Pike/Lesley University Collaborative

The Pike School/Lesley University

Student Guide to MTEL

Introduction
Welcome to Lesley University’s student guide to MTEL (abridged for The Pike School). By now you must have many questions concerning the teacher test requirements for your license, and you’re not sure who to talk to. This guide is designed to provide basic information about the state testing requirements and Lesley University’s testing policy.

Test Requirements
Any student enrolled in an Initial Licensure program must take the Communication and Literacy test (you will be required to pass this test only once) and the subject matter test(s) associated with the program in which you are enrolled.

Licensure Requirements
In order for Lesley University to endorse you for licensure in Massachusetts, you must:
•    Complete the approved program at Lesley University
•    Complete all state testing requirements
•    Request an endorsed transcript through the Lesley University Certification Office website, www.lesley.edu/certification

Required Tests for Elementary Licensure (1-6)
•    Communication and Literacy
•    General Curriculum
•    Foundations of Reading

For the General Curriculum Math subtest only:  A Conditional-Pass indicates that a score of at least 227-239 between March 7, 2009, and June 30, 2012, meets the qualifying score requirement, but candidates who scored in the 227-239 range will be required to retake the General Curriculum Math subtest and earn a score of 240 or higher in order to advance the license to the next stage or renew an Initial license.

* The General Curriculum MTEL has a Multi-subject subtest and a Math subtest. Candidates may take one or both subtests at a given administration. A passing score on the Elementary, Middle School, or High School Math MTEL will meet with Math subtest requirement for General Curriculum.

Graduate Programs Leading to Initial Licensure
•    Beginning September 1, 2009, all NEW applicants seeking admission to an initial license program must submit evidence of having taken, or registered for, the Communication and Literacy Skills MTEL.
•    Effective Fall 2010, all students seeking a first Initial License must pass ALL portions of the MTEL(s) required for their licensure program to be eligible for student teaching or practicum.

Specific Suggestions
•    Download and print the test objectives for each exam.
•    For those who must pass General Curriculum MTEL, take Online Math Diagnostic, EDIAG 5000 01, to assess math knowledge.
•    Take related MCAS tests in the subject area(s) of your license and beyond the grade level of your license. Tests can be accessed at www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/testitems.html
•    Download and take a sample MTEL available at www.mtel.nesinc.com.

Test Preparation
Lesley University is committed to supporting students who must complete the state testing requirements; therefore, there are free Teacher Test Prep Workshops for Lesley University students presented before every MTEL test administration.

Information about the workshops is available at www.lesley.edu on the Lesley University Certification web page under MTEL Workshops. All registrations must be completed on-line.

Tutoring
The Center for Academic Achievement offers free tutoring for Lesley University students who may need extra support in taking the Communication and Literacy MTEL. Lesley students have access to unlimited tutorial assistance in test-taking strategies and individual academic assistance. You may call the Center for Academic Achievement at any time to schedule an appointment at 617.349.8459, or visit their website at www.lesley.edu/caa.

The Certification Office has a limited list of private tutors that students can hire for a fee. Please call 617.349.8427 to request the names of private tutors for Communication and Literacy, General Curriculum, Early Childhood and Foundations of Reading.

MTEL Registration:  How to Register
Students should register online for the MTEL at www.mtel.nesinc.com. It is strongly suggested that students register online for the MTEL to ensure timely registration. Telephone registration is available for those candidates who have previously registered for an MTEL test. Telephone registration hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. eastern time, Monday – Friday, excluding holidays. Register by calling 413.256.2892.

If you have not received confirmation of registration by one week before the late registration deadline, you should call Evaluation Systems of Pearson immediately at 413.256.2892 (teletypewriter:  413.256.8032) to check on your registration status.

Include Lesley University (30) to receive test results each time you register.


2009-2010 MTEL Registration Schedule