Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 56: Sheltered English Immersion

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test; 60 multiple-choice questions, 1 open-response item consisting of 5 parts
Number of Questions
  • Subarea I: 9–11 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea II: 27–29 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea III: 21–23 multiple-choice questions
  • Subarea IV: 1 open-response item consisting of 5 parts
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 Sheltered English Immersion test is one of the options for educators seeking to fulfill the requirements for the SEI Endorsement. For more information about the SEI Endorsement, see Rethinking Equity and Teaching for English Language Learners (RETELL) links to an external site on the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education website.

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 The World of English Language Learners and Their Teachers 01–03 10%
II Teaching Language and Sheltering Content in the Classroom 04–09 28%
III Literacy and Standards-Based Content Teaching for English Language Learners 10–12 22%
60%
Open-Response*
IV Integration of Knowledge and Understanding 13 40%

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

Subarea I–The World of English Language Learners and Their Teachers

Objective 0001: Analyze and apply knowledge of data and policies relevant to English language learners.
For example:
Objective 0002: Apply knowledge of diversity within English language learner populations.
For example:
Objective 0003: Apply knowledge of cultural and social aspects of teaching in the SEI classroom and school.
For example:

Subarea II–Teaching Language and Sheltering Content in the Classroom

Objective 0004: Examine the role of language and linguistics in instructing English language learners.
For example:
Objective 0005: Apply knowledge of second-language acquisition and the contributing factors in the SEI classroom.
For example:
Objective 0006: Analyze strategies for promoting oral language, listening comprehension, and vocabulary development in the SEI classroom.
For example:
Objective 0007: Apply knowledge of principles of sheltering content for English language learners in the classroom.
For example:
Objective 0008: Analyze strategies for teaching academic language in the SEI classroom.
For example:
Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of assessment of English language learners in the SEI classroom.
For example:

Subarea III–Literacy and Standards-Based Content Teaching for English Language Learners

Objective 0010: Analyze strategies for teaching reading in the SEI classroom.
For example:
Objective 0011: Analyze strategies for teaching writing in the SEI classroom.
For example:
Objective 0012: Apply knowledge of standards-based content teaching for English language learners.
For example:

Subarea IV–Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

In addition to answering multiple-choice items, candidates will prepare written responses to questions addressing content summarized in the objective below.

Objective 0013: Prepare an organized, developed analysis related to one or more of the following: the world of English language learners and their teachers; teaching language and sheltering content in the classroom; literacy and standards-based content teaching for English language learners.

(Refer to objectives 0001 through 0012 and associated descriptive statements.)