The Content Area Tests measure how well students know the subject matter they will teach. Each test contains 125 multiple choice questions. Below are details and resources for some of the more popular Content Area Tests: Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education and Secondary Education.
Early Childhood Education Test
The Early Childhood Education Content Area Test (#107) focuses on grades K-3 and public school settings. It covers stages of child development, identifying and working with learning-challenged children, and encouraging age-appropriate progression through classroom activities.
You will need to study prominent theories of child development such as Piaget and Vygotsky, understand methods of instruction and classroom management, intervention techniques and IEPs, and know how to effectively communicate and collaborate with teachers, administrators and families.
Elementary Education Test
The Elementary Education Content Area Test (#110) measures your knowledge of five elementary subject areas:
Language Arts/Literature. (21-30 Questions) This subarea tests your knowledge of reading strategies and grammar used in the elementary classroom.
Math. (11-20 Questions) This subarea tests your knowledge of fractions, decimals, ratios, percentages, and concepts and methods relating to algebra and geometry.
Science. (11-20 Questions) You will be tested on knowledge of the life sciences, physical science, earth science and space science.
Social Science. (21-30 Questions) You will be expected to understand the structures and functions of the U.S. government, the relationship between economics and political principles in Illinois, the U.S. and the world, U.S. and world geography, and knowledge of significant historical developments in the history of Illinois, the U.S. and the world.
Arts, Physical Education and Health. ( 11-20 Questions) You will be expected to understand historical and societal contexts for significant works of art, music and drama. You also will be tested on concepts of physical fitness and principles and practices related to personal, family and community health and safety.
Secondary Social Science--History
The Social Science--History test (#114) covers a range of social science topics. In Illinois teachers earn a Social Science endorsement with a designation in one or more specific social science areas. At DePaul, that designation is History. The questions are divided between a general social science foundations section and a history section.
Foundations. (40 or more questions) This section includes psychology, sociology, economics, geography and political science. These questions will test your understanding of the key concepts of each area of social science, as well as your knowledge of how the social sciences are practiced.
History. The remainder of the questions focus on world history, U.S. history and Illinois history. Topics may include early civilizations, major historical events and figures, social and economic development, and political structures.
Other
Information about the other Secondary content area tests (including English, Mathematics, Physical Education, History/Social Science, Visual Art, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science) can be found on the ILTS website.