
Developing teamwork and communication skills
Explanation:
Developing teamwork and communication skills is a fundamental aspect of social/emotional learning in physical education. This approach emphasizes how individuals work together, resolve conflicts, and effectively communicate during physical activities and sports. Engaging in cooperative games and group challenges helps students learn to appreciate diversity, build relationships, and enhance their emotional intelligence. These skills are essential in promoting positive social interactions and fostering a supportive class environment where students feel valued and included, which in turn contributes to their overall emotional and social growth. In contrast, adding more grades for fitness tests does not facilitate social or emotional development; it primarily focuses on individual physical performance. Focusing solely on academic performance neglects the broader aspects of health and personal development, which include social skills and emotional well-being. Minimizing social interactions during activities would counteract the goals of social/emotional learning, as these interactions are critical for developing interpersonal skills and emotional resilience.
Question 1
Exam overview

About this Exam

Welcome to your comprehensive guide for the Praxis II: Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5857) exam.

This certification is designed specifically for prospective teachers who aim to instruct health and physical education to students from kindergarten through grade 12.

Passing this exam is a critical step in obtaining your teaching license and demonstrates your proficiency in the essential knowledge and pedagogical skills required to create a safe, engaging, and effective learning environment.

Whether you are finishing your degree in a related field or a career changer, this guide, along with our rigorous practice resources, is your roadmap to success in launching a rewarding career as a health and PE educator.

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Additional Information

What the Course Entails and Exam Details

The Praxis II: Health and Physical Education exam evaluates your comprehensive knowledge across five key content domains, each contributing a specific percentage to your final score.

These areas are aligned with the professional standards established by SHAPE America (Society of Health and Physical Educators).

The content categories and their approximate weightings are as follows:

  • Health Education as a Discipline/Health Instruction (~20%): Assesses your understanding of major health behavior theories, valid data sources, professional ethics, and your ability to plan, implement, and assess sequential instruction in health education.

  • Health Education Content (~25%): Focuses on core health topics including nutrition, disease etiology and prevention, personal hygiene, substance abuse, mental and emotional health, healthy relationship development, and human sexuality.

  • Content Knowledge and Student Growth and Development (~17%): Measures your knowledge of anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, kinesiology, motor skill acquisition, and principles of growth and development to safely design and facilitate developmentally appropriate movement activities and sports.

  • Management, Motivation, and Communication/Collaboration, Reflection, and Technology (~22%): Tests your skills in classroom and resource management, effective behavior management plans, motivational strategies, communication with diverse stakeholders, reflective practice, and integrating technology in instruction.

  • Planning, Instruction, and Student Assessment (~16%): Evaluates your ability to align curriculum with standards, sequence instruction, provide effective feedback, and use diverse assessment techniques (including peer and self-assessment) to monitor and interpret student learning data.


What to Expect in the Final Exam

The Praxis II: Health and Physical Education: Content Knowledge (5857) is a computer-delivered exam.

Here is a breakdown of what you will experience on test day:

  • Format: The exam consists of 130 selected-response (multiple-choice) questions.

  • Time Limit: You will have a total testing window of 130 minutes (2 hours and 10 minutes) to complete all questions. There are no scheduled breaks, so managing your time effectively is paramount.

  • Scoring: Your raw score (the number of correctly answered questions) is converted to a scaled score ranging from 100 to 200.

  • Passing Score: The passing score requirement varies by state or agency, but a scaled score of 160 is a common threshold. You must verify the specific requirement for the state in which you are seeking certification on the official ETS website.


How to Study and Exam Centers

Preparation is the absolute key to confidence and success on the Praxis II.

Effective Study Strategies:

  1. Understand the Test Breakdown: Start by thoroughly reviewing the content categories listed above to identify your areas of strength and those that require more focus.

  2. Use Official ETS Resources: The Educational Testing Service (ETS) provides official study companions, sample questions, and a full-length practice test. These should form the foundation of your preparation.

  3. Practice with Full-Length Exams: Regularly take timed, full-length practice tests to build your endurance, become familiar with the exam format, and refine your time-management skills.

  4. Analyze Your Mistakes: After taking a practice test, do not just look at the score. Analyze every question you missed to understand why you got it wrong and to clarify the underlying concept.

  5. Utilize Flashcards: Create flashcards for critical anatomical terms, biomechanical principles, health behavior theories, and sports rules to facilitate quick recall.

  6. Form a Study Group: Collaborative learning can expose you to different perspectives and help you better understand complex pedagogical scenarios.

Where and How to Take the Exam:

You must register for the Praxis II: Health and Physical Education exam through the Educational Testing Service (ETS) online portal.

The exam is offered through a network of standard physical testing centers, including Prometric sites, authorized universities, and Pearson VUE centers.

Additionally, ETS offers an At-Home Testing option, allowing you to take the exam in a secure environment on your own computer with live proctoring, subject to specific technology and room requirements.


Job Opportunities from the Course

A passing score on the Praxis II: Health and Physical Education exam is the prerequisite to unlock diverse and meaningful career paths in schools, communities, and recreational organizations.

This certification prepares you for roles such as:

  • K-12 Health Education Teacher

  • K-12 Physical Education Teacher

  • Head Coach or Assistant Coach for various school sports

  • Adapted Physical Education Specialist

  • Health and Wellness Coordinator (School or District Level)

  • Youth Fitness Instructor

  • Recreation Center Program Director

  • Health Educator in Community or Public Health settings

Quiz information

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