SCHOOL of EDUCATION

Preparation Workshops for the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL)

One of the top 50 graduate schools of education in the nation — U.S. News and World Report

Let an expert in education guide you through the MTEL (Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure). Whatever your scheduling or travel demands, our varied evening and weekend formats give you access to this concentrated and essential test preparation.

Who must take the exam: Candidates for teacher licensure in Massachusetts are required to pass the Communication and Literacy Skills (CLS) portion of the Massachusetts Test for Educator Licensure (MTEL). Candidates in specific licensure areas must also pass the test relating to that subject.

UMass Amherst School of Education requirements

• Undergraduates must achieve a passing score on the CLS test prior to admission into the university’s professional preparation programs.
• Postbaccalaureate and graduate students must achieve a passing score on the CLS test, normally in their first semester of study and in all cases prior to their practicum.
• Students in professional preparation programs for educators for which there is a subject matter test must pass the appropriate test as a prerequisite for the program’s and university’s recommendation for licensure.

For other test dates and registration deadlines, see www.doe.mass.edu/mtel.

For more information:
Kim Drake
Teacher Certification Office
School of Education
Furcolo Hall, room 125
413-545-2701
or
Massachusetts Department of Education: www.doe.mass.edu/mtel

Course Descriptions

Overview Evening Workshop
Avoid being surprised by the content, format and test conditions of the CLS portion of the MTEL. This workshop provides essential information and an introductory discussion of the test, including a review of test strategies and sample questions, as well as a self-assessment of your strengths and weaknesses as a prospective test taker. Leave with a self-study guide that includes a mini-test, grammar tips and a guide to other study materials.

Skills Development Multi-Session Workshop
(Four 2-hour sessions)
Get intensive preparation for the reading and writing subtests of the CLS, including test-taking strategies and grammar review. This comprehensive, multi-session course covers areas ranging from the substance and structure of the test to the nuts and bolts of test taking, with guided study, feedback and time between sessions for practice. Areas covered include:

• Reading comprehension
• Vocabulary study
• The five-paragraph essay
• Grammar
• Written mechanics and
• Written summary

Class schedule: 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Skills Development Intensive Saturday Workshop
Designed for students who work off campus or can’t easily attend workshops during the week, this intensive Saturday session covers all areas of the CLS test, including:

• The basics of active reading for improved comprehension
• Vocabulary and practice writing definitions to meet MTEL standards
• The format of the five-paragraph essay
• Strategies of persuasive writing
• Rules of grammar and punctuation
• Written mechanics practice in spelling, punctuation and capitalization
• Test-taking strategies
• What to expect the day of the test
• A comprehensive mini-test to assess your strengths and weaknesses

• MTEL Test of September 20 (Saturday), 2008
  Overview: Wednesday, Sept. 17, 7-9:30 p.m.
  Saturday Intensive: September 13, 2008, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
• MTEL Test of November 22 (Saturday), 2008
  Overview: Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 7-9:30 p.m.
  Saturday Intensive: November 15, 2008, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
  Multi-session: Mondays Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, and 17, 7-9 p.m.

To Register for a Workshop

Register by noon of the day prior to the workshop with:
Kim Drake
Teacher Education Office
School of Education
Furcolo Hall, room 130
413-545-2701

Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-noon and 1:30-5:00 p.m.

Preregistration is required. Workshops may be cancelled if minimum enrollment is not reached.

Registration fees: Payment by check or credit card only, due at registration. All registrants pay an additional $6 Continuing & Professional Education registration fee. A late registration fee of $5 will be charged after noon of the day prior to the workshop.

For more information:
Margaret Boyko
School of Education
413-577-3144
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