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Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives:
Field 178/278: General Curriculum

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format

Computer-based test (CBT)

Subtest 1: Language Arts and History/Social Science (178)

  • 60 multiple-choice questions, 1 open-response item

Subtest 2: Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering (278)

  • 60 multiple-choice questions, 1 open-response item
Time 4 hours for one or both subtests (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240 on each subtest

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major content subareas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the subareas.

The test assesses a candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject at the level required for a baccalaureate major according to Massachusetts standards. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.

Test Objectives

Subtest 1: Language Arts and History/Social Science (178)

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Subtest 1: Language Arts and History/Social Science weighting by number of questions per subarea.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
Language Arts 01–04 30%
History/Social Science 05–09 60%
90%
Open-Response
Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 10 10%
10%

 

Subarea–Language Arts

0001—Apply knowledge of major genres and works of literature, including literature written for children, that represent a range of perspectives, with regard to gender; race; ethnicity; diversity of ability; sexual orientation; nation of origin; religion; age; and cultural, economic, and geographic backgrounds.

For example:

0002—Apply knowledge of informational texts.

For example:

0003—Apply knowledge of the characteristics of effective writing and research.

For example:

0004—Demonstrate knowledge of techniques for speaking and/or expressive communication and listening and/or receptive communication to use in a variety of contexts.

For example:

 

Subarea–History/Social Science

0005—Apply knowledge of basic economics, physical and human geography, and the relationships between geography and culture.

For example:

0006—Apply knowledge of major political, economic, social, cultural, and technological developments in world history to 1700 CE.

For example:

0007—Apply knowledge of the history of the United States and the history of Massachusetts.

For example:

0008—Apply knowledge of the development, principles, structure, and functions of government in the United States.

For example:

0009—Apply knowledge of methods, procedures, and sources used in the study of history and social science and of the guiding principles and instructional practices of effective history and social science education.

For example:

 

Subarea–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

In addition to answering multiple-choice items, candidates will prepare a written response to an assignment addressing content summarized in the objective below.

0010—Prepare an organized, developed written analysis comparing the treatment of a specific history/social science topic in given primary and secondary sources.

For example:

Subtest 2: Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering (278)

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

Subtest 2: Mathematics, Science, and Technology/Engineering weighting by number of questions per subarea.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
Mathematics 11–15 48%
Science and Technology/Engineering 16–19 42%
90%
Open-Response
Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 20 10%
10%

 

Subarea–Mathematics

0011—Apply number theory, structures of numeration systems and operations, and arithmetic properties to the real number system using the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

For example:

0012—Apply properties and applications of fractions, ratios, rates, and proportions using the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

For example:

0013—Apply knowledge of patterns, algebraic relationships, and functions using the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

For example:

0014—Apply concepts of geometry using the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

For example:

0015—Apply principles, concepts, and procedures related to measurement and data using the Standards for Mathematical Practice.

For example:

 

Subarea–Science and Technology/Engineering

0016—Apply knowledge of Earth and space science principles and the Science and Engineering Practices to interpret and analyze phenomena.

For example:

0017—Apply knowledge of life science principles and the Science and Engineering Practices to interpret and analyze phenomena.

For example:

0018—Apply knowledge of physical sciences principles and the Science and Engineering Practices to interpret and analyze phenomena.

For example:

0019—Apply knowledge of engineering principles and practices to interpret and analyze design problems.

For example:

 

Subarea–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

In addition to answering multiple-choice items, candidates will prepare a written response to an assignment addressing content summarized in the objective below.

0020—Prepare an organized, developed analysis of a scenario that integrates science/engineering and mathematics content and practices.

For example: