How to Prepare for Component 1 / the AC

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How to Prepare for Component 1 / the AC

by What Works

May 26, 2016

Many candidates are asking how to prepare for Component 1. They want to know how and what to study. With 25 certificate areas I couldn't possibly give every possible scenario, but there are things candidates in EVERY certificate area can do.

1) Study the examples given in the document found on the NB page with the matrix with all the Components. Click on Component 1.

Analyze the Selected Response questions. Note the topics these questions cover. There's a good chance you'll have at least some of these on YOUR test. Notice which topics address the various ages within your certificate. If there are some you are weak in or don't know, spend some time researching/reviewing. Generalists, the SR section might tend to cover subject areas NOT emphasized in the Constructed Response section - SS for instance. Consider boning up on topics such as US Government, important historical documents etc.

This works in ALL certificate areas...analyze those SR scenarios. If you c...See MoreMany candidates are asking how to prepare for Component 1. They want to know how and what to study. With 25 certificate areas I couldn't possibly give every possible scenario, but there are things candidates in EVERY certificate area can do.

1) Study the examples given in the document found on the NB page with the matrix with all the Components. Click on Component 1.

Analyze the Selected Response questions. Note the topics these questions cover. There's a good chance you'll have at least some of these on YOUR test. Notice which topics address the various ages within your certificate. If there are some you are weak in or don't know, spend some time researching/reviewing. Generalists, the SR section might tend to cover subject areas NOT emphasized in the Constructed Response section - SS for instance. Consider boning up on topics such as US Government, important historical documents etc.

This works in ALL certificate areas...analyze those SR scenarios. If you choose a response that turns out to be wrong, dig deeper and figure out WHY the NB chose a particular response. Become a student again and learn.

Use your State Standards to see what topics are covered in the various grade levels / courses contained in your certificate area. Make a list of the main topics and do some review and research. Use Google, teacher manuals, AP test prep materials etc. You'll need to be resourceful!

For the Constructed Responses, pay attention to how they're organized...Introduction, Criteria for Scoring, Directions, Stimulus, and Prompts. Now, read the VERBS that explain what you'll Do: Analyze, Explain, Provide, Describe, etc. Many exercises ask you do analyze strengths and weaknesses and address those with appropriate pedagogy. Elementary certificates are heavier on pedagogy than MS/HS certificates.

While reviewing content ( math, science etc.) you can have several strategies in mind that can fit many scenarios. Have those strategies memorized so you can recall and apply them quickly.

The 3 areas the CR's test are given to you. Figure out where your strengths and weaknesses are within those areas. ENS for example, you've got numeracy, assessment, and collaboration. Read the samples because they give you a pretty clear picture of the general areas you need to know about.

Use your State Standards here, too, to ferret out important concepts that could be used.

Now, start with the 3 Exercises given. Set a timer for 30 minutes and start typing a response following the prompts. Do this multiple times. You'll get faster each time, You'll think faster and type faster. You can use all the space you want...for example you can use bullets and not worry about the space they take up...but your time is strictly limited. So quick thinking is important. That's why having some strategies already in your head can help. This may be the #1 most important practice you can do.

BE RESOURCEFUL! I can't emphasize that enough. You'll likely need to research topics you don't teach, or haven't taught for a long time, or for grade levels/courses you don't teach. Accomplished teachers must be broadly cognizant of what comes above and below their own teaching context. Educate yourself!

Of course, this isn't all-encompassing. But if you use the NB samples, they will go a long way toward helping you.

Best of Luck to All!

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