Study Tool Helps Future Teachers Prepare for Basic Skills Tests

• By Scott Aronowitz
• 08/17/09

Students are taking more standardized basic skills tests than ever. But before they can teach the skills, teachers have to show they have them, and that can sometimes be more daunting than the word "basic" implies. And with renewed nationwide focus on K-12 education and standards rising in the profession, many among the myriad of standardized tests seem to be getting even more challenging.

Clearwater, FL-based TeachRite is addressing the challenges with a new study tool for teachers in training. Built around a user-friendly website featuring a comprehensive LMS, the TeachRite training program is available for reading, writing, and mathematics and offers complete study guides with audio narration, extensive exam review (including hundreds of application-based questions and several practice exams), and remediation of the questions so users can learn from their mistakes.

The company cites as the program's objectives helping users improve their reading comprehension, refresh their essential math skills, and understand what a winning essay looks like. By enhancing skills related to these areas, TeachRite said it seeks to prepare teaching hopefuls for any and all of the following pre-professional skills exams:

• Praxis I (several states)
• APTTP Basic Skills Assessment (AL)
• AEPA Basic Skills Test (AZ)
• CBEST (CA)
• CSET Writing Skills Test (CA)
• PLACE Basic Skills Test (CO)
• FTCE General Knowledge Test (FL)
• CLAST (FL)
• GACE Basic Skills Assessment (GA)
• ICTS Basic Skills Test (IL)
• MTTC Basic Skills Test (MI)
• WEST-B Basic Skills Test (WA).

The TeachRite course is currently available at a cost of $34 for one month of unlimited use in one subject area. A special package deal for all three subject areas (reading, writing, math) is available for $59. The company offers a guarantee that users will pass their exams on the first try or receive a full refund.