Each content test standard provides a series of descriptive statements that can help you review and target your preparation.
Use the ILTS ECE Test Framework to access and review the 4 subareas and 16 objectives outlined for the test OR the ILTS Elementary Education Test Framework to access and review the 6 subareas and 23 objectives for the test
Know what you know and know what you need to know! This is how you target your preparation.
Review these Essential Study Strategies and set yourself up for success.
Essential Strategy #1
- Carefully review each test objective and descriptive statement in the ILTS test framework
- Highlight terms or concepts that are new to you
- The more terms that come up for you, the more you’ll want to target this objective in your studies
- Seek out sources to help you understand and strengthen your content knowledge
Here's an example:
Objective 0007 of the ECE test focuses on understanding word-identification strategies and vocabulary development and how to use evidence-based, developmentally appropriate strategies to promote such skills in children from birth to grade two.
Take a look at one of the descriptive statements under this objective:
Demonstrate knowledge of spelling development and its significance for reading; stages of spelling development; and effective instructional strategies, activities, and materials for promoting and assessing young children's spelling skills.
How do YOU feel about this descriptive statement?
I’ve got this down!
Hmm, I’m not so sure I get it.
I don’t have a clue!
Need more review on the stages of spelling development and effective strategies for supporting young writers? Check out these resources from Reading Rockets:
- Invented Spelling and Spelling Development https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/spelling-and-word-study/articles/invented-spelling-and-spelling-development
- Scaffolding Preschoolers’ Early Writing Skills https://www.readingrockets.org/topics/preschool-and-child-care/articles/how-do-i-write-scaffolding-preschoolers-early-writing
Now, review this descriptive statement, also provided under Objective 0007:
Demonstrate knowledge of word-identification strategies other than phonics, including syllabication, morphology (e.g., use of affixes and roots), context cues (semantic and syntactic), and pragmatics to create instructional activities and materials for promoting young children's use of word-identification strategies
Whoa! I need a refresher on what some of these words mean!
Do you need more review of language development and literacy terms? Check out this Literacy Terms at a Glance resource.
Essential Strategy #2
- Take the FREE ILTS Practice Test
- Review your subarea scores to identify strengths and needs
- Investigate your results by objective
- Explore the answers and answer rationale to any question you missed
Essential Strategy #3
Access the Mometrix developed eLibrary of content test study materials from the online UIC Library portal.
- Select your Content Test
- Explore the Mometrix Interactive Flash Cards and Practice Tests
- Review the Mometrix Exam Secrets Study Guide
Take Advantage of the Free Practice Content Test offered through ILTS for test 206 and test 305 when you register for your official test.