I just completed the Praxis II mathematics content knowledge exam. The exam was very easy...almost pathetically easy. If you know how to multiply two matrices, differentiate and integrate polynomials, and know simple trigonometry, you can pass this test with flying colors.
I found this link the other day. On page 11 it gives the spread of scores on the 2005-2006 Praxis II math exam. The median score was 143 (43% correct), and the 25th to 75th percentile is given by the scores 127 to 156 (27% to 56% correct). My state requires a qualifying score of 136, which roughly equates to the 35th percentile.
Thus, around 1/4 of the people my state accepts as "qualified" math teachers score below the 50th percentile on this test. That's right...1/4 of the "qualified" math teachers do not get more than 43% correct on this very easy test.
What kind of requirements do other states have? Well, Alaska has the most stringent requirement I've seen, with a qualifying score of 146 (above the median...roughly the 65th percentile by my calculations). Alabama has the loosest requirement I've seen, with a qualifying score of 116 (which, by my calculations, is somewhere around the 1st percentile!).
If you want your kids to have a good chance of getting a math education from reasonably qualified math teachers, move to Alaska. Avoid Alabama at all costs.
