Music education students in Texas must pass a comprehensive content exam, the Texas Examinations of Educator Standards (TExES), to receive teaching certification. These exams can be challenging because they cover a wide range of material, including listening, theory, history, instrumental and vocal techniques, conducting, and music education. In this workshop, I share a practical approach that has improved student outcomes at my university.

First, I will outline the small but targeted course-level changes. Next, I will discuss how faculty used coaching to support student success. After these efforts, pass rates increased, and students reported feeling prepared and more confident when taking the exam.

Most of the workshop will focus on a collaborative working session. Together, attendees will help create a shared document of sample questions aligned with specific TExES competencies and domains. Participants will leave with practical, adaptable strategies to better support student success, as well as a collection of sample questions they can use with their students.