Beating Them All! Thirty Days to a Magic Score on Any Elementary Literacy Instruction Exam for Teacher Certification [Paperback]

Chris Nicholas Boosalis (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 12, 2003 | ISBN-10: 0205394728 | ISBN-13: 978-0205394722 | Edition: 1

The Magic Score is a universal preparation manual that will assist test-takers across the country beat any elementary reading instruction exam ( National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES) exam) The strategies and methods presented in this text are research-based and will allow candidates pass the exams on their first attempt.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The strengths of this text are in the area of analysis of various reading and writing components and test issues" -- Professor Carol Wareing, Merrimack College

From the Back Cover

Beating them All! is a universal preparation manual that will assist test-takers across the country in beating any elementary reading instruction exam (National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES) exam). The strategies and methods presented in this text are research-based and will allow candidates the best opportunity to pass on their first attempt.

Features:

• Universal, Comprehensive Preparation. The areas include case studies, short answers, and multiple-choice questions. It will be an invaluable resource for students who want and need to pass NES exams.
• Sound Preparation Methods. The preparation methods in this manual have been field tested, refined, and re-tested with groups of real students facing these exams. It includes repeatable attack-plans on time management.
• Effective Strategies. All of the defined strategies in Beating them All! have been field tested and refined to ensure effectiveness and ease in acquisition/application.
• Valid Content. The core reading-instruction content that is assessed on the RICA, and the other NES exams, has been identified and validated through separate explorations. Because NES exams share so much of this core content, it is essential for all candidates to know the material in Beating them All! in advance of taking any test.

“The strengths of this text are in the area of analysis of various reading and writing components and test issues, which are seamlessly and brilliantly presented in a cogent and compelling manner. Use of advanced organizers makes a complex and often intimidating discipline approachable and comprehendible.”
Professor Carol Wareing, Merrimack College

Author Bio:

Dr. Chris Nicholas Boosalis received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Arizona State University in 1998. He is an Associate Professor of Teacher Education at California State University, Stanislaus where he teaches reading-instruction methods to elementary and secondary credential candidates.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 192 pages
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 1 edition (October 12, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0205394728
• ISBN-13: 978-0205394722
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #71,382 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Corrections for the math chapter are available here:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/24502459/Math-Corrections-for-Chapters-14-19-v2

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ace the "Foundations of Reading" MTEL (the 1st time), February 18, 2011

By 

Andrea - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beating Them All! Thirty Days to a Magic Score on Any Elementary Literacy Instruction Exam for Teacher Certification (Paperback)

I aced the Foundations of Reading exam the first time I took it. Here's my advice:

1.) Take the computer-based test. It is worth the extra money. You'll take the test in a small, quiet room where you will be given your own private cubicle and a sound-proof head set. It is SO much easier to concentrate without distractions. Also, it's easier to type in the essays (you don't have to write rough drafts and then rewrite final copies -or- worry about handwriting neatness) and you have "copy/paste" features to use during editing. It was very easy to navigate on the computer - and I'm far from being "computer savvy." The best part is you can schedule it for a day/time that works best for you. If you are not a "morning person" schedule yourself an afternoon test.

2.) Use the practice test on the MTEL website to guide your studying!!! It was the most helpful source I found. It will give you a very good idea of what to expect on the exam. Memorize the "strong" example responses (on MTEL website) for both essay questions. You will have 1 question that has to do with miscue analysis and 1 question that has to do with comprehension on your exam. All you have to do to get 4/4 points on both is memorize and understand the reading comprehension terminology + the miscue analysis terminology. Know the terms and definitions associated with both by heart. Also, memorize the "wording" of
the "strong" sample responses. Go into the exam with a very good understanding of reading comprehension (inferential vs. literal) and the ability to analyze the miscues made during an oral reading assessment.

3.) As for the multiple choice questions: they cover a lot of material. I strongly suggest buying the book "Beating Them All!" by Chris Nicholas Boosalis. Make sure you have a very good understanding of ALL the terms/material in chapter 2. Memorize the sequences for phonics instruction and phonemic awareness instruction too.

13 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I passed!!!, September 7, 2005

By 

Marisa (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beating Them All! Thirty Days to a Magic Score on Any Elementary Literacy Instruction Exam for Teacher Certification (Paperback)

The MTEL subtest-Foundations of Reading, felt like it was impossible to pass. I had missed passing by two points more than once! I contacted Chris Boosalis who gave me tips and strategies on how to pass the test and what exactly the people who scored these tests were looking for. I am now a certified teacher and I could not have done it without his help or his book!
[...]

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I am ecstatic to say that I passed the MTEL for Foundations of Reading!!, August 17, 2009

By 

nmorse (New Bedford, MA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Beating Them All! Thirty Days to a Magic Score on Any Elementary Literacy Instruction Exam for Teacher Certification (Paperback)

This test was the last obstacle towards getting my teaching license. I took the test once before and failed. My friend told me that she used this and passed so I figured...might as well give it a shot. So glad I did because I know I passed because of this book! I studied a month before...reading the whole book and paying close attention to the tables and essay format. I made sure that I knew the order of all the tables and how to write my essays. I also jumped around on my test doing the easy read questions first...so as to not waste any time..just like the book says. I'm telling you...if you are taking this test, please,please,please don't waste money on courses...read this book and you WILL PASS!! I'm actually waiting for the official score in the mail today to see how much I improved from the last test. I read my email from MTEL saying that I met the qualifying score.