Study Tips and Resources for Communication & Literacy Skills MTEL (C&L)

Writing Subtest

• Review the Writing Subtest portion of the Communication and Literacy Skills Test Information Booklet [pdf] under Field 01: Communication and Literacy Skills: field-specific information.
• Start regularly reading the Op Ed section of a good newspaper, e.g. The New York Times, The Boston Globe. Pay particular attention to the writing techniques the authors employ to strengthen their arguments.
• Acquaint yourself with current issues in education by reading popular periodicals such as Time, Newsweek, or Education Week. Watch debate style news programs such as Crossfire and The Capital Gang.
• Buy A Writer's Reference (6th edition) by Diana Hacker, Copyright 2007 by Bedford/St. Martin's. Read and review the sections entitled "Grammatical Sentences," "Punctuation," and "Mechanics." Other useful Diana Hacker books are Exercises to Accompany a Writer's Reference: Compact Format, and Development Exercises to Accompany a Writer's Reference.
• Proofread your own emails! Try to become aware of using proper grammar and mechanics in all of your writing.
• If you believe you are going to have difficulty passing the Writing Subtest and you are a Lesley University Student, call the Center for Academic Achievement at 617.349.8459 to schedule free tutoring appointments.
• Visit the Website for Easy Writer: A Pocket Reference (3rd Edition) by Andrea Lunsford, 2006, which supports the book and contains a list of top 20 writing errors made by college students and how to correct them.
• For specific grammar and mechanics exercises on the internet:
  • owl.english.purdue.edu/owl - go to the right navigation side bar to find useful information about all grammar and mechanics topics, as well as several interactive and printable exercises.
  • dianahacker.com - go to "Student Sites" for online exercises; no need to log-in. Click on A Writer's Reference, and work through the associated exercises. Then experiment with other titles listed on the site.

Reading Subtest

• Review the Reading Subtest portion of the Communication and Literacy Skills Test Information Booklet [pdf] under Field 01: Communication and Literacy Skills: field-specific information.

• Critical Reading Workbook for the SAT by Sharon Weiner Green, Barron's Publishing. Good review for Reading subtest of Communication and Literacy

Reading and Writing test practice

• NEW! MTEL: Communication and Literacy Skills (01) by Editors of Learning Express LLC- Features in-depth review of reading and writing skills along with three practice tests that have explanations and mimic MTEL test format and content.
• MTEL Communications and Literacy Test (Massachusetts Test for Educator License) - The Best Teachers' Test Prep by Gail Rae, M.A., Ann Jenson-Wilson, Bernadette Brick, Brian Walsh (Paperback: Research & Education Association, www.rea.com, 2006). Available at Lesley-Sherrill Library. This book offers 3 practice exams with detailed explanations of answers, comprehensive review of topics, test strategies, and a flexible 8 week study schedule.
• Other states offer practice tests for their teacher testing program. Though not identical, these will give you more practice (just do reading & writing sections; ignore math, etc):
  • Illinois Certification Testing System -Basic Skills Diagnostic Practice Test
  • California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST)
  • Texas Higher Education Assessment (THEA) - they also have a good study guide (The Official THEA Test Study Guide), available from Amazon.com or Pearson [pdf]
  • Arizona Educator Proficiency Assessments - Basic Skills Study Guide [pdf] - has practice questions for Reading Comprehension and Writing (also Math)