Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 46: Dance

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 Questions
  • Subarea I: 33–35 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea II: 33–35 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea III: 31–33 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea IV: 2 open-response items
Time 4 hours (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240

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.

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
I Dance Movement: Elements, Skills, and Concepts 01–03 27%
II Dance as Expression: Creation, Production, and Analysis 04–06 27%
III Dance and Society: History, Purposes, and Practice 07–09 26%
80%
Open-Response*
IV Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 10 20%

*The open-response items may relate to topics covered in any of the subareas.

 

Subarea I–Dance Movement: Elements, Skills, and Concepts

Objective 0001: Understand movement skills, elements, and concepts and their relationship to dance learning and performing.
For example:
Objective 0002: Understand fundamental skills and concepts of diverse styles and genres of dance.
For example:
Objective 0003: Understand the developmental progression of physical skills and movement technique and the importance of personal practices in learning and performing dance.
For example:

 

Subarea II–Dance as Expression: Creation, Production, and Analysis

Objective 0004: Understand and apply principles and processes of choreography.
For example:
Objective 0005: Understand and apply principles of interpretation, analysis, and criticism of dance.
For example:
Objective 0006: Understand the requirements of performance and fundamentals of production and staging of dance.
For example:

 

Subarea III–Dance and Society: History, Purposes, and Practice

Objective 0007: Analyze the relationship between dance and society.
For example:
Objective 0008: Analyze the history and role of dance in the United States and the world.
For example:
Objective 0009: Analyze the connections between dance and other disciplines.
For example:

 

Subarea IV–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Objective 0010: Prepare an organized, developed analysis on a topic related to one or more of the following: dance movement: elements, skills, and concepts; dance as expression: creation, production, and analysis; and dance in society: history, purposes, and practice.

(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0009 and associated descriptive statements.)