Basic+Skills+Tests

Slide presentation from 10.14.2015 meeting
 * Navigating Basic Skills Tests (Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests) **
 * Scroll down to find links to study materials. **


 * [[file:Steps to Success Basic Skills2016v.5.pptx]]PPT presentation for February 10, 2016 **


 * Steps to Success with highlighted links:[[file:CHC Steps to Success Jan.16.docx]] **


 * CHC Planning Chart and Log:[[file:CHC Planning Chart and Log2016.docx]] **

**SPR 2016 Workshops**: RSVP is requested. Here's a chance to improve your test taking skills

Butler County Community College Online Courses (endorsed by PDE) fee $199. Begins February 24, 2016 House Bill 1816 was signed into law (Act 168) by Governor Corbett on Wednesday, October 22, 2014. The Bill contains important information for education students regarding Basic Skills Testing. It states that candidates must take and successfully pass the basic skills assessment prior to entry into a baccalaureate teacher preparation program before 60 credits effective August 1, 2015.
 * Act 168 **

This new PA legislation means that you must now take and pass the basic skills tests prior to formal acceptance into the Division of Teacher Education and Leadership (DTEL). Formal Admission to Teacher Education is the application process that confirms your intent to pursue teacher certification at Chestnut Hill College. It is not automatic – you must apply!
 * Formal Acceptance to DTEL: What is it and when do I apply? **

You must be accepted into the Division before enrolling in advanced education courses. Since the PAPA or CORE examination tests knowledge and skills developed in the general education portion of your program, most students are prepared and encouraged to take them early in their program; prior to beginning the sophomore year.

March 2016: PDE has announced changes in ways you can qualify for the required Basic Skills Test. You can now mix and match scores from different vendors including SAT, ACT, CORE, and PAPA. Download the revised page 11 of the CHC Benchmark Handbook for more information.
 * Changes to Requirements in Basic Skills Tests effective March 2016 **

PDE has authorized two sets of tests (two different companies). You will need to decide which set of tests fit you the best. Here is a document that compares the two choices. = [|•**PECT Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA) administered by Pearson**] **or** =
 * Basic Skills Tests: What are they and how do I know which tests to take? **
 * The two links below lead to other links that can answer many of your questions, including where and how to register for the tests: **
 * [|•Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (CORE) administered by Educational Testing Systems]**

= Fee Waivers for Basic Skills tests: = Fee waivers may be available for college students who meet all eligibility criteria. If you qualify for a fee waiver, the test fees for up to three Core tests or one PAPA test may be waived. You are eligible for a fee waiver only once during a testing year, and there are a limited number of waivers available per test date and per institution. All requests are processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a fee waiver, you must: [|Click here for more information on how to apply for a FEE WAIVER for the CORE tests.] [|Click here for more information on how to apply for a FEE WAIVER for the PAPA tests.]
 * 1) Be currently receiving financial aid
 * 2) Be enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program (**Note:** You are ineligible if you have a master’s or a doctoral degree)
 * 3) Meet eligibility income guidelines (see CORE link below)
 * 4) Be required to take a Basic Skills tests by an authorized score recipient (CHC)

Individuals for whom English is not a primary language may request an extension of testing time, up to one-and-a-half times the standard test session length. Please note that testing must be completed within one test administration day and that all requests for additional time require appropriate documentation and are subject to approval. Download this request form below if you are interested in taking the PAPA tests. It includes all the information you will need.
 * For Individuals for Whom English Is Not a Primary Language **

Click this link to take you to [|Accommodations for the CORE tests.]

Here is the 2015-16 Bulletin for Accommodations for taking the CORE. Be aware that an IEP or a 504 plan alone is not sufficient. You will need to work with the Disabilities Office at CHC to complete the needed forms, including a history of your use of this accommodation. This may take up to 12 week to be approved.
 * For Individuals Requesting Other Accommodations **

=Retake Policy (PAPA)- wait 30 days= Examinees who do not pass a module may retake it. If you wish to retake a module, you must complete the registration process again. Please note that you must wait 30 days before retaking the module.

Test Retake Policy (CORE)- wait 21 days
If you feel you did not perform to your potential, you may retake a Praxis test once every 21 days, not including your initial test date.

You should know if you have passed your reading or math at the end of the test. The writing takes a week or so to be scored. All scores will be mailed to you. If you are not sure of the passing score for a particular test or if you want to know if you have passed using the composite method you can download this document. Check out pages 6 to 8 for basic skills tests.
 * How do I know if I have passed? **


 * IMPORTANT: These are rigorous tests and you will need to prepare appropriately! **


 * Preparation Materials are available from both companies. Many are free, others require a fee. **
 * [| PAPA Preparation Materials] [|CORE Preparation Materials] **
 * Here are some free study materials downloaded from these sites. Click on the links above to access more. **

Here are the objectives for each test in each subject area. Download the objectives for the set of tests you are taking and highlight any that you know you will need to study.
 * PAPA Objectives: **


 * CORE Objectives: **

Other Resources: ALL SUBJECTS:
 * CHC has a Writing Center, Math Center, and Learning Center to support you. Check out this flyer for some information: **

[|Teachers Prep Tests -] This is an independent company that offers free prep tests for all CORE subjects. [|Helpful Hints Video-] These videos provide helpful hints for preparing for Praxis tests (CORE). There is a demo section and then a practice session. This is excellent for first time test takers. [|SAT Practice Tests] - If you are looking for free practice tests, Majortests has them in all subject areas. Explanation of incorrect responses are provided.

READING [|Duquesne University Reading Support for PAPA] [|Short reading passages]- Here are some shorter passages for reading practice.

MATH [|Just Math Tutors]- Free math videos you can select by topic. Recommend by CHC Math Learning Center [|Duquesne University Math Support for PAPA] [|Kahn Academy]- This is an amazing web site that will provide tutoring and practice in all math skills. Use one of the Basic Skills practice tests to identify areas you need to practice. Then create a free account on Kahn Academy to practice these skills. You can also skip creating an account and click on **subjects** and choose the areas that you need to review. An example is below. [|Kahn Academy Foundation Skills Review]- Click on this link If you just want to review some pre-algebra math skills without creating an account. The explanations are easy to follow. You can find more review like this by clicking on subjects on the main menu of Kahn Academy. If you are looking for math help on a particular objective, check out this document. Fr. Bob has created this document which lists many of the math objectives with links to Kahn Academy.

WRITING Here's the ppt for the Writing Workshop present by Dr. Ramos (2/17/16). It provides a great overview of the CORE writing test including types of questions, etc.

[|Duquesne University Writing Support for PAPA] This document will help you understand the 5 paragraph essay and provide hints for success in writing an essay for a standardized test. [|Common Spelling Mistakes]- Use this link to review common spelling mistakes.