IMHO (in my humble opinion.) And good that you've read that part. It's the heart of what CLAD exists to communicate. Beyond that, I'd say not to get too snarled up in who theorized what and when but rather to seek to get clear on how people learn to speak a second language, what we have found works best in helping them to do so, and how that might be applied in both EL and SDAIE classrooms at several levels. It will also be helpful to you to review the California Standards for ELL: What can children at level X in grade Y fairly be expected to manage with regard to English language acquisition?
You'll find the official standards for English Language development online at http://www.cde.ca.gov/re/pn/fd/documents/englangdev-stnd.pdf.
blupureangel, if you go back through the posts in this thread, you'll find (before 25YearsIn and I started getting silly) some very good advice on passing the CLAD tests. My impression of BCLAD Test 4 is that it deals with many of the same concerns, and you also might find the Diaz-Rico & Weed book useful. For Test 5, use the list of Knowledge and Skill Areas on page 22 of the official study guide; you could add "Chinese" to each content word, and possibly "BCLAD" as well, so that "rituals" would become "Chinese rituals" or even "Chinese rituals BCLAD", and then use that as a search term in Google or Answers.com.
I already printed out the study guides on ctel.nesinc.com I just wish there are more study guides in a book like cset..rica... so for test 4, besides that diaz-rico book, are there any other materials? is RICA kind of overlapped with test 4? i am just nervous about the chinese history...because it will be scattered.. i can like read and check out 15 different books on chinese history... plz update me if you know any other study materials *wink* thank you for replying my questions so fast and midnight too!! really appreciated!
I suspect there's SOME overlap between RICA and CTEL/BCLAD, but chances are that BCLAD Test 4 goes more deeply into the issues that are specific to second-language learning. As to Chinese history, when I typed "Chinese history kids" into Google, I came up with a small army of results, and at least some of them should offer visual aids as well as text. And instead of telling yourself that questions will be random, try looking for patterns and themes in Chinese history - look for the sort of thing that you'd like a student to know about Chinese history on leaving your class...
Thank you teacher groupie...I will try typing "chinese history kids" I already tried that on borders.com to see if they have any books and has been trying my local library if they have the books that I want. Thank you again!
CTEL test Hi! I'm new to this forum, and I will be taking the CTEL test (all 3) this Saturday Dec. 9, 2006. I have been teaching for nine years, and I'm afraid I might be out of the loop on buzz words and acronyms that will be on the test. I have read the chat about it form previous test-takers, and taken the practice tests on the official website. Does anyone have any tips about any terminoligy or theroy that might not be just plain common sense? I would appreciate it, as I am getting nervous about Saturday. Thanks!
If you're pretty comfortable with what's on the official Web site, you're probably going to do just fine on the test itself. Have you managed a look at the Diaz-Rico & Weed book that 25YearsIn mentions?
Thanks for your reply! No, I just read about the Diaz-Rico and Weed book on this forum today. I plan to buy it later and read at least the end of it (as was advised). I passed all three of the practice tests on the official website, but I am worried about theory that I may not have had the opportunity to study nine years ago. Are there any theories or important peolpe that are focused on in the test? Thanks for all the info so far! The CTEL is is so new that I have had trouble getting straight facts about it.
By the way, do you know if 25YearsIn and mimers31 passed their tests? Thanks again to all three of you guys for sharing your conversation!
Mrs. D, Yes, both Mimers31 and I passed our tests on the first go. Please see my previous note as to test content. And worry not over questions on named theories and/or important persons. You are not required to cope with them. It is a practical test, so be sure you have a handle on what a student may safely be expected to know and do at the CA Standards' various identified levels. The 3rd edition Weed-Rico gives some classroom-based suggestions that would be good to review for that. BTW, I was amazed to find myself getting tired, you know, that little voice that whispers "Who cares?" when things start getting long? And I'm a really good test-taker. One does well to remember that this is a thinking test. Each scenario needs some mental work to weigh the various options. So eat when you can, stay hydrated, take brain breaks, and get the "U Rah Rah!" mental set going well in advance. As to possibly missed theory since your classes nine years ago? I am now 26 years out of school. It wasn't a problem. Good luck to you, and please sign on to tell us when you pass as well as to share your own thoughts for folks who happen upon this thread in future. We'll launch a frisbee in your name. And maybe TG's Seal of Approval will make an appearance. That alone would be well worth your signing on, LOL.
25YearsIn's advice is always good - well, except for the very last bit. Which is merely an attempt to... seal my fate.
Thanks for the tips (and the empathy)! I have read most of the Diaz-Rico & Weed book, I am comfortable with CA State Standards in ELA, and I have practiced with all four essay topics. I just hope I can make it through the "Who Cares?" point that you speak of. Be ready to launch that frisbee for me! I can take care of the margarita part. Thanks again! Wish me luck tomorrow.
I'll second that expectation, get the frisbee brigade up and running, and stock the margarita mix. Wouldn't want you to have to drink alone. As to the Seal of Approval, you'll have to take my word for this, but TG's bark is every bit as good as her byte.
Margarita mix??? Perish the thought! Reposado, fresh Key lime juice, and Citronge in honor of whoever I'm toasting, thank you very much indeed. 25YearsIn notwithstanding, all I've managed to bark lately is my shins.
I have, however, a seasonal story, which reportedly happened in either Newport harbor or San Diego harbor, depending on who you ask. In either harbor, many sailboats and other private craft are moored more or less permanently, and people live on or spend a great deal of time on quite a few of them. It's traditional to decorate these vessels for the holidays - but it's not easy to shinny up a mast to affix Christmas lights, so there are some companies that specialize in this sort of thing. One day a harbor habitue was returning to his three-masted vessel - and discovered that one of these companies was in the middle of installing a ten-foot blue spruce on the bow. It was a handsome spruce, to be sure, but it wasn't his spruce. So in proper maritime style, our hero hailed the foreman of the decorating crew: "Ahoy, there, mate! You're treeing up the wrong barque!"
Oh my oh my, deep chagrin over the faux pas regarding margaritas. I now confess all mine come from those very friendly barque-tenders one finds when out and about. (Now I'm in for it. Hang on, everyone.)
With apologies to Tennyson: Sunrise, tequila-laced, And one last call for me! And may there be no moaning of the bar-que When I have passed the C...TEL
Sorry - I didn't mean to spark the drink mixing debate again! I do, however, agree with Teacher Groupie. Only lime juice and triple sec will touch my tequila! The test was so long, and I only got one 20 min. break for lunch, so it was quite a day. You guys were right - it was mostly practical. There were some odd questions about court cases and CA propositions that were not so practical, though. My second question (first thing in the morning) had made-up words on it! I will try to tell you guys when I get my (passing) scores. I know that, at the least, I passed Test 3. Thanks again!
Thank you for the affirmation, Mrs. D: I need all the help I can get, especially when the citrus is fighting back. Court cases and California propositions, eh? And made-up words? Well, those are very practical from the point of view of the working teacher. Chances are you did fine on all three, Mrs. D... do you take salt on your margarita, or not?
ctel advice Like 25YearsIn, stamina is a concern for me when I take the CTEL this month. I'll take all 3 subsets. Anyone know approx. how long each subset takes? I'm sked for 2 during 7:30 session and 1 during 11:30 session. And I thought we could only bring water. I'd like to rest and eat a bit - not to mention bathroom breaks. Thanks.
The rules for NES tests generally state that you may have only water at your desk. Examinations that have scheduled breaks generally allow (and some even recommend) eating during the breaks.
According to section 1 of the study guide, http://www.ctel.nesinc.com/PDFs/CX_SGsection1.pdf, each session lasts three hours. How you use that time - how you distribute it among the subtests - is up to you. Subtest I consists of 50 multiple choice questions and one essay; Subtest II consists of 60 multiple choice questions and two essays. If you allow 1 minute per multiple choice question, that leaves a little over an hour to write. The scoring scale (0 to 4) and the time suggest longer responses than are called for on CSET-MS: these are more nearly like CSET single subject extended responses, it would seem.
Thanks Thanks to TeacherGroupie. You have been very helpful. I'll get my test scores just as I'm off on vacation (after summer school.) Mrs. D was also helpful especially about court cases and made-up words. Anyone else who has taken the test and can provide advice should feel free to add their comments. Best wishes to all of you.
I've been prodding my brain since the issue of test timing came up on the thread. I am sorry to say that my brain no longer seems to hold onto details like this, but TG's quote from NES about the three hour time blocks jogged it further. As far as I can recall, yes, the test makers say each session is 3 hours. I also recall sittiing there and being relieved to hear that that wasn't how it would go. Seems to me the morning's two tests were handed out simultaneously. Then we set one aside. The three hour time slot was wAAAAy more than anyone needed, which functionally made it an untimed test. When everyone was finished with test 1, then we went to test 2. I recall being a bit impatient for the last person to finish test 1 so I could get on with it, but the wait wasn't lengthy. The morning ended up being about 4 hours in my seat including handout time at the beginning. At the end of test 2, you left for lunch (I brought a bagged one). Had enough time then to get a bit sunburned outside before returning for test 3 in the afternoon. And out in about 90 minutes-ish. Again, we turned that one in and left when through. Sorry to be so sketchy--best I can do. Worst part of it all was the #@!!#$ student seats. DO stretch, move, and take restroom break(s). You'll need the "rest" whether or not you need the "room." You don't need luck on the test content, but good luck with the setup--heat, cooling, and seat comfort.
I am so appreciative. I have and am preparing re content. Now I can prepare for the real test issues - seats, breaks etc. Onward. And again, thanks.
CTEL June 28th This will be my third time taking this ridiculous test. I am a music teacher and got my degree more than 30 years ago. However, I only got a Ca. credential 3 years ago. I have taken 3 test prep classes and studied hard. I am convinced that NES has made their mission to make it as difficult as possible to pass this text so they can make more money. Does anybody else feel the same? If you don't, thats ok too. I would like to talk to any one.
My sympathies, Kstalmann: this isn't a fun position to be in. What have you been using to study? And where specifically does the test seem to be giving you grief?
CTEL Anyone Thanks TeacherGroupie. I am using the latest book, A Course for Teaching English Learners, and 2 study guides issued by the San Diego County Office of Education. I am also using some of the power point materials from the first 2 prep courses I took. I don't have any trouble with the constructed response questions, just the multiple choice. I passed CTEL 1 and missed 2 & 3 by a total of 9 points.Specifically, culturally inclusive instruction, and Foundations of English language literacy and strategies for ELD and content instruction. So much of the jargon wasn't in use when I went to school, and I don't use most of it in my classes. They are quite devilish in their question writing and even their answer choices are tricky.
Nine points total... ouch. For the English language literacy, have you checked out the state content standards for English/language arts and for English language development?
Just got home...finished...sigh!!! For the morning session, they handed out sections 1 and 3 together, which I liked. Surprisingly, we were allowed to switch back and forth between the tests. At least, they didn't prevent it. Someone said before that the practice tests from NESC are fairly accurate and true to the real test - they're right! However, a few of the questions were so easy that they were a waste of time - the answers were incredibly obvious. If you were ever in Sunday School when you were little, you probably remember that the answer was always "Jesus!" Well, these were the same way. The answer was always the one that...well...did what the book said to do. The last test, the one on assessment, might have killed me, though. I was less sure about the MC, and sat there staring at the essays for probably 10 minutes. Maybe it was test fatigue, maybe it was flying in from the East Coast and landing at 10pm last night, maybe it's just that I didn't study enough, but I'm thinking that I'll have to retake that section It's naptime...
Have a hug, nothermanda. It's not at all uncommon for a test taker to fear that a section just smoked her - and then find out she passed after all. Have you had your chocolate yet?
Hooray for chocolate...or, rather, graham crackers and nutella Thanks for the reassurance! This summer is feeling incredibly short!
Any body has any idea about CTEL on-line courses? I know only one from UCSD extension program. any other ?
CTEL Study material Can someone help me find the right CTEL study material. Will Orange County Education material be sufficient for the three subtests? Thanks
If your goal is simply and solely to pass a test, then the OCDE materials will probably do the job. If your goal is to learn some things that will make a difference to your teaching and also do all right on the test, you might follow the recommendation of 25YearsIn at the beginning of this thread and go with Diaz-Rico & Weed's Cultural, Language, and Academic Diversity Handbook, 3d edition, or one of Diaz-Rico's later books that cover the same territory such as the California Teachers of English Learners Handbook (Diaz-Rico seems to be into book titles whose acronyms echo the acronym for the test in question). As for me, I'd go for the learning that also conduces to the test-passing, rather than the other way around.
