Best Coaching and Study Guide for the Nystce

9780878914043

0878914048

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: (413) 256-2882 or (800) 309-5225 TTY for Deaf: (413) 256-8032 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