In this first module we will explore the structure, format and framework of the ILTS content tests for Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education.
Be sure you have set up your personal ILTS account to get full access to all of their test preparation materials.
The Test Structure
Both tests are 100 - 150 questions long. All the questions are multiple choice. Each test is divided into Sub-Areas, with questions focused on core content areas. Neither test requires a constructed or written response section.
ILTS 206
- 100 multiple choice questions
- 3hrs and 15 minutes long
- There are 4 Sub areas on the ECE test where questions are targeted around the core content areas of:
- Sub Area 1: Child Development, Assessment and Learning (25%)
- Sub Area 2: Language and Literacy (31%)
- Sub Area 3: Learning Across the Curriculum (31%)
- Sub Area 4: Professional Responsibilities and Relationships (13%)
ILTS 305
- 150 multiple choice questions
- 4 hours long
- There are 6 Sub Areas of the Elementary Education Test where questions are target around the following core subject matter:
- Sub Area 1: Language and Literacy (26%)
- Sub Area 2: Mathematics (26%)
- Sub Area 3: Science (13%)
- Sub Area 4: Social Science (13%)
- Sub Area 5: Fine Arts (9%)
- Sub Area 6: Physical Development and Health (13%)
The Test Format
Both exams are offered as computer-based tests (CBT) that you will take at a Pearson (or Pearson contracted) testing center facility. Where and when you take the test is decided upon by you after you register/pay for your test. There are testing centers located throughout the Chicagoland area- the city, the suburbs and even testing sites in bordering states, such as Indiana, will allow you to take an Illinois teacher licensure content test.
You should make yourself familiar with the set-up of this computer-based test by exploring the materials offered through ILTS and their Computer Based Testing tutorials.
Take note of options for adjusting the font or color scheme of the test should you need to adapt it for your purposes.
Keep in mind, the question examples given in the ILTS demo are not necessarily ECE content specific. The ILTS demo is designed to help all teacher candidates know what to expect from the testing experience and to practice navigating the pages and other functions available within the online test, such as flagging challenging questions to return to before you submit your final answers.
The Test Framework/Design
The questions asked on your test are not random. Each Test is designed around a select number of Learning Objectives that all teachers in this field should be familiar with and understand with competence. Each standard provides a series of descriptive statements that can help you review and target your preparation.
Use the ILTS study guide to review the 4 sub-areas and 16 objectives outlined for the ECE test, and the 6 sub-areas and 23 objectives on the Elementary Education content test.
Read through the descriptive statements under each objective and highlight any terms or ideas you are not currently familiar with. These are items for which you will want to seek out more information.
Know what you know and know what you need to know! This is how you target your preparation.
Carefully review each objective and descriptive statement in the test framework, asking yourself:
- "Am I fully prepared to answer questions about this subject?"
- "Is this an area I know something about but need to review?"
- "Is this content that I'm not familiar with at all?"
For 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.
Looking at one of the descriptive statements under this objective, we read the following:
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
- Make note of terms you are unfamiliar with or tend to be confused by.
- The more terms that pop up for you indicates this is an objective you will want to include in your studies prior to taking the test.
- If you need more review of language development and literacy terms, check out this resource: Literary Terms at a Glance
Another example of a descriptive statement that will guide what you need to study:
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.
- Seek out resources on the Stages of Writing Development in early childhood (Gentry’s 5 Stages of Spelling development)
- More info from Reading Rockets on the topic of spelling development
