In this first module we will explore the structure, format and framework of the ILTS content tests for Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Special 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 content tests are 100 - 150 questions long. All the questions are multiple choice. Each test is divided into subareas, with questions focused on core content areas. Neither test requires a constructed or written response section.
ILTS 206
Early Childhood Education
- 100 multiple choice questions
- Testing time – 3 hours and 15 minutes long
- There are 4 Subareas on the ECE test where questions are targeted around the core content areas of:
- Subarea I: Child Development, Assessment and Learning (25%)
- Subarea II: Language and Literacy (31%)
- Subarea III: Learning Across the Curriculum (31%)
- Subarea IV: Professional Responsibilities and Relationships (13%)
ILTS 230
Early Childhood Special Education
- 100 multiple choice questions
- Testing time - 3 hours and 15 minutes
- There are 5 Subareas on the ECSE test where questions are targeted around the core content areas of:
- Subarea I: Understanding Students with Disabilities (20%)
- Subarea II: Assessing Students and Developing Individualized Programs (20%)
- Subarea III: Supporting Development and Learning (34%)
- Subarea IV: Working in a Collaborative Learning Community (13%)
- Subarea V: Foundations of Professional Practice (13%)
The Test Format
Test takers can request accommodations such as extra time or other alternative testing arrangements due to unique learning circumstances or language needs. To learn more, go to https://www.il.nesinc.com/PageView.aspx?f=HTML_FRAG/GENRB_AlternativeArrangements.html
Make yourself familiar with the setup 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. 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 should be familiar with and understand with competence.
Throughout both examinations, you can expect questions that involve:
- Classroom teaching scenarios
- Child observations/learner characteristics
- Developmental milestones and rubrics
- Collaboration with families, paraprofessionals and specialists
- Assessment decisions and outcomes
- IEP/IFSP development
- Ethical dilemmas
- Federal education legislation (i.e., FERPA, IDEA)
Be prepared for questions that may ask:
- What should the teacher do FIRST?
- Which response is MOST appropriate for the situation?
- Which strategy is BEST supported by evidence?
**Learning to identify these key words is an important test-taking skill. **
Do not leave any question unanswered. Unanswered questions will automatically be counted as wrong answers. If you are running out of time, make a guess on the remaining questions.
