NYSTC New York State Teacher Certification Examinations: The Best Coaching and Study Guide

by Staff of Research Education Association

• ISBN13: 9780878914043
• ISBN10: 0878914048
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn

Summary

REA '¦ Real review, Real practice, Real results. Take your teaching career to the head of the class. NYSTCE LAST, AST-W, ATS-P For New York State Licensure Are you prepared to excel on the NYSTCE? * Get to know the test, how it is scored, and much more. * Set up a study schedule by following our flexible, results-driven timeline * Take one of the practice tests to discover what you know and what you should know * Use REA's advice to ready yourself for proper study and success Sharpen your knowledge and skills * The book's comprehensive review features coverage of all state-defined areas and includes discussions of key educational concepts, the professional environment, and legal issues * Lessons reinforce necessary skills * Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test * Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study Practice for real * Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with three full-length practice tests * Chart your progress with full and detailed explanations of all answers * Boost your confidence with test-taking strategies and experienced advice Get to the head of the class! Get certified! REA books and software have proven to be the extra support teacher candidates need to pass their challenging test for state licensure. Our comprehensive study guides are teacher-recommended and written by educators who have mastered the test and the related program of study.

Table of Contents

Passing the Last/ATS-W	1	(12)
About this Book	3	(1)
About the Test	3	(2)
Who Takes the Test and What Is It Used For?	3	(1)
Who Administers the Test?	4	(1)
When and Where Is the Test Given?	4	(1)
Is There a Registration Fee?	5	(1)
The NYSTCE Program	5	(1)
Format of the LAST	5	(1)
Format of the ATS-W	6	(1)
Format of the ATS-P	6	(1)
Scoring the NYSTCE	6	(1)
How Do I Score My Practice Test?	6	(1)
When Will I Receive My Score Report?	7	(1)
Studying for the LAST/ATS-W	7	(1)
How to Use this Book	8	(1)
When Should I Start Studying?	8	(1)
About the Review Sections	8	(1)
LAST/ATS-W Test-Taking Tips	9	(1)
The Day of the Test	10	(1)
LAST/ATS-W Independent Study Schedule	11	(2)
Science and Mathematics Review	13	(46)
Arithmetic	15	(9)
Integers	15	(1)
Prime and Composite Numbers	16	(1)
Arithmetic Operations and Integers	17	(1)
Powers and Roots of Whole Numbers	18	(1)
Common Fractions	19	(2)
Decimal Fractions	21	(1)
Percent	21	(2)
Elementary Statistics	23	(1)
Algebra	24	(4)
Algebraic Expressions	24	(1)
Simplifying Algebraic Expressions	25	(1)
Factoring Algebraic Expressions	25	(1)
Solving Linear Equations	26	(1)
Solving Inequalities	27	(1)
Evaluating Formulas	27	(1)
Algebra Word Problems	27	(1)
Geometry	28	(6)
Perimeter and Area	28	(1)
Perimeter of Rectangles, Squares, and Triangles	29	(1)
Area of Rectangles, Squares, and Triangles	29	(1)
Circumference and Area of Circles	30	(1)
Volume of Cubes and Rectangular Solids	31	(1)
Angle Measure	31	(1)
Properties of Triangles	32	(1)
Properties of Parallel and Perpendicular Lines	33	(1)
General Science	34	(1)
Life Science	34	(9)
Biology	34	(4)
Ecology	38	(1)
Human Health	39	(4)
Physical Science	43	(7)
Measurement	43	(1)
Chemistry	44	(3)
Physics	47	(3)
Earth Science	50	(9)
Astronomy	50	(1)
Geology	51	(1)
Meteorology	52	(1)
Oceanography	53	(6)
Historical and Social Scientific Awareness Review	59	(82)
World History	61	(7)
Ancient and Medieval Times	61	(7)
European History	68	(20)
High Middle Ages	68	(2)
Late Middle Ages and the Renaissance	70	(3)
Revolution and the New World Order	73	(4)
Realism and Materialism	77	(3)
World War I and Europe in Crisis	80	(3)
World War II	83	(3)
The Cold War	86	(2)
Change in Western Europe	88	(1)
United States History	88	(38)
The Colonial Period	88	(2)
The American Revolution	90	(3)
The Creation of New Governments	93	(1)
The New Nation	94	(5)
Sectional Conflict and the Causes of the Civil War	99	(3)
Civil War and Reconstruction	102	(3)
Industrialism, War, and the Progressive Era	105	(2)
World War I	107	(1)
The Roaring Twenties	108	(1)
The Great Depression and the New Deal	109	(3)
World War II	112	(3)
The Post-War Era	115	(2)
The New Frontier, Vietnam, and Social Upheaval	117	(3)
Watergate, Carter, and the New Conservatism	120	(3)
Road to the Twenty-First Century	123	(2)
Terrorism Hits Home	125	(1)
Presidents of the United States	125	(1)
Political Science	126	(5)
United States Government	126	(4)
Types of Government	130	(1)
Economics	131	(10)
Fundamentals of Economics	131	(10)
Artistic Expression and the Humanities Review	141	(26)
Aesthetic Perception and Creative Expression	143	(24)
Visual and Performing Arts	143	(2)
Historical Survey	145	(7)
Prose	152	(4)
Poetry	156	(4)
Literary Terms	160	(7)
Communication Skills Review	167	(34)
A Four-Step Approach	169	(11)
Preview	169	(6)
Read Actively	175	(1)
Review the Passage	176	(1)
Answer the Questions	176	(4)
Vocabulary Enhancer	180	(6)
Similar Forms and Sounds	181	(5)
Multiple Meanings	186	(1)
Vocabulary Builder	186	(15)
Writing Skills Review	201	(40)
Grammar and Usage	203	(28)
Sentence Structure Skills	203	(5)
Verbs	208	(1)
Pronouns	209	(3)
Adjectives and Adverbs	212	(2)
Punctuation	214	(8)
Capitalization	222	(3)
Spelling	225	(6)
Written Composition	231	(10)
Pre-Writing/Planning	231	(1)
Writing Your Essay	232	(3)
Effective Use of Language	235	(6)
Knowledge of the Learner	241	(36)
Student Development and Maturation	244	(1)
Theories of Cognitive Development	245	(7)
Identity Achievement and Diffusion	247	(1)
Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs	248	(1)
Nature and Nurture	249	(3)
Diversity in the Classroom	252	(6)
Environmental Factors	254	(1)
Emotional Factors	255	(2)
Learning Styles	257	(1)
Understanding Learners	258	(7)
Metacognition	261	(1)
Instructional Style Assessment	262	(1)
Study Strategies	263	(2)
Motivating Students	265	(12)
Jointly Constructed Meaning	266	(8)
References	274	(3)
Instructional Planning, Delivery, and Assessment	277	(44)
Outcome-Oriented Learning	280	(1)
Sources of Data	281	(1)
Planning Processes	282	(4)
Self-Directed Learning	283	(1)
Collaborative Learning	284	(1)
Thematic Curriculum	285	(1)
Principles of Verbal Communication	286	(1)
Nonverbal Communication	287	(2)
Questioning	289	(1)
The Six Levels of Taxonomy	290	(2)
Classroom Climate	291	(1)
Methods of Enhancement	292	(3)
Deductive Strategies	292	(1)
Inductive Strategies	293	(1)
Discussion Strategies	294	(1)
Comparison/Contrast	294	(1)
Teacher and Student Roles	295	(1)
Curriculum Planning	295	(26)
Planning for Resources	296	(1)
Print Resources	296	(1)
Visual Materials	297	(1)
Videodisk and Interactive Video	297	(1)
Computer Software Tools	298	(1)
Computer-Assisted Instruction	299	(1)
Manipulatives and Labs	300	(1)
Human Resources	300	(1)
Selection and Evaluation Criteria	300	(1)
Purposes of Assessment	301	(1)
Teacher-Made Tests	301	(1)
Authentic Assessments	302	(3)
Self and Peer Assessment	305	(1)
Standardized Testing	305	(2)
Performance-Based Assessment	307	(1)
Physical Environment	307	(1)
Social and Emotional Climate	308	(1)
Routines and Transitions	309	(2)
Academic Learning Time	311	(1)
Classroom Discipline	311	(2)
Correcting Students	313	(1)
Student Ownership	313	(1)
Collaboration	314	(7)
The Professional Environment	321	(26)
The Teacher's Personal Traits	325	(4)
Team Responsibilities in Teaching	327	(1)
Teaming Assignments	328	(1)
Professional Growth	329	(18)
Developing a Positive Relationship with Parents Early	330	(1)
Parent/Teacher Communication	330	(2)
Responding to Nonresponsive Parents	332	(1)
Learning about the Community	332	(1)
Utilizing Strengths of the Community	333	(1)
Coping with Problems in the Community	334	(1)
The Teacher as a Curriculum Worker	335	(1)
The Teacher as a Specialist	336	(1)
The Teacher and Values in the Classroom	337	(1)
The Teacher as a Leader	338	(1)
The Teacher and Legal Issues	339	(8)
Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance (ATS-P)	347	(18)
Introduction	349	(1)
Requirements of the ATS-P	350	(8)
Videotape Requirements	351	(1)
Camera Setup	352	(6)
Instructional Preparation	358	(2)
Making the Recording	360	(2)
Review of the Recording	360	(2)
Scoring the Recording	362	(3)
LAST PRACTICE TEST	365	(58)
Answer Key	403	(1)
Detailed Explanations of Answers	404	(19)
ATS-W ELEMENTARY PRACTICE TEST	423	(66)
Answer Key	464	(1)
Detailed Explanations of Answers	465	(24)
ATS-W SECONDARY PRACTICE TEST	489	(63)
Answer Key	527	(1)
Detailed Explanations of Answers	528	(24)
Answer Sheets	552

Excerpts

Passing the LAST/ATS-W About this Book This book provides a complete and accurate representation of New York State's LAST/ATS-W (Liberal Arts and Sciences Test/Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written), part of one of the most broadly-based teacher certification programs used in the United States today. We include topical reviews correlating to each of the test sections on the LAST and ATS-W exams, along with a full-length practice test for each exam based on the current format of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations, or NYSTCE. REA's practice tests contain every type of question that you can expect to encounter on the actual exam. We also present detailed explanations of each answer--as well as sample essays--to help you master the test material. About the Test Who Takes the Test and What Is It Used for? The LAST/ATS-W is taken by individuals seeking certification to teach in any of New York State's 704 public school districts. In most cases, candidates are beginning their teaching career or seeking additional certification. While you're free to take the LAST or ATS-W at any time during college, most candidates find it best to attempt the former in their sophomore or junior year (after they have most basic liberal arts and sciences coursework behind them) and the latter after having completed pedagogical coursework and fieldwork (and in some cases even student teaching). Senior year is the time to consider taking the Content Specialty Test to help you peg what additional coursework will be required in your area of concentration. To do well on the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance, you should have at least two years of classroom experience under your belt. Who Administers the Test? The LAST/ATS-W is administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES), in conjunction with the New York State Education Department. A comprehensive test development process was designed and implemented specifically to ensure that the content and difficulty level of the exam are appropriate. This process involved hundreds of teachers and teacher educators from across the state. When and Where Is the Test Given? The LAST/ATS-W is usually offered five times a year at a number of locations throughout the state of New York. Selective administrations are offered in Puerto Rico as well. To receive information on upcoming test dates and locations, contact either of the following: New York State Education Department Office of Teaching Room 5N Education Building Albany, NY 12234 Website: http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/ NYSTCE National Evaluation Systems, Inc. P.O. Box 660 30 Gatehouse Road Amherst, MA 01004-9008 Phone: [phone] or [phone] TTY for Deaf: [phone] Registration information, as well as test dates and locations, is provided in the registration bulletin. Information regarding testing accommodations for candidates with special needs is also included. Is There a Registration Fee? You must pay a registration fee in order to take the LAST/ATS-W. A complete outline of registration fees is provided in your registration bulletin. The NYSTCE Program The NYSTCE Program embraces six tests: the Liberal Arts and Sciences Test (LAST), the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Written (ATS-W), and the Assessment of Teaching Skills-Performance (ATS-P), along with the Content Specialty Test, English Language Proficiency Assessment, and Target Language Proficiency Assessment. This group of tests is designed to assess your knowledge of subject matter, as well as your ability to convey that knowledge to a student. Format of the LAST The Liberal Arts and Sciences Test is composed of roughly 80 multiple- choice questions and one essay. You will have four hours to complete the exam. The five subject areas it covers are as follows: * Scientific and Mathematical Processes * Historical and