North Carolina Foundations of Reading #190
Develop Test-Taking Confidence at Your Own Pace
Although originally written for the Massachusetts version of this certification test, the exams are identical, so this program is proven to help you pass this exam. The instructor and materials use the terms “MTEL” and “Massachusetts” but substitute “NC General Curriculum” or “North Carolina” when you hear or see them. Do not be misled into thinking that this program is not for you.
The Foundations of Reading is a notoriously challenging exam. Most aspiring educators consider this test the most daunting certification exam. Because this exam features a complex blending of fact and theory, test preparation cannot follow the same format you may be used to. You need a distinctive approach for this one-of-a-kind test.
Our Foundations of Reading video course prepares students to approach this exam with confidence. Taught by a certified reading specialist, this class covers all exam topics while weaving concepts together in a manner that reflects the logic of this unique exam. Students learn new test-taking strategies specific to the Foundations of Reading and are given practice questions at the end of each module. The pre-recorded video format allows students to repeat modules as needed and work at their own pace.
There is no exam quite like the Foundations of Reading. Whether you are preparing to take this exam for the first time or you have already struggled to pass it, our video test preparation program provides the insight and mindset you need to succeed.
About the Instructor
Carol Jacobson-Milano is a Massachusetts certified reading specialist with thirty-four years of experience teaching in Massachusetts public schools. Ms. Jacobson-Milano has worked with both teachers and students as a reading specialist for kindergarten through fifth grade. She has also served as a Chair and Co-Chair on committees created to develop and revise English Language Arts grade level curriculum guides.
In addition to her extensive experience putting Foundations of Reading concepts to work in the real world, Ms. Jacobson-Milano is a seasoned test preparation instructor. She has helped countless students pass the MTEL—the Massachusetts version of this exam, both through group instruction, video programs, and one-on-one tutoring.
Course Structure
The Foundations of Reading Prep Course is separated into four modules. These modules contain lessons that follow the structure and content of the test. Students can access these lessons at any time and work at their own pace.
Access to a bonus fifth module is included with the purchase of this course which contains more than 100 practice questions.
Students also receive a PDF workbook to supplement video lessons.
Course Outline
Module I: Foundations of Reading Development
- Phonological and Phonemic Awareness
- Phonics
- Structural Analysis
- Sight Vocabulary
- Concepts of Print
- Book Handling
- Influence of the Latin and the Greek on the English Language
Module II: Development of Reading Comprehension
- Comprehension as it Relates to Vocabulary Development
- Comprehension Related to Fiction
- Comprehension Related to Nonfiction
- Three Types of Comprehension:
- Literal
- Inferential
- Evaluative
- Genres and Their Characteristics
- Graphic Organizers Used to Organize Thinking and Record Thoughts or Ideas
Module III: Reading Assessment and Instruction
- Informal and Formal Assessments
- Criterion Reference Tests
- Standardized Tests
- Percentile Ranking
- Grade Level Equivalent
- Validity and Reliability of Testing
- Running Record Accuracy Levels
- Comprehension Rates
- Predictable Text
- Decodable Text
Module IV: Two Open Response Prompts
The open response portion of the Foundations of Reading is the most challenging section of the exam for most individuals. During this in-depth module, students learn several different strategies for approaching the two types of open response questions.
Open Response 1:
Test prep students learn to use their understanding of reading comprehension to identify strengths and weaknesses in incomprehension. This open response demonstrates the student’s understanding of concepts such as literal comprehension, inferential comprehension, levels of thinking, the influence of schema, and influence of self-monitoring.
Open Response 2:
Test prep students learn to use their knowledge of word identification strategies to analyze a child’s running record and identify strengths and weaknesses in word identification. This prompt covers strategies such as structural analysis, phonics, sight vocabulary, and context.
Module V: Bonus Content [Document]
Students who purchase and complete all four modules receive this bonus module containing additional practice opportunities and more than 100 new practice questions.
