art+tech+being

To the brave souls whose quest is to seek the coveted teachers license in Massachusetts, in its path lies something so hideous, so terrifying, that just the sight of those 4 wretched letters in sequential order leave thousands of prospects gasping for air.  What I speak of is the demon that is the Massachusetts Test for Education License (MTEL).  The following information may heed the reader well if they choose to engage the beast, known as The MTEL.

The MTEL was designed by the Massachusetts DOE to ensure all prospective teachers on the capable of communicating adequately to students, faculty and parents and that they possess significant knowledge in the content area they are seeking license in.   While I agree that teachers and administrators should possess adequate communication skills and content area knowledge, I thought that’s what a college degree proved.   You could have a PHD in Communication from an ivy league university and would still be required to take the MTEL.  $erioulsy, whats the deal?

To do well on any MTEL, you must prepare for the format of the test by studying the phrasing of questions and thoroughly understanding what the questions is asking.

All prospects are required to pass the Communication and Literacy MTEL which consists of a reading and a writing subtest.  Candidates must also pass a separate content area MTEL.  The reading portion requires you to read a passage and answer the multiple choice questions that follow.  Easy right?  It is fairly simple, but gets darn redundant once you have repeated the exercise a dozen times during the test.  Basically, you have to be able to comprehend the following after reading each entry:

• SUMMARY
• AUTHORS POV
• RANDOM VOCAB TERM
• WHICH STATEMENT BEST SUPPORTS THE AUTHORS POV
• MAIN IDEA

The writing subtest is where the fun really begins.  If you’re the type who enjoys doing sentence correction and composition exercises on weekends with friends,  you’ll be in great shape.  If not, you may want to complete the practice test a few times over to clear the webs and the dew from that part of your brain that’s labeled “SAT”.  A computer-based test is now being administered which saves you from handwriting lengthy essays in pencil (brutal).

If you’re smart you will register for the Reading and Writing subtests on different days,  or you could be like me and take them both at the same administration date.  I would advise taking them on different days to allow yourself ample time to complete the tests and to avoid the afternoon crash during the second testing period.  You’ll be arriving bright and early and need your strength to defeat the beast.

The MTEL Visual Arts test takes you on a journey across the globe spanning thousands of years, content wise.  To do well on any MTEL, you must prepare for the format of the test by studying the phrasing of questions and thoroughly understanding what the questions ask.  You can automatically eliminate two responses if you understand what the question is asking!  Don’t concern yourself with knowing every fresco from the Renaissance period but rather know thy format!

You don’t have to be an art history buff to get a qualifying score on the Visual Arts MTEL.  Having an appreciation for Art in a cultural and aesthetic context will be good enough.  Have a look at the following question (not from the MTEL practice test).

 

Which of the following techniques did the artist employ to direct eye movement to the central figure.

a.  Realism

b.  Fresco

c.  Orthographic Perspective

d.  Color contrast

If you read the question carefully you can rule out a, b and d because those answers aren’t specific to eye movement.  Perspective is more specific to directing eye movement so c would be the best choice.

The MTEL Visual Arts test has 100 multiple choice questions like the above example and two composition exercises. The composition exercises require you to analyze and provide relevant facts and supportive arguments about an image.  The images will most likely be one’s that you have never seen before so don’t panic.  On scrap paper, write down as much as you can about the image first in aesthetic terms, then go on describe your reaction to the artists motives.  Remember that your compositions constitute a decent portion of the weight on the test and will be graded by someone with an adequate knowledge of art so don’t write BS, it will only hurt you in the end.  You don’t necessarily have to be right or wrong regarding the artist motives but rather be convincing, supporting and concise in your writing.  You are going to want to use as much art related vocab to support your writing but be sure they are in the correct context.  Also, make sure your essays have a logical flow and transition well.

Use the following  guidelines when structuring your compositions and you’ll be in good shape.

Paragraph 1:  Introduction and basic objective thesis

Paragraph 2:  First main point and explain

Paragraph 3:  Second main point and explain

Paragraph 4:  Third main point and explain

Paragraph 5:  Finish up with your closing thoughts.  “In conclusion, I believe the overall statement…”

I stayed the entire 4hr administration period to complete the MTEL Visual Art test.  I suggest you do the same and don’t rush, think about how much you’re paying and the possible consequences  of a retake.  If you’re afraid of running out of time to complete the essays you can skip the multiple choice section and get started on the writing right away.  I should also mention that your test results arrive in the mail 6 weeks after taking the non computer-based tests and if you didn’t meet the qualifying score, you’re already in the late regi$tration period for the next administration.  Go figure.

 

The following MTEL survival techniques will help to minimize stress and maximize your score:

Be prepared - print out your admission tickets, get directions and have pencils and ID ready the night before.

Arrive to the test location early – Get up extra early so you can get your Dunkin routine in and secure a parking spot.  You need time to get through the lines to get your admission ticket and hand over your cell phone in a plastic bag.  Get there plenty early!

Get a good night sleep – It may be tough if you’re anticipating getting up early and driving to take the MTEL but try to get some decent rest because you need energy to do well.  Don’t cram!

Eat a healthy breakfast and stay hydrated - You need energy to stay focused for hours so eat some fruit and drink plenty of water.  You’ll also be avoiding that embarrassment when your stomach is gurgling in a silent classroom full of people.

Wear comfortable clothing - Sweatpants and a hoodie will do just fine.  If you have RLS and wear swishy pants you’re going to upset people.

 

Good luck! Feel free to add your comments and suggestions regarding the MTEL.  Thanks!