MTLE

1. MTLE Minnesota Teacher Licensure Exams

2. Contents • General MTLE Information • Which tests do I take and when? • How to register for the MTLE • Exam dates • Costs • Tips and Resources

3. General Information • Beginning September 1, 2010, MTLE will be the ONLY exam available for teacher licensure in Minnesota • If you took a Praxis exam and passed it prior to September 1, that will still count toward licensure • Time limited • Generally, PPST scores will be good until 2014 if you have not yet completed the program • Each state sets their own licensure standards. This is just for Minnesota.

4. Addressing the Myths • If you have passed some sections of the PPST but not all of them, you do NOT have to retake them all • You CAN have a combination of Praxis and MTLE tests and still be eligible for licensure • These exams are NOT more expensive than the Praxis exams • It is TRUE that these exams are all computer-based, with the exception of World Languages These are new exams – we will be learning more every month. We don’t have all the answers, but we will help you find the answers you need!

5. Which tests do I take? As with the Praxis tests, with MTLE there is a series of exams that you must pass prior to applying for your teaching license: • Basic Skills (formerly PPST/Praxis I) • Pedagogy (formerly PLT/Praxis II) • Content (formerly Praxis II)

6. MTLE Basic Skills Tests • Formerly known as PPST or Praxis I • Consists of three subtests – Reading, Writing, Math • You must pass each subtest in order to student teach • To retake a subtest, you must register at www.mtle.nesinc.com • Remember, you only have to retake the section(s) you did not pass!

7. MTLE Pedagogy Tests • Must take one of the three adopted tests of professional knowledge: • Pedagogy: Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 3) • Pedagogy: Elementary (Grades K-6) • Pedagogy: Secondary (Grades 5-12) • Select any test within your scope of licensure. K-12 majors should choose the pedagogy exam that best suits their interests and career plans.

8. MTLE Pedagogy Tests • Two subtests for each level (Early Childhood, Elementary or Secondary) • Computer-based • Approximately 50 multiple choice questions per subtest • One hour allowed per subtest • Must pass both subtests • Cost is $35 per subtest (total of $70.00), plus an annual registration fee of $50.00, paid once per program year (Sept. 1 – Aug 31)

9. Content Area Tests • The test will be 100% aligned to the Minnesota licensure standards. • There won’t be any content in the tests that is not in the standards. • Information about each test includes test format, test framework including test objectives, descriptive statements and sample items.

10. Content Area Tests Early Childhood Education (Birth – Grade 3) • The Early Childhood Education Content Area Test includes two computer-based subtests • Subtest 1 includes reading as a component • Approximately 50 multiple choice questions per subtest • One hour per subtest • Each subtest costs $35 (total = $70) plus the $50 registration fee per test year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31) ..so take your Pedagogy and Content tests in the same test year!

11. Content Area Tests Elementary Education • The Elementary Education Content Area Test includes three computer-based subtests • Subtest 1 has a major emphasis on reading and includes related content on communication arts. • Approximately 50 multiple choice questions per subtest • One hour per subtest • Each subtest costs $35 (total = $105) plus the $50 registration fee per test year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31) ..so take your Pedagogy and Content tests in the same test year!

12. Stand Alone K-6 Licensure • Beginning July 1, 2010 the Board of Teaching began allowing licensure candidates prepared under K-8 programs a path to teach with a K-6 license. • Candidate must pass required basic skills, pedagogy and elementary content area tests. • All K-6 requirements must be met, verified by university, and recommended for licensure. • Candidates must make one ATTEMPT at their specialty exam prior to applying for licensure.

13. Content Area Tests Special Education • The Special Education Core Skills Test includes two computer-based subtests • Approximately 50 multiple choice questions per subtest • One hour per subtest • Each subtest costs $35 (total = $70) plus the $50 registration fee per test year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31) ..so take your Pedagogy and Content tests in the same test year!

14. Content Area Tests K-12 and Secondary Content Tests (excluding World Languages) • There is a test for every licensure area • Each test consists of two computer-based subtests • 48-50 multiple choice questions per subtest • One hour per subtest • In some content areas (math and sciences) reference materials are provided when you take the test • Each subtest costs $35 (total = $70) plus the $50 registration fee per test year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31) ..so take your Pedagogy and Content tests in the same test year!

15. Content Area Tests World Language and Culture Tests • Tests available in Spanish, French, German and Mandarin Chinese • Two paper/pencil subtests: reading, listening, writing, speaking & cultural understanding • Two hours per subtest • Each subtest costs $28 (total = $56) plus the $50 registration fee per test year (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31) ..so take your Pedagogy and Content tests in the same test year!

16. Content Area Tests • All content area tests are based on the Minnesota standards in that area • For each content area, there is information online that describes the concepts and applications covered by the test • There are a few sample questions for each content are online • Since these are new tests, not all study materials have been developed yet. The Clinical Experiences Office has Praxis II books for loan.

17. Registration • Registration is available only electronically online at www.mtle.nesinc.com • There is no registration deadline for computer-based tests • You can review test dates and sites from the home page BEFORE you register and enter your credit card information • If you cancel 24 hours before your scheduled testing time, you will receive a full refund of test fees paid. The registration fee will not be refunded. Your refund will be issued within four weeks of your request.

18. Registration • Accommodations are available to test-takers with documented disabilities, or for whom English is not a primary language. Find out more about this on the home page by clicking on Alternative Testing Arrangements. • Be sure you choose Bemidji State University as a score recipient so your test results will be sent to BSU.

19. Computer-Based Test Dates

20. Costs • Remember, these tests are priced per subtest. You only have to pay for the portion(s) you are taking. • The $50 annual registration fee is a one-time per year charge (Sept. 1 – Aug. 31). If you take both your content and pedagogy tests in the same test year, you only pay the registration fee once.

21. Getting Your Results • Passing scores for each licensure test will not be set until October, 2010. Candidates who take a test in September, 2010, will be held to the scores set by the BOT retroactively. • Your score report will be e-mailed to you, if you requested this service when you registered. Score reports are also posted to your account for 45 days as PDF documents, which you may view, print, and save for your records. • Your account also contains your complete testing history, including each test you've taken and the test date. • Your test results are reported to you and to any institution that you indicated as a score recipient when you registered. Your scores are also reported directly to the BOT and are automatically added to your licensure application file.

22. Retaking a test • Examinees who do not pass a subtest may retake that subtest. If you wish to retake a subtest, you must complete the registration process again. You must wait 90 days before retaking a computer-based subtest.

23. Plan and Study! • Your content and pedagogy exams are your licensure exams. Just like law students study for the bar, or accounting students study for the CPA exam, education students need to study for their licensure tests. • The content covered by each exam is outlined. • Make a deliberate study plan. Work with your peers. STUDY!

24. Tips for test day • Get plenty of rest the night before • Schedule your exam for a time that you are at your best. • Eat a healthy meal before your exam, but don’t overdo it! • Wear layered clothing to easily adjust to the temperature in the testing center. • Bring your government issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport, military ID)

25. More tips for test day • Do not bring calculators, food, hats, drinks, cell phones or anything else electronic. These items will have to be stored in a locker during your test. • It is recommended that you arrive at the testing site 30 minutes prior to your scheduled time in order to check in. • Wear soft soled shoes to help make the testing environment quiet and friendly for fellow test-takers.

26. Are You Ready? • Review the content being covered by your test • Make sure you know exactly when and where you are testing • Become familiary with the types of questions you will be asked • Know how much time is allotted for your exam so you can pace your work

27. Keys to Success • Preparation • Find out what will be covered and review that material • Review test taking strategies • Build your confidence • Organization • Develop and stick to a study plan! • Practice • It may sound silly, but practice sitting for a period of time focusing on test questions • Practice pacing yourself