본 논문은 새롭게 변경된 초등교원 임용시험 제도에 대하여 검토하였고, 초등교원 임용시험에서 출제된 사회과의 기출 문항을 분석하였으며, 이를 바탕으로 초등교원 임용시험의 개선 방안을 제도적 측면과 사회과교육적 측면으로 구분하여 제시하였다. 우선 제도적 측면의 개선방안은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 초등교원 임용 시험에 있어서 영어의 비중을 합리적으로 재조정할 필요성이 있다. 둘째, 시험 일정을 재조정할 필요가 있다. 셋째, 평가의 타당도와 신뢰도를 확보하는 제도적 장치가 마련되어야 한다. 넷째, 3차 시험의 시행에 있어서 전국 공통의 관리시스템 도입이 필요하다. 다섯째, 교원임용 시험제도와 관련된 자료의 사전 공개가 요구된다. 여섯째, 지역 가산점의 합리적 조정이 필요하다. 일곱째, 대학 내신 성적의 반영 점수를 상향 조정하는 것이 필요하다. 그리고 사회과교육적 측면에서의 개선 방안은 다음과 같다. 첫째, 사회과 평가 영역과 평가 요소에 대한 표준화 작업이 요구된다. 둘째, 1차와 2차 시험의 기능을 재조정할 필요가 있다. 셋째, 예시 문항을 개발하여 사전에 수험생들에게 보급할 필요가 있다. 넷째, 사회과 교육에서 요구되는 고차적 사고력을 측정하는 문항을 개발해야 한다.

This paper reviewed the newly modified system of elementary school teacher selection test, and analyzed the question items of the past tests in social studies education. The review and analysis suggested that there need some improvements in the teacher selection test system in general and in the social studies exam in particular. Several points for the improvements in the teacher selection test system are suggested as follows. Firstly, the weight on English needs to be readjusted. Secondly, the scheduling of tests needs to be reconsidered. Thirdly, the test validity and reliablity should be systematically established. Fourth, it is necessary to introduce the general national management system for the third-round test. Fifth, the information and materials on teacher selection test system are required to be open to the public. Sixth, offering additional points to the applicants for the regional factor needs to be reconsidered. Seventh, it is desirable to give more weight on the applicant's grade point average from the university. In regard to social studies education, first it is required to standardize the content areas and elements to be tested. Secondly, the functions of the first-round and second-round tests need to be modulated. Thirdly, it is desirable to develop a sample test to be distributed to the test takers prior to the examinations. Fourth, the test items should be developed so that they can measure the higher-order thinking ability that is required in social studies education.

This paper reviewed the newly modified system of elementary school teacher selection test, and analyzed the question items of the past tests in social studies education. The review and analysis suggested that there need some improvements in the teacher selection test system in general and in the social studies exam in particular. Several points for the improvements in the teacher selection test system are suggested as follows. Firstly, the weight on English needs to be readjusted. Secondly, the scheduling of tests needs to be reconsidered. Thirdly, the test validity and reliablity should be systematically established. Fourth, it is necessary to introduce the general national management system for the third-round test. Fifth, the information and materials on teacher selection test system are required to be open to the public. Sixth, offering additional points to the applicants for the regional factor needs to be reconsidered. Seventh, it is desirable to give more weight on the applicant's grade point average from the university. In regard to social studies education, first it is required to standardize the content areas and elements to be tested. Secondly, the functions of the first-round and second-round tests need to be modulated. Thirdly, it is desirable to develop a sample test to be distributed to the test takers prior to the examinations. Fourth, the test items should be developed so that they can measure the higher-order thinking ability that is required in social studies education.

Elementary School Teacher, Elementary School Teacher Selection Test, The Elementary School Teacher Selection Test System, Social Studies Education