ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) Book + Online

ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) Book + Online

ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) Book + Online

ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) Book + Online

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Overview

REA's ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) Test Prep with Online Practice
Gets You Certified and in the Classroom!

Nationwide, more than 4 million teachers will be needed over the next decade, and all must take appropriate tests to be licensed. REA gets you ready for your teaching career with our outstanding library of Teacher Certification test preps.

Our test prep is designed to help teacher candidates master the information on the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) exam and get certified. It's perfect for college students, teachers, and career-changing professionals who are looking to become Illinois teachers.

Written by Illinois teacher educators, our complete study package contains an in-depth review of all the competencies tested on the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP) exam, including reading, language arts, writing, and math.

A diagnostic test and a full-length practice test are offered online in a timed format with instant scoring, diagnostic feedback, and detailed explanations of answers. Each test features every type of question, subject area, and skill you need to know for the exam. Our online practice replicates the ILTS question format, allowing you to assess your skills and gauge your test-readiness.

The online tests at REA's Study Center offer the most powerful scoring and diagnostic tools available today. Automatic scoring and instant reports help you zero in on the topics and types of questions that give you trouble now, so you'll succeed when it counts. Every practice exam comes with detailed feedback on every question. We don't just say which answers are right - we explain why the other answer choices are wrong - so you'll be prepared on test day.

The book includes the same practice test that is offered online, but without the added benefits of detailed scoring analysis and diagnostic feedback. This complete test prep package comes with a customized study schedule and REA's test-taking strategies and tips.

This test prep is a must-have for anyone who wants to teach in Illinois!

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9780738611440
Publisher: Research & Education Association
Publication date: 09/01/2013
Series: ILTS Teacher Certification Test Prep
Edition description: First
Pages: 288
Product dimensions: 8.40(w) x 10.90(h) x 0.80(d)
Age Range: 18 Years

About the Author

Dr. D. Antonio Cantù is a Professor and Chairperson of the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Cantù received his Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Southern Illinois University, Ed.S. in Community College Education, M.A. in History, and B.S. in Social Science Education from Arkansas State University. Professor Cantù has over 20 years of experience in professional education from high school through the graduate level.

Patricia Nugent, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. Dr. Nugent received her Ph.D. in Mathematics Education and her M.S. in Educational Administration and Foundations from Illinois State University, and her B.A. in Mathematics from Millikin University.

Sherrie Pardieck, Ed.D., is an Associate Professor in the Department of Teacher Education at Bradley University, Peoria, Illinois. Her area of specialization is the teaching of reading. Dr. Pardieck received her Ed.D. from Illinois State University, her M.A. from Bradley University, and her B.A. from Eureka College.

Read an Excerpt

Congratulations! By taking the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency (TAP), you’re on your way to a rewarding career as an Illinois teacher. Our book and the online tools that come with it give you everything you need to succeed on this important exam, bringing you one step closer to being certified to teach in the state of Illinois.

Our TAP test prep package includes:

• a complete overview of the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency

• a comprehensive review of every standard

• an online diagnostic test to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and focus your study

• one full-length practice test, both in the book and online, with powerful diagnostic tools to help you personalize your prep

There are many different ways to prepare for the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency. What’s best for you depends on how much time you have to study and how comfortable you are with the subject matter. Our book has a plan that you can customize to fit both your lifestyle and study style.

How to Use This Book

About the Review
The review chapters in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to pass the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency. The exam is composed of four subtests that assess your knowledge of fundamental skills in the following areas: Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. Each of the skills required for all four subtests is discussed at length to optimize your understanding of what the Test of Academic Proficiency covers.

Keep in mind that your schooling has taught you most of what you need to know to answer the questions on the test. Our review is designed to help you fit the information you have acquired into specific competency components. Studying your class notes and textbooks together with our reviews will give you an excellent foundation for passing the exam.

About the REA Study Center
The best way to personalize your study plan is to get feedback on what you know and what you don’t know. At the online REA Study Center, we give you a diagnostic practice test plus one full-length practice test with detailed score reports that pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.

Before you review with the book, go to the REA Study Center and take the Diagnostic Test. Armed with your score report, you can personalize your study plan. Review the parts of the book where you’re weakest and focus your study on the areas where you need the most review.

After reviewing with the book, take the Practice Test online at the REA Study Center to ensure that you have mastered the material and are ready for test day. Use your score reports to identify any other areas where you need extra study, and read those sections of the review chapters again.

If you are studying and don’t have Internet access, you can take the printed tests in the book. These are the same practice tests offered at the REA Study Center, but without the added benefits of timed testing conditions, automatic scoring, and diagnostic score reports.

An Overview of the Test

What is the Purpose of the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency?
While passing the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency alone is not sufficient to earn a license to teach in Illinois, it is required, in addition to the completion of courses of study, and successfully passing the appropriate content-area test(s) and Assessment of Professional Teaching (APT).

Along with other required content-area tests, the Test of Academic Proficiency is required if you:

• want to get the Early Childhood, Elementary, Secondary, or Special Teaching License;

• want to get a School Service Personnel or Administrative license;

• are a teacher in an alternative route program;

• are an out-of-state candidate applying for a Professional Educator License; and/or

• seek admission into an Illinois-approved educator preparation program (you must successfully complete the Test of Academic Proficiency before being admitted to the program).

The Test of Academic Proficiency Standards are included in the appendix. In addition, more information about who needs to take the TAP is available at the Illinois State Board of Education’s Educator Licensure website (www.isbe.net/certification/).

Further information about the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency is also available in the Illinois Licensure Testing System Registration Bulletin, which can be found online at www.il.nesinc.com.

What is Tested on the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency?
The Illinois Licensure Testing System tests are aligned with the Illinois professional teaching standards and content-area standards for educators. The ILTS tests are the only tests accepted for licensure in Illinois.

The Test of Academic Proficiency consists of 170 multiple-choice questions in Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, and Mathematics, as well as one written constructed response writing assignment, distributed as follows:

Subtest Number of Questions

I. Reading Comprehension 60

II. Language Arts 60

III. Mathematics 50

IV. Writing 1 written response

Common Core State Standards and the Test of Academic Proficiency
Although the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) did not produce any specific alignment table or document relative to Common Core State Standards and TAP test alignment, the current TAP test is reflective of ISBE’s attempt to ensure its alignment with the Common Core State Standards.

The mathematics section of the TAP now includes questions on probability. Specifically, the test includes two questions in which the candidate must demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts of probability, using a variety of representations (e.g., word problems, Venn diagrams, tree diagrams).

What is the format of the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency?
During this computer-based test, you must select your answers to multiple-choice questions on the computer screen and type your response to the writing assignment. If you are taking all four subtests, you will have a total of five hours to complete the entire test. You should allow approximately 60 minutes to complete your written response, thus devoting the remaining 4 hours to the multiple-choice questions. If you are taking one subtest, you will have a total of two hours and thirty minutes to complete the subtest.

You should have plenty of time to complete the test, but be aware of the amount of time you are spending on each question so you allow yourself time to complete the whole test. Try to maintain a steady pace when answering questions. Using our online practice tests with timed testing conditions will help you use your time efficiently.

Passing subtest scores will be banked. As a result, individuals will only need to complete subtests they have not yet passed. Therefore, an effective test-taking strategy is to take all four subtests at the same time, unless you have only one subtest remaining to be passed. This allows you to take all four subtests or a combination of two or three subtests in one session, which would count as only one attempt toward the five-attempt limit.

How Do I Register for the Test and Is There a Registration Fee?
Individuals may register for the computer-based Test of Academic Proficiency online by clicking on the “Register Now” link on the ILTS website. Be sure to register far in advance of the desired test date, given seating is limited and appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. If you take all four subtests of the TAP in a single sitting, there is a $99 registration fee. If you choose to take a single subtest, the registration fee is $49.

When and Where Can I Take the Exam?
The Test of Academic Proficiency is available only as a computer-based test. Refer to “Test Sites for Computer-Based Testing” at www.il.nesinc.com/ for information about available test centers. Computer-based testing (CBT) is made available year-round, by appointment only, Monday through Saturday (with the exception of holidays) at 225 test centers throughout the United States and its territories.

The ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency is developed by the state of Illinois and administered by the Illinois Licensure Testing System/Pearson Education, Inc. Additional information on the Test of Academic Proficiency is available from the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), to which Pearson Education is under contract.

Table of Contents

About Our Authors
About Research & Education Association
Acknowledgments

Chapter 1: Introduction
How to Use This Book
An Overview of the Test
Scoring the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency
Studying for the ILTS Test of Academic Proficiency
Study Schedule
Test-Taking Tips
Online Diagnostic Test

Chapter 2: Reading Comprehension
The Passages
The Questions
Strategies for the Reading Section
A Four-Step Approach
Step 1: Preview
Step 2: Read Actively
Step 3: Review the Passage
Step 4: Answer the Questions
Interpretation of Graphic Information Questions
Line Graphs
Bar Graphs
Pie Charts
Reading Tables
Helpful Hints

Chapter 3: Language Arts
The Reading Passages
The Questions
Verbs
Pronouns
Adjectives and Adverbs
Punctuation and Capitalization
Word Choice
Transitions and Coherence
Sentence and Paragraph Structure

Chapter 4: Writing
Scoring
Getting Started
I. Strategies for the Essay
II. Recognizing Effective Writing
III. Writing Your Essay
IV. Polishing and Editing Your Essay

Chapter 5: Mathematics
Problem Solving with Computations
Applying Mathematical Skills to Analyze Patterns
Solving Problems Involving Algebra and Geometry
Data Analysis and Statistics
Combination Problems

Practice Test (also available at www.rea.com/studycenter)
Answer Sheet
Practice Test
Reading Language Arts
Mathematics
Writing Assignment
Answer Key
Detailed Explanations of Answers

Appendix of ILTS Standards
Index

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