Para Pro Test Preparation Study Guide Make a

Para. Pro Test Preparation Study Guide Make a Plan Developed by Amy D. Hitchcock, M. A. In cooperation with the Washington State Center of Excellence for Careers in Education, located at Green River College, and the Placement and Testing Center at Highline College BACK HOME NEXT

Start Here Click any box to start. Help getting started About the Test • Learn about the format of the Para. Pro test • Learn about what to expect on Test Day and Computerbased Tests Using Computers • Get more comfortable using a mouse and keyboard • Use test demonstration websites Your Study Plan • Figure out your learning style and level of test anxiety • Learn strategies for studying and reducing anxiety • Make your study plan BACK HOME NEXT 2

About the Test • • • Learn about the Para. Pro test Become familiar with the structure of the test Find out about testing sites, registration, and fees Learn about alternative testing arrangements Find out what to expect on Test Day Do a Computer-based Test tutorial to get a feel for what the test will be like ABOUT THE TEST BACK HOME NEXT 3

Why do people have to take the Para. Pro? Paraeducators need to have basic skills in reading, writing, and math. The Para. Pro tests are supposed to make sure people who want to become educators have those skills. The Para. Pro is a standardized test—a test that is the same for everyone, regardless of their English language level or education. ABOUT THE TEST Think… • What do you think is good about having to take standardized tests? • What do you think is bad about having to take the same test as other people? BACK HOME NEXT 4

About the Para. Pro From Educational Testing Service • The Para. Pro Assessment is a test on reading, writing and math skills for future and practicing paraeducators. • You will have 2½ hours to complete the test. • The test has 90 multiple-choice questions. Most of the questions are about basic skills and knowledge of reading, writing, and math. About one-third of the questions are about applying skills in the classroom. All test questions are in English. • The test is delivered on computer at testing centers. ABOUT THE TEST The test was created by Educational Testing Service, a private testing company BACK HOME NEXT 5

About the Para. Pro Adapted from the ETS Para. Pro Study Companion Test Contents About the Test [CATEGORY NAME] [CELLRANGE] [CATEGOR Y NAME] [CELLRAN GE] ABOUT THE TEST Test Company Educational Testing Service (ETS) Test Name Para. Pro Assessment Time 2. 5 hours Number of Questions 90 total Format Multiple choice on a computer Calculator OK? No calculators Passing Score In Washington, 461. Each state is different. BACK HOME NEXT 6

Testing Fees and Score Reports The Para. Pro costs $55. You will get an unofficial score report right away. An official score report will be mailed within 2 – 3 weeks. You can order additional score reports for $50 each. Click a button to go to the test website to learn more. FEES SCORES ABOUT THE TEST BACK HOME NEXT 7

Learn More Online You’ll take the Para. Pro on a computer at a testing center. You can create an account, register for the test, and find preparation materials online. You can also find the closest testing center. Click the button to go to the test website to learn more. ABOUT THE TEST ETS PARAPRO website BACK HOME NEXT 8

Think and Write Click the worksheet to open it. Then, PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Handout: Make a Plan 01 Think and Write ABOUT THE TEST BACK HOME NEXT 9

Computer-Based Tests (CBTs): What to Expect Before you register and go to take the test, you can see what the test day will be like. Click the button to watch a video online about what it’s like to go to a computer testing center. ABOUT THE TEST Video What to Expect on Test Day BACK HOME NEXT 10

Computer-Based Tests (CBTs): Test Day On the day of the test: • Arrive 15 minutes early • Bring ID that shows your name, picture, and signature • Wear comfortable clothes • Do not bring food or drinks into the testing room • Do not bring a calculator or your phone into the testing room ABOUT THE TEST Para. Pro Test Day Information BACK HOME NEXT 11

CBT Demonstration Computer-based tests (CBTs) are common, but not everyone has taken one before. Below is a link to demonstration websites that will show you what the Para. Pro test looks like and how to navigate it. Go through the website at your own pace. Click the button to go to the online Para. Pro tutorial ABOUT THE TEST CBT Tutorial BACK HOME NEXT 12

Alternative Testing Arrangements If you have trouble with learning, seeing, writing, or typing, you may be able to make alternative testing arrangements. For example, if you can’t see well, you can request that your test be read out loud to you. If English is not your first language, you may be able to ask for extra time. You have to ask for alternative testing arrangements in advance. Click a button to learn more about alternative accommodations DISABILITY ACCOMMODATIONS ENGLISH LANGUAGE ACCOMMODATIONS ABOUT THE TEST BACK HOME NEXT 13

Alternative Testing Arrangements If you need help asking for alternative testing arrangements, colleges have help available. For example, you can contact the offices below at Green River or Highline. GREEN RIVER COLLEGE HIGHLINE COLLEGE Center for Excellence in Careers in Education Placement and Testing Center Student Affairs Workforce Education Services (WES) Disability Support Services Access Services Other colleges have similar offices. Contact the information desk at your college to find out more. ABOUT THE TEST BACK HOME NEXT 14

More information Standardized tests are designed to be the same for everyone, but we all have different backgrounds, different educations, and different experiences. It may be common for you to take standardized tests or this may be your first time. One of the ways that test designers try to make the tests the same for everyone is by clearly describing their company’s testing policies – the rules everyone must follow. Para. Pro Bulletin Click the button to download the Para. Pro information bulletin. ABOUT THE TEST BACK HOME NEXT 15

Using Computers • Get more comfortable using a mouse and keyboard • Use the Para. Pro demonstration website to learn about Computer-Based Tests (CBT) USING COMPUTERS BACK HOME NEXT 16

Using Computers You have to use a mouse and a keyboard to take the Para. Pro test. mouse Preparing for the test using this study guide will give you practice using a mouse and typing. USING COMPUTERS keyboard BACK HOME NEXT 17

Mouse and Keyboard Practice Click on a box to go to a website that will give you more practice using a mouse or typing. MOUSE KEYBOARD USING COMPUTERS BACK HOME NEXT 18

CBT Demonstration Computer-based tests (CBTs) are common, but not everyone has taken one before. Below is a link to demonstration websites that will show you what the Para. Pro test looks like and how to navigate it. Go through the website at your own pace. Click the button to go to the online Para. Pro tutorial USING COMPUTERS CBT Tutorial BACK HOME NEXT 19

Your Study Plan Figure out your learning style and level of test anxiety Learn about strategies for studying and reducing your stress Think about your strengths and areas for improvement Think about what might get in the way of studying and how you can work on those problems • Make a Study Plan • • YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 20

Study Plan Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide You can start making your study plan now as you go through this guide or you can do it at the end. You will be able to download it later if you need to. Fill out the “Studying by Section” page after you have taken a pretest. Click the worksheet to open it. Then, PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Handout: Make a Plan 05 Study Plan YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 21

Learning Styles Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Learning styles are preferences. You may not learn best by studying only one way. Thinking about your learnings style (or styles!) can help you choose the best ways to prepare for the test. People learn in different ways. For example, some people learn well by watching videos. Others learn well by writing things down. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 22

Do you know your learning styles? Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Click the worksheet to open it. Then, PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Handout: Make a Plan 02 Learning Styles YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 23

Study Tips From HACC How to Study for Your Learning Style Watch this video about study tips for your learning styles, then click Next to read more. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 24

Study Tips Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Auditory Learners learn best by hearing, speaking, and listening. Study Tips for Auditory Learners Say your notes out loud. Move your lips while reading. Explain the material to someone who knows nothing about it. Study in a quiet place so that noise doesn’t distract you. Study orally with a friend. Record a review of the material, and listen to it often. Whisper or say letters while writing words. Use rhymes to help memorize. With new activities, talk about what to do, how to do it, and why it’s done that way. Talk about problems to find solutions. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 25

Study Tips Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Kinesthetic Learners learn best by doing, moving, and touching. Study Tips for Kinesthetic Learners Take frequent breaks. Move around while you are studying. Record a review of the material, and listen to it while you walk or exercise. Set a goal for yourself and then take a break. For example, plan to do 15 practice questions and then take a break. Use your fingers to name ideas while you study. Chew gum. Listen to music and dance while you study. Use your finger to write in the air. Use two fingers to underline sentences while you read. Stand up and write your notes on a blackboard or white board. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 26

Study Tips Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Visual Learners learn best by seeing, watching, and reading. Study Tips for Visual Learners Clean up your study room. Put things away so you are not distracted. Highlight your notes and use different colors for different ideas. Use index cards and sticky notes. Make lists and draw symbols and diagrams. Watch videos on You. Tube about the topics you are studying. Draw graphs and charts. Draw pictures related to what you are studying, especially math problems. Organize your notes with drawings or outlines. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 27

Test Anxiety Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Test anxiety is feeling worried or anxious about taking a test. People can have test anxiety even when they know the topics on the test very well. People can have test anxiety even when they know the format of the test very well. Understanding your test anxiety and using strategies to fight it can help you feel more relaxed. If you’re more relaxed, you will be able to use what you know. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 28

Symptoms of test anxiety Adapted from the ETS Reducing Test Anxiety Guide Test anxiety is similar to other kinds of stress and worry. It can affect your body and your mind. Test Anxiety in Your Body Test Anxiety in Your Mind Nausea Trouble concentrating Fast heartbeat Not being able to remember information Sweating Negative thoughts Can you think of others? YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 29

Do you have test anxiety? Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide Click the worksheet to open it. Then, PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Handout: Make a Plan 03 Test Anxiety YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 30

Reducing Test Anxiety Adapted from the ETS Reducing Test Anxiety Guide Preparation can help you feel more relaxed and reduce your test anxiety. To prepare, you can • Learn about the test • Make an organized study plan • Eat well and get enough sleep • Take breaks and exercise • Find a study group YOUR STUDY PLAN Think… • How do you usually cope with stress? • What can you do a month or a week before the test to help you feel more relaxed? • What about on test day? BACK HOME NEXT 31

Reducing Test Anxiety Adapted from the ETS Reducing Test Anxiety Guide Click the button to go to a website to learn more about test anxiety. Reducing Test Anxiety From Educational Testing Service YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 32

Your Strengths: What you can do already Many people believe that academic strengths are most important for doing well on tests. I’m so good at math! I’ll pass the test no problem. YOUR STUDY PLAN Does that mean that if you’re not “good at math” that you won’t pass the math section of the test? BACK HOME NEXT 33

Your Strengths: What you can do already Many people believe that academic strengths are most important for doing well on tests. I’m so good at math! I’ll pass the test no problem. YOUR STUDY PLAN NO Does that mean that if you’re not “good at math” that you won’t pass the math section of the test? BACK HOME NEXT 34

Your Strengths: What you can do already Just because you’re not already good at something doesn’t mean you can’t learn it. Your life and your school experiences have taught you a lot already. Learning and being successful is not just about understanding school subjects like math, reading, and writing. It may be that you have other kinds of strengths that help you do well in college and on tests. YOUR STUDY PLAN Think… • What is one thing you learned today before lunch? • How did you learn it? BACK HOME NEXT 35

Your Strengths: What you can do already Examples of some strengths that can help people study and learn: • Being organized • Being creative • Speaking multiple languages • Working hard • Learning from mistakes • Working well with others • Working well alone • Being a good listener YOUR STUDY PLAN Think… • Think about someone you know. What are his or her strengths? • What are your strengths? • Is it easier to see strengths in others or in yourself? Why? BACK HOME NEXT 36

Your Weaknesses: What you can do better Studying for this test is an opportunity to use your strengths and learn about your weaknesses. For example, maybe you aren’t very good at math, but you are very creative and you work hard. Can you use your strengths to improve your weaknesses? YOUR STUDY PLAN Think… • What are your weaknesses— things you could improve? • Is it easier to see your strengths or your weaknesses? Why? BACK HOME NEXT 37

Potential Problems It’s not easy to study for a test. It’s not easy to go to college or to become a teacher or a paraeducator. You may have things in your life that make it difficult to prepare for the test. Think… What are some situations in your life that might make it hard for you to study? YOUR STUDY PLAN Examples of Problems No car Difficulty reading No time No money Have to work BACK Have a family HOME NEXT 38

Potential Solutions Examples of Problems Ride the bus. You can study while you ride. No car No time Study every day for only 20 minutes. Do practice reading questions. Ask friends or family for help. YOUR STUDY PLAN Difficulty reading No money Have to work BACK Have a family HOME NEXT 39

Potential Solutions Some problems don’t have solutions. However, there are offices at your college that may be able to help. Asking for help can be a solution. GREEN RIVER COLLEGE HIGHLINE COLLEGE Center for Excellence in Careers in Education Placement and Testing Center Student Affairs Student Services Other colleges have similar offices. Contact the information desk at your college to find out more. YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 40

What are your Strengths, Weaknesses, Problems, and Solutions? Then, PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Click the worksheet to open it. Handout: Make a Plan 04 SWPS YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 41

Study Tips • Get comfortable with the content and format of the test. • Spend time every day doing something toward the test. • Take a pretest to help determine topics you need to study. • Spend time on topics you need to study. Skip the topics you already understand. • Take time to make a study plan or list of things you need to do to prepare • Use study strategies for your learning style(s). YOUR STUDY PLAN • Complete the tutorial on taking Computer Based Tests. • Watch the videos in this Study Guide. • Use the links to go websites for more practice • Read the directions. • Try solving problems yourself before clicking “NEXT” to reveal the solutions • Start a study group and work through the Study Guide together. BACK HOME NEXT 42

Additional Resources The Reading, Writing, and Math sections of this Study Guide will help you become familiar with the content of the test, watch video explanations, and practice. You can spend as long as you like studying each section. You may find that you would like more in-depth study on certain topics. If so, try these other resources, available online or through a library. YOUR STUDY PLAN • Textbooks – Elementary, Middle, or High School level • You. Tube – Search to find videos on the topic • Google – Search to find articles and practice exercises on the topic • Test prep books with practice tests • Online practice tests – there is one available for $22 at ets. com. KING COUNTY LIBRARY WEBSITE BACK PIERCE COUNTY LIBRARY WEBSITE HOME NEXT 43

Finish your Study Plan Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide and Preparing for the WEST-B: Feeling Confident, Finishing Strong! If you haven’t already started your study plan, download it now. Take time to think and plan for how you will prepare to take the test. Fill out the “Studying by Section” page after you have taken the pretest in the other sections of this Study Guide. Click the worksheet to open it. PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Handout: Make a Plan 05 Study Plan YOUR STUDY PLAN BACK HOME NEXT 44

In this section, did you…. ? q Learn about the Para. Pro test q Become familiar with the structure of the test q Find out about testing sites, registration, and fees q Learn about alternative testing arrangements q Find out what to expect on Test Day q Do a Computer-based Test tutorial to get a feel for what the test will be like YOUR STUDY PLAN q Get more comfortable using a mouse and keyboard q Figure out your learning style and level of test anxiety q Learn about strategies for studying and reducing your stress q Think about your strengths and areas for improvement q Think about what might get in the way of studying and how you can work on those problems q Make a Study Plan BACK HOME NEXT 45

Help Getting Started This Study Guide can help you: • Make a plan to study for the Para. Pro test • Learn about the reading, writing, and math sections of the test • Practice answering test questions Click here to go to the next page. Click here to go to the first page, the home page. Click here to go to the previous page. BACK HOME NEXT 46

How much time will this take? You can use this study guide for any amount of time, but it’s a good idea to study for at least an hour a day. The first section, “Make a Plan, ” will take two hours or more to finish. The other sections will take longer. You can go as fast or as slow as you want. Skip sections you don’t need to study. Don’t spend time on things you already know. In each section, you will be able to: • Review the skills and topics you need to do well on the test by watching videos, reading, thinking, and practicing. • Visit online resources to practice and get information • Practice taking test questions and learn about the answers BACK HOME NEXT 47

Downloadable Study Plan Adapted from the ICCB Paraprofessional Test Preparation Curriculum Guide and Preparing for the WEST-B: Feeling Confident, Finishing Strong! You can start making your study plan now as you go through this guide or you can do it at the end. You will be able to download it later. Fill out the “Studying by Section” page after you have taken a pretest. Click the worksheet to open it. Then, PRINT it and write your answers. OR SAVE it and practice using a mouse and keyboard by typing your answers. Handout: Make a Plan 05 Study Plan BACK HOME NEXT 48