Prepping for the Barron’s Nystce Like a Boss: Tips & Tricks
The Barron’s Nystce (or New York State Teacher Certification Examination) is a test that aspiring teachers need to pass to get certified as a teacher in New York state. The test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge and skills in their chosen subject area, as well as their general teaching abilities. The Barron’s Nystce is not an easy test, but with some preparation, you can pass it with flying colors. In this article, we’ll give you some tips and tricks to help you prep for the Barron’s Nystce like a boss.
Know What You’re Up Against
The first thing you need to do when prepping for the Barron’s Nystce is to know what you’re up against. The test is divided into two parts: the Educating All Students (EAS) test and the Content-Specialty Test (CST). The EAS test is a test of your knowledge of the principles of teaching students of all backgrounds, while the CST is a test of your knowledge of your subject area. Both tests are multiple-choice, and you’ll have three hours to complete each one. The EAS test consists of 40 questions, and the CST consists of between 90 and 110 questions, depending on the subject.
Get the Right Study Materials
To pass the Barron’s Nystce, you need to have the right study materials. The Barron’s Nystce prep books are a great place to start, but you can also find study materials online. Quizlet and Khan Academy are two great resources for studying for the Barron’s Nystce. Make sure you use multiple sources so that you’re exposed to different ways of explaining the same material.
Study Your EAS Principles
The first part of the Barron’s Nystce, the EAS test, is a test of your knowledge of the principles of teaching students of all backgrounds. You need to study the EAS principles to pass this part of the test. The EAS principles include:
- Diverse student populations
- Social, cultural, and economic contexts of education
- Foundations of reading development
- Literacy instruction across the curriculum
- Foundations of English Language Learner Education
- School and community partnerships
- Professionalism
Make sure you spend a significant amount of time studying these principles!
Know Your CST Subject
The second part of the Barron’s Nystce is the Content-Specialty Test (CST). This test is a test of your knowledge of your subject area. Make sure you know the content and format of the CST for your subject. You can find this information on the NYSTCE website.
Raise your hand if you know what CST stands for.
Take Practice Tests
One of the best ways to prep for the Barron’s Nystce is to take practice tests. Taking practice tests will help you simulate the real test-taking situation, as well as help you identify areas you need to focus on. You can find practice tests on the NYSTCE website or in Barron’s Nystce prep books. Make sure you take multiple practice tests to get a feel for the test format and type of questions asked.
Taking practice tests is like taking a test before the actual test, which is like inception for tests.
Use Memory Tricks
There are many memory tricks you can use to help you remember the information you need for the Barron’s Nystce. For example, you can use acronyms or come up with silly stories to help you remember certain concepts. Here are a few examples:
- Use the acronym SADIS to remember the elements of a lesson plan: situation, analysis, development, implementation, and summation.
- Use the acronym HOMES to remember the Great Lakes: Huron, Ontario, Michigan, Erie, and Superior.
Memory tricks are like cheat codes for your brain.
Join a Study Group
Joining a study group can also be a great way to prep for the Barron’s Nystce. A study group can help you stay motivated, understand difficult concepts, and get feedback on your understanding of the material. You can find study groups online or through your college or university.
A study group is like a gang of nerds, but instead of robbing banks, they’re robbing the test of its difficulty.
Statistics and Data
The Barron’s Nystce includes questions on statistics and data. Make sure you’re familiar with basic statistics concepts, such as mean, median, and mode, as well as data analysis concepts, such as histograms and scatterplots. You can find these concepts in Barron’s Nystce prep books or online resources.
Statistics and data are like math with context, so you can pretend you’re doing something important.
Time Management
Time management is crucial for passing the Barron’s Nystce. You only have three hours to complete each part of the test, so you need to make sure you’re using your time effectively. Make sure you allocate enough time for each question and section of the test. If you get stuck on a question, move on to the next one and come back later if you have time.
Time management is like a game of Tetris, but instead of blocks, it’s your life.
Know Your Test Center
Make sure you know the location and schedule of your test center. Double-check the address and make sure you know how to get there. Also, make sure you arrive at least 30 minutes early to give yourself time to check in and get settled.
Knowing your test center is like knowing the location of your enemy’s base before the battle.
Get Enough Rest
Getting enough rest before your test is also crucial. Make sure you get a good night’s sleep the night before your test and avoid caffeine and sugar before the test. You want to be alert and focused during the test.
Getting enough rest is like taking a nap before a marathon.
Be Confident
Finally, be confident! Believe in yourself and your ability to pass the Barron’s Nystce. Don’t let anxiety or self-doubt get in the way of your success. Remember that you’ve prepared for this test and that you’re ready to crush it!
Being confident is like putting on a suit of armor before going into battle.
Table: EAS Principles
| EAS Principles | Description |
|---|---|
| Diverse student populations | Understanding the different backgrounds and experiences of students |
| Social, cultural, and economic contexts of education | Understanding the impact of society, culture, and economics on education |
| Foundations of reading development | Understanding the stages of reading development and how to teach reading |
| Literacy instruction across the curriculum | Understanding how to integrate literacy instruction into all subject areas |
| Foundations of English Language Learner Education | Understanding how to teach English Language Learners |
| School and community partnerships | Understanding the benefits of partnerships between schools and community organizations |
| Professionalism | Understanding the importance of being a professional and ethical teacher |
List: Barron’s Nystce Study Resources
- NYSTCE website
- Barron’s Nystce Prep Books
- Quizlet
- Khan Academy
References:
- “NYSTCE – New York State Teacher Certification Examinations” Pearson
https://www.pearson.com/graduate-teacher-licensure/state-new-york.html - “Barron’s NYSTCE: The Best Test Preparation for the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations” Barron’s Educational Series, 2017.
- “NYSTCE Educating All Students (EAS) Study Guide” Mometrix Test Preparation, 2019.
https://www.mometrix.com/academy/nystce-educating-all-students-eas-study-guide/