TESTING INFORMATION INDIANAPOLIS

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1 TESTING INFORMATION INDIANAPOLIS

2 IN THIS SECTION: Testing Information Overview of Testing» Testing Action Steps» Testing Timeline» Placement Specific Testing Instructions Registration Instructions» Testing Preparation» Testing Exemptions Teach for America Region Name 2

3 Overview of Testing In order to meet the requirements to be able to teach in Indiana, all teachers must take and pass one or more exams depending on your teaching assignment. This document will provide you with information about the steps you will need to take in order to make a smooth transition into an Indianapolis classroom. We know testing can be a stressful topic, so we try to be as transparent and clear with our requirements and expectations as possible. You will also be part of a mandatory one on one call (invitation coming soon) with Ricky Ritter (Director, Incoming Corps Indianapolis) in the coming 4 weeks to talk about your specific testing situation. Please DO NOT register for exams until you have connected with Ricky. Taking and passing this/these test(s) is required in order to be hired by and teach in our partner schools. If you do not take and pass the required test(s), you will not be able to be placed in an Indianapolis classroom. While we will recommend resources for you to use in order to prepare for your test and to assist you in the registration process, it is ultimately your responsibility to take and pass all of your exams. Those who do not pass will be unable to teach in Indianapolis and may need to request a deferral to join the 2018 corps. For this reason, we strongly urge you to take the earliest possible exam and to begin preparing now. We have found that when corps members have planned ahead and prepared adequately, they have been able to pass these exams. If you have concerns about passing your exams, please me (Ricky) at Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org. Locate your teaching assignment in the table below to find information about the specific tests you will need to take based on your teaching assignment. Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org, a member of the regional team, to verify your exam type before registering (or wait until your one on one certification call with Ricky) We may require additional information about your testing registration or scores and will communicate any additional action steps. When you receive your admission ticket by , please forward this to Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org so that we have a record of your registration. TESTING TIMELINE In order to facilitate the placement process, it is important that you register for your tests and take them as specified below. In the past, failure to do so has resulted in significant consequences, including delayed placements and lower pay in best-case scenarios, and release from the corps in worst case scenarios. NOTE: All corps members are required to take their required exams according to the timeline listed below. If you cannot test on the specified date for your application deadline, you will need to contact the Indianapolis staff immediately at or Ricky Ritter at Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org. TESTING ACTION STEPS Note the registration and testing deadlines for the tests that you are required to take and place these dates on your personal calendar to ensure you are able to meet these deadlines. Teach for America Region Name 3

4 TESTING TIMELINE Exam CASA Subtests: Reading Math Writing Testing Fee $38 per subtest $114 total Who Should Take It? Registration Deadline Test Date Reading and Math: All Corps Members (unless exempt due to SAT, ACT, or GRE score or procession of a Master s degree) Writing: All Corps Members Because the Writing portion is mandatory for all corps members, it is recommended that you register for this test ASAP. Note that this test can only be taken in Indiana. Because this test is only offered in Indiana, your testing date will be discussed during your one on one certification call with Ricky. He will reach out to schedule this soon! Pearson Content Exam $80 - $145 All Corps Members 1/2 DL: 01/01/17 1/2 DL: 01/31/17 take this exam in the 3 DL: 02/15/17 3 DL: 03/15/17 associated subject area of their placement. 4 DL: 03/31/17 5 DL: 04/30/17 6 DL: 05/08/17 4 DL: 04/31/17 5/6 DL: 05/31/17 Pearson Major Exam $114 All Corps Members take this exam in the subject that is most aligned with their undergraduate major. 1/2 DL: 01/01/17 3 DL: 02/15/17 4 DL: 03/31/17 5 DL: 04/30/17 6 DL: 05/08/17 1/2 DL: 01/31/17 3 DL: 03/15/17 4 DL: 04/31/17 5/6 DL: 05/31/17 Pedagogy Exam Tests: ECE (P-3) Elementary (K-6) Secondary (5-12) $114 All Corps Members take this exam in the associated grade level of their placement to be licensed at the end of their second year. Registration for this exam will happen during the spring of Corps Members will not take this exam until the spring of Teach for America Region Name 4

5 HOW TO REGISTER CASA: 1. Register at or call Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure Program at to schedule a testing appointment. Representatives are available to assist you Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. 2. Test Session/Test Selection: CASA Reading, CASA Mathematics, CASA Writing 3. Pay for your test using a major credit card, or follow instructions at to receive authorization to pay by check. 4. Your score report will be available in your account as a PDF for three months after the score report date. From your account, you may view, print, and save your score report during that period. Your testing history for all CASA subtests taken, reported as pass/not pass status, is always available to you through your account. Please your scores to Ricky Ritter at Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org. 5. Study for your exams. Test prep materials can be found at and through a link that includes all the Teach For America resources that Ricky will provide. 6. On the Test Day: You will receive an admission ticket via when you complete your registration. Bring your ticket, photo ID, and this document with you to the test center on your test day. at to receive authorization to pay by check. 4. Your score report will be available in your account as a PDF for three months after the score report date. From your account, you may view, print, and save your score report during that period. Your testing history for all CASA subtests taken, reported as pass/not pass status, is always available to you through your account. Please your scores to Ricky Ritter at Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org. 5. Study for your exams. Test prep materials can be found at www. in.nesinc.com/prepare and through a link that includes all the Teach For America resources that Ricky will provide. 6. On the Test Day: You will receive an admission ticket via when you complete your registration. Bring your ticket, photo ID, and this document with you to the test center on your test day. Pearson Exams: 1. Register at or call Indiana CORE Assessments for Educator Licensure Program at to schedule a testing appointment. Representatives are available to assist you Monday- Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET. 2. Test Session/Test Selection: Take the test(s) in the associated subject area of your placement or subject you plan on receiving your license. 3. Pay for your test using a major credit card, or follow instructions Teach for America Region Name 5

6 TEST PREPARATION IMPORTANCE Test preparation and passage is fully your responsibility. We cannot stress enough the importance of prioritizing test preparation. These exams can go into great depth and breadth, be very difficult, and have different types of questions. They can also be longer than previously taken standardized tests. Unfortunately, we have had corps members fail these exams despite having majored in the same field as the exams they took. As noted below, the consequences of failing to prepare for a test are significant and costly. You must pass your tests before you can begin teaching. Those who do not pass may be unable to teach in Indianapolis and may need to request a deferral to join the 2018 corps. While test passage itself is not presently an indicator of teacher effectiveness, building content knowledge in your license area will better prepare you for the 1st day of school. Retaking tests is expensive, but fully reimbursed by Teach For America - Indianapolis. You will only pay for these exams the first time you take them. PREPARATION It is crucial to budget enough time to thoroughly prepare for the actual test. We have found in the past that corps members spent anywhere from total hours in order to adequately prepare for certification tests. Below we have included key steps to consider when planning your test preparation. Understand what the test covers Diagnose how well you know the test material Gather study materials Plan and organize your time Practice explaining the key concepts Learn how questions will be scored If you have any questions about test preparation or feel you need support, please reach out to Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org. You can access test preparation materials and information at REGISTRATION AND TEST TAKING TIPS We strongly encourage you to register for the earliest possible test date in order to facilitate early placement and to allow time to retake your exam if necessary. We also encourage you to begin studying for your exams as soon as possible. Keep in mind that you often must register for your tests several weeks prior to the actual testing dates. If you do not meet the registration deadline or you mistakenly sign up for the wrong tests you may be subject to late registration fees and change request fees. Additional information will be shared during the one on one calls after you accept your offer. If you are in need of special testing accommodations, please visit for more information. Please check your testing website to ensure you have all necessary materials. Commonly requirement documents to bring on the testing day include: photo ID, test confirmation document that you received upon registration, and # 2 pencils. These documents vary slightly by test and company therefore, please be sure to check the testing website to be sure you have all necessary materials to sit for your specific test. Teach for America Region Name 6

7 TESTING EXEMPTIONS As mentioned previously, it is possible to be exempt from taking the CASA Math and CASA Reading exams. If you meet the requirements below, please forward your ACT/SAT/GRE scores or a copy of your Master s (or higher) degree to Ricky Ritter at Ricky.Ritter@teachforamerica.org, so you can be released from these testing requirements and costs. Teach for America Region Name 7

8 TESTING INFORMATION INDIANAPOLIS The Indianapolis Office 1314 North Meridian Street, Suite 200 Indianapolis, IN