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MTEL Academically Advanced

The Academically Advanced MTEL^® test evaluates the candidate’s understanding of literature, grammar, composition, and mathematics including algebra, geometry and trigonometry. The test also explores how well the candidate understands academically gifted students: what motivates them, how to reach them. and how to develop challenging lesson plans and creative strategies for evaluating their work product while keeping them actively engaged. The candidate is expected to be knowledgeable about the resources available to help and encourage gifted students reach their potential. These topics are addressed in 100 multiple-choice questions, which is 80 percent of the final score. Twenty percent of the final score is based on two open-response questions that test the candidate’s understanding of how to implement the information contained in the general knowledge questions addressed in the first section of the test.

Content Knowledge is 50 percent of the final score and has four subareas.

The Literature subarea includes questions about:

Genres: fiction, non-fiction, drama, poetry.
Elements of fiction: plot, setting, character, etc.
Interpreting literary devices.
Analyzing specific passages.
Major American and British themes, periods and movements.
Mythology, folk literature and narratives.
Authors in African, Asian, Latin American and European literature.

Questions about Rhetoric And Composition cover:

Principles of rhetoric.
Uses of language in communication.
Speaking and writing effectively.
Importance of the audience.
Steps in preparing a research paper.
Revising for clarity and accuracy.
Proper use of punctuation and standard rules of grammar.
Use of technology in the process.

The Mathematics subarea includes questions about:

Number theory.
Algebraic functions.
Numbers and patterns.
Basis of calculus.
Understanding Euclidian geometry and theorems.
Data analysis.
Probability and statistics.

Encouraging Learning In Academically Gifted Students is 30 percent of the final score and has three subareas.

Understanding Cognitive Abilities And Problem-Solving Skills questions include:

Knowledge of benefits and limitations of various assessment instruments.
Using the appropriate assessment vehicles to determine skills and placement.
Ability to develop plans and programs to enhance the learning of gifted students.
Familiarity with terms and the ability to use them appropriately and effectively.

Ability To Understand And Implement Research And Grouping Students Accordingly addresses:

Appropriate strategies and practices for teaching gifted students.
Designing lesson plans that encourage critical thinking.
Creating interdisciplinary projects.
Adjusting plans based on students’ needs.

Knowledge And Understanding Of Options Available To Gifted Students covers:

Alternative and enrichment programs.
Community resources available.
Identifying and locating material specifically for gifted students.
Methods for gifted students to showcase their knowledge and abilities.

The two open-response questions comprise 20 percent of the final score. Responses to these questions require understanding of How To Apply The Content Knowledge to real world situations. The candidate is asked to prepare a well organized, detailed analysis of some aspect of the content shown above for presentation to academically gifted students.