Online Study Community

Read comments on Test # 191 - Generalist EC-6

Go to page: 1 2 3 4 5

Strategy #1

Study: I purchased the TExES Generalist EC-6 by Rosado & Cliff's Notes: Generalist EC-6. I read all of the Cliff's Notes chapters thoroughly and used the Rosado manual to reinforce the ELA/Reading competencies. I wouldn't buy the Rosado book if I could go back. I failed the first time with a 239. My mistake on the first test was I ran out of time and couldn't complete the practice tests. For my second test; I re-read the ELA/Reading section, completed 2 practice exams in the Cliff's Notes manual and downloaded the Certified in a Flash app onto my ipad. This app was very helpful and interactive. I would recommend it.

Test: The test was much different than I expected it to be. You are expected to know the facts in each subject, but also there are a lot of scenario questions. Focus on Native American history, Texas history, music symbols (notes) and music terminology (crescendo, allegro, presto, etc), fractions, decimals, graphs and types of rocks. Remember that in the scenario questions; the hands-on or creative approach for students is usually correct.

Strategy #2

Study: I went to Barnes and Noble to use their study resources. I also took practice tests from their study books that helped me a lot.

Test: I would recommend to focus on Texas History. The test was pretty straight forward. I would recommend to take as much time as you need to read over questions a second time.

Strategy #3

Study: I studied a lot, not just because I wanted to pass but also because I was making a long and costly trip to take the tests (from N.C.) and didn't want it to be a waste. I used the Texas Teachers modules, the ETS manual and practice question book, the T-Cert website, and the Certify Teacher practice tests. Like others said you probably don't need to buy all those practice materials, but really, do you want to leave anything to chance? There are going to be some about Texas history, which are the farthest from common knowledge. The science and math are fairly easy in my opinion. Just think it all through and take you own time. Study as much as you need to feel comfortable, and make sure you know your ELA phonology/alphabetic prin. etc.

Test: I marked all the ones I wasn't sure about, and when I went back most seemed clearer with a second look. I think I gained confidence as I went, so the questions just seemed easier to discern the slight discrepancies which can clue you in to which right answer the test wants you to choose, because make no mistake, there's often more than one but only one MOST right. Then I went back and looked them ALL over one more time to make sure I was comfortable. I passed with a 284. I left thinking I was pretty sure I passed and needn't have worried, but like I said, do you really want to leave it to chance?

Strategy #4

Study: I used the Texas TExES Generalist EC-6 by Rosado. I also ordered the CliffsNotes TExES: Generalist EC-6, and I ordered the preparation manual from the state. I read over the manuals, but when I took the first practice test I bombed. I then took the other practice tests first and then went back and reread the material so that I could focus on what I missed.

Test: This was a CAT. I would recommend a good night's sleep. Do not stay up and try to cram last minute information. You know it or you don't. As for testing, don't second guess questions you feel you know. I did and I got several wrong that I had originally had right. DO go back and recheck your answers several times. I found I had made some silly mistakes. Try to remember the questions you weren't sure of and write them down so if you don't pass you can research the right answers. I passed first time.

Strategy #5

Study: I found the Texas Teachers Generalist EC-6 module to be incredibly helpful in studying for the test. It is a module that you don't have to do immediately but a lot of the information in that module will help you prepare. I did study a guide book and did not find it to be beneficial- the test was much different than the study guide

Test: I have severe test anxiety and found the test to be stressful, however I did pass on the first try. I expected more "content" related material but instead found that it is geared more towards techniques of teaching. Be prepared as many questions will ask you to select the best answer - meaning more than one (or all four) of the choices can apply. Go with your gut. Prepare for the ELA as it is the largest portion of the test, followed by the math, especially probability. Wear comfortable clothes to the testing center to help you feel more relaxed, take a deep breath and believe in yourself. Good luck!

Strategy #6

Study: I went through the entire generalist ec-6 module that Texas Teachers offers and took notes. I also bought the TExES XAMonline book and took the Tcert website's practice test a few times. I studied for about an hour and a half each day for about 3 weeks. I didn't want to overload my brain with too much information at once because I wouldn't have retained it all.

Test: I found that the book I bought had a lot of information in it, but was not very related to the test (with the exception of the major information, of course). The online module was definitely more helpful and directly related to what I needed to be learning. The Tcert website had a really great practice test that prepared me for the types of questions I would be given. I would definitely recommended taking that test and even the generalist 4-8 in the areas you aren't so familiar with. I must have done something right because I passed on my first try!

Strategy #7

Study: I used the free preparation materials on the website. I took the practice test before I started studying to see where I needed to focus. I then studied each subject separately and retook that part of the practice test before I moved on. I googled education and teaching websites to explore some of the concepts I was not very familiar with. I would focus a little more time to the math section. But overall I was able to achieve my goals with my study methods.

Test: The test was the same as the practice materials. Two of the answers will be completely wrong, and you will have to decide from two similar answers. The hardest part of the test is applying the strategies as well as understanding the right answer to apply to the strategy. I took the test one time and made a 255 Passing score.

Strategy #8

Study: MATERIALS STUDIED: 1) TExES Generalist EC-6 191 Preparation Manual 2) Texas TExES Generalist EC-6 191 Kindle Edition by Luis Rosado (look on amazon) 3) I took notes from the previously mentioned materials 4) I made flashcards from my notes on the previously mentioned materials and studied those a little bit every day. TIME STUDIED: I studied for approximately 3 weeks and on average at least 3-5 hours a day, I did take a couple of days off so I could enjoy some weekend time/life outside of studying and work. **** I really feel like the practice tests on #2 were a great guide for the actual exam ****

Test: I took the Computer Based Tests and felt well prepared for the content being tested. Even though I did well and passed, I am definitely glad I gave myself ample time to read, take notes, make flash cards and study.

Strategy #9

Study: studied anything and everything I could find. I used the module here, the prepartion manual from the texes website, the phone app... whatever I could find!! I went through the competencies and what it said the teacher should know, if I didn't know it that's what I would study.

Test: It was pretty hard. The English part ask a lot of which is the best answer which is frustrating because there are more than one right answer. The math section, know measurements! The history you either know it or you dont. We have to sign something saying we cant say anything about the test specifically. I didn't go to school for education which made it harder. The room is cold which can make it hard to focus. It was hard to study for that section. I got my results in 2 days.

Strategy #10

Study: Never give up! I took this test twice. The first time I only used REA's TEXES Generalist EC-6 book to study for the test. The practice tests were great, but I found the book to be a little overwhelming. I made a 213 the first time I took the test. I was upset with my score, but friends and family encouraged me to keep trying. The second time around is when I decided that I needed more than a thick book to study from. I bought a study guide from 240 tutoring. http://www.240tutoring.com/StudyGuideTEXES.aspx the 240Tutoring tutoring process made studying so much easier. They have interactive practice exams that give you a detailed explanation of each answer choice after you answer a question. I also had a friend who I studied with. Having a study buddy is great because you can keep the other person accountable. I passed the second time with a 246. It was an amazing feeling!

Test: When I took the test the first time I found that it was easier than I had expected. Because it is the generalist exam there is a broad spectrum of questions that they might ask you. Most of the language arts questions are situational. For example: Which one of these activities would promote reading fluency for fourth graders? The key would be thinking about what would be appropriate for fourth graders. Make sure you have a good understanding of phonological and phonemic awareness, semantics, syntax, morphemes, pragmatics, lexicon, and the alphabetic principle. The math portion is also situational, and you will also need to know a little probability, and geometry. I had a question about finding the area of a cube. History and science are fine as long as you have some background knowledge on them. If not I would recommend studying Texas history, and US history. There was a question about the Industrial Revolution. For science study the body systems, and living and space science. Fine arts is the easiest part of the test. As long as you read over these questions carefully you should do great. Take your time on this test! I rushed through the first time, but the second time I took four hours. I read over every question carefully, and I took a break in-between. Be confident and pray. You will do great!

Go to page: 1 2 3 4 5

Help Others!

After you pass your test, please post your comments.
Click here to post for: Test # 191: Generalist EC-6