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RICA test

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

RICA Test Prep: The Art Of Educated Guesstimating

You’ve studied for your RICA test, but that scenario still rears it’s ugly head: you simply don’t know the answer to a question. Since your RICA test is timed to approximately one minute per question, you have two options to quickly choose from. Either you can move on and return to the question if you have any time remaining, or you could employ the fine art of educated guesstimating.


Eliminate Wrong Answers. Know that at least one or two answers are definitely wrong? Then you can increase your odds of getting the right answer. If you’re more mathematically-minded, think about it this way: eliminating just one wrong answer increases your odds of getting the right answer by 20%. How’s that for great odds?


Avoid The “Danger” Words. Answers with words like “always”, “never”, “all”, and “everyone” are usually wrong, since they’re sweeping generalities. RICA test makers love tripping future teachers up with these trick questions!


Longer Is Better. If you’re choosing between a long and short answer, go for the long one. However, avoid this strategy if the longer answer contains any technical jargon. These are trick questions designed to confuse you.

For more great RICA test strategies that will help you ace your test, check out the RICA test preparation site today!

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

How To Write Your RICA Essay:

We have a quick partial preview of our winning RICA Essay Formula. You need to consistently execute this formula without spending too much time on any one question. The essay questions on the RICA will give you a scenario of a classroom situation. You will need to show you can apply your knowledge. The key to cracking the code of the RICA essay is answer the following questions:The word PASS (P.A.S.) will successfully answer your RICA essay questions.
(Believe me, this works.)


1.) P. List the POSITIVES or strengths given a classroom scenario of the essay question.


2.) A. ASSESS the needs of the student(s), write a list of dominant needs.


3.) S. Explain the STRATEGY you will use to address the student’s needs.



Number one: list the strengths of the students (e.g. can read some sight words, have an interest in reading).


Number two: write the needs of the students. What reading strategies/ skills are they lacking (e.g. phonics skills on an automatic level to promote fluency and comfort with reading)?


Number three: write one appropriate teaching strategy for teaching the student(s) based on the needs you identified (e.g. create activity centers that provide practice in phonics skills and previously taught generalizations, choral reading).


Use this method to answer essay questions. Remember, one good strategy based on a dominant need of the students will be sufficient. Don’t just say “teach the students S.Q.3R. to promote the reading comprehension of the sixth grade class.” Describe how you would go about teaching S.Q.3R. Show you know what this strategy is and how to apply it. The RICA is heavy on testing your ability to apply knowledge.


(All the test tips and full details are in the RICA Comprehensive Study Systems.)

RICA test help, RICA study guide

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Your RICA Test, The Need To Be Well Prepared…

Too many teachers are restricted from getting their credential and a teaching job at the last moment because of a failing score. Start preparing for the test and take it early in the credential process. If you do fail early in the credential process the effects won’t be as damaging and you won’t risk delaying your professional progress. You will not be so stressed taking this test at the very end and risk holding up your credential and teaching career. Ideally, you should take the RICA as close to the end of your reading course as possible so you remember the information. It will be to your advantage to take your prior knowledge from your reading course while it is still be fresh in your memory and blend it into a RICA Comprehensive Success System to pass. If you do poorly on the RICA earlier in the credential process the consequences will be less damaging. Although the RICA is not as difficult as the CSET you need time combined with a quality preparation program. Why not be on the safe side and over prepare? The cost of under preparing is a lot higher than over preparing. This extra effort may not be a waste of time, but get you quicker to your goal.

We explain precisely what areas to focus and allocate your time to study. Who has time to study what will not be on the exam? We stay abreast of the changes currently being made on the CSET test and RICA exam. Start preparing now and allow yourself to be successful.
http://www.teachingsolutions.org/cset.html
http://www.teachingsolutions.org/rica.html