Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 101/201: Communication and Literacy Skills

Test Overview

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

Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test

Reading Subtest (101)

  • 42 multiple-choice questions

Writing Subtest (201)

  • 35 multiple-choice questions, 7 sentence correction items, 2 open-response items
Number of Questions

Reading Subtest (101)

  • Objective 0001: 6–8 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0002: 6–8 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0003: 6–8 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0004: 6–8 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0005: 6–8 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0006: 6–8 multiple-choice questions

Writing Subtest (201)

  • Objective 0007: 14–16 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0008: 9–11 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0009: 9–11 multiple-choice questions
  • Objective 0010: 7 sentence correction items
  • Objective 0011: 1 summary exercise
  • Objective 0012: 1 composition exercise
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 open-response items require candidates to prepare written responses to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, summarizing, and development of ideas in essay form on specified topics.

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

Reading Subtest (101)

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

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective for Reading subtest
Objective Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
0001 Meaning of Words and Phrases 16.7%
0002 Main Idea and Supporting Details 16.7%
0003 Writer's Purpose and Point of View 16.7%
0004 Relationships Among Ideas 16.7%
0005 Critical Reasoning 16.7%
0006 Outlining, Summarizing, Graph Interpretation 16.7%
100%

 

Objective 0001: Determine the meaning of words and phrases in the context in which they occur.
For example:
Objective 0002: Understand the main idea and supporting details in written material.
For example:
Objective 0003: Identify a writer's purpose, point of view, and intended meaning.
For example:
Objective 0004: Analyze the relationships among ideas in written material.
For example:
Objective 0005: Use critical reasoning skills to evaluate written material.
For example:
Objective 0006: Apply skills for outlining and summarizing written materials and interpreting information presented in graphic form.
For example:

 

Writing Subtest (201)

Pie chart of approximate test weighting for objectives 0007 through 0012 outlined in the table below.

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective for Writing subtest
Objective Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice/Short-Answer
0007 Establish and Maintain a Main Idea 15%
0008 Sentence Construction, Grammar, Usage 10%
0009 Spelling, Capitalization, Punctuation 10%
0010 Revise Sentences Containing Errors 15%
50%
Open-Response
0011 Summary Exercise 15%
0012 Composition Exercise 35%
50%
Objective 0007: Understand methods for establishing and maintaining a central theme or main idea.
For example:
Objective 0008: Recognize common errors of sentence construction, grammar, and usage.
For example:
Objective 0009: Recognize common errors of spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
For example:
Objective 0010: Demonstrate the ability to analyze and revise sentences containing common errors of sentence construction, grammar, usage, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.
For example:
Objective 0011: Demonstrate the ability to prepare an effective summary.
For example:
Objective 0012: Demonstrate the ability to prepare a well-organized and focused piece of writing for a given purpose and audience, using standard English conventions.
For example: