Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 190: Foundations of Reading

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test; 100 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Number of Items by Subarea
  • Subarea 1: 43–45 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea 2: 33–35 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea 3: 21–23 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea 4: 2 open-response items
Time 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) Foundations of Reading test is designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of reading/language arts required for the Massachusetts Early Childhood, Elementary, and Moderate Disabilities licenses. 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 Foundations of Reading test assesses the candidate's proficiency and depth of understanding of the subject of reading and writing development based on the requirement that the candidate has participated in seminars or courses that address the teaching of reading. Candidates are typically nearing completion of or have completed their undergraduate work when they take the test.

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

Test Objectives

Table outlining test content and subject weighting by sub area and objective.
Subareas Range of Objectives Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
1 Foundations of Reading Development 01–04 35%
2 Development of Reading Comprehension 05–07 27%
3 Reading Assessment and Instruction 08–09 18%
80%
Open-Response
4 Integration of Knowledge and Understanding
Foundational Reading Skills 10 10%
Reading Comprehension 11 10%
20%

 

Subarea 1–Foundations of Reading Development

Objective 0001: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for developing language and emergent literacy skills, including phonological and phonemic awareness, concepts of print, and the alphabetic principle.

For example:

Objective 0002: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for developing beginning reading skills, including phonics, high-frequency words, and spelling.

For example:

Objective 0003: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for developing word analysis skills and strategies, including syllabication, structural or morphemic analysis, and orthographic skills.

For example:

Objective 0004: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for developing reading fluency at all stages of reading development.

For example:

 

Subarea 2–Development of Reading Comprehension

Objective 0005: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for promoting academic language development, including vocabulary development.

For example:

Objective 0006: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for promoting comprehension and analysis of literary texts.

For example:

Objective 0007: Demonstrate knowledge of principles and evidence-based instructional practices for promoting comprehension and analysis of informational texts.

For example:

 

Subarea 3–Reading Assessment and Instruction

Objective 0008: Apply knowledge of principles and evidence-based best practices for assessing reading development.

For example:

Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of principles and evidence-based best practices of reading instruction.

For example:

 

Subarea 4–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0010: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to the development of foundational reading skills.

For example:

Objective 0011: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to the development of reading comprehension.

For example: