Paraprofessional Study Guide
Test Design and Framework
The test design below describes general testing information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.
Test Design
| Format | Internet-based test (IBT) and online-proctored test |
|---|---|
| Number of Questions | 90 multiple-choice questions |
| Time | 2 hours testing time |
Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.
| Domain | Range of Competencies | Approximate Percentage of Test Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| I | Reading | 01–03 | 25% |
| II | Writing | 04–06 | 25% |
| III | Mathematics | 07–09 | 25% |
| IV | Instructional Support | 10–12 | 25% |
Test Framework
Domain I—Reading
0001 Understand how to determine the meaning of words and phrases used in a text.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of word structure (e.g., prefixes, suffixes, root words, compound words) to determine the meaning of words.
- Apply knowledge of syntactic or word order clues to determine the meaning of words and phrases in a sentence.
- Apply knowledge of semantic or word meaning clues (e.g., examples, analogies, synonyms, antonyms) to determine the meaning of words and phrases in a sentence.
0002 Understand how to identify and recognize ideas presented in a text.
For example:
- Identify the primary purpose of a paragraph or passage.
- Identify the main idea of a paragraph or passage.
- Recognize general statements and specific details used in a paragraph or passage.
- Recognize the organizational devices and structure used in a paragraph or passage.
0003 Understand how to analyze and assess ideas presented in a text.
For example:
- Distinguish between statements of fact and expressions of opinion presented in a paragraph or passage.
- Assess the relevance or importance of details used to support an idea in a paragraph or passage.
- Make inferences or draw conclusions from ideas presented in a paragraph or passage.
- Interpret ideas or information presented in a graphical text (e.g., map, diagram).
Domain II—Writing
0004 Understand writing mechanics and the conventions of Standard English used in the United States.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of the rules of spelling and commonly misspelled words.
- Apply knowledge of the rules of capitalization and the standard use of capital letters.
- Apply knowledge of the rules of punctuation and the standard use of punctuation marks.
0005 Understand grammatical writing.
For example:
- Apply knowledge of the standard use of nouns and pronouns.
- Apply knowledge of the standard use of verbs.
- Apply knowledge of the standard use of adjectives and adverbs.
- Apply knowledge of subject-verb agreement and pronoun-antecedent agreement.
0006 Understand effective writing.
For example:
- Recognize effective introductions and conclusions to use in writing.
- Recognize effective topic sentences and supporting details to use in writing.
- Recognize effective and appropriate word usage in writing.
- Recognize effective ways to coordinate and subordinate ideas and to transition between ideas in writing.
- Recognize effective ways to eliminate redundancy and distracting details in writing.
Domain III—Mathematics
0007 Understand numbers and number operations.
For example:
- Perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division with integers, fractions, and decimals using standard algorithms.
- Apply basic terms such as sum, difference, product, quotient, numerator, denominator, square, and square root appropriately.
- Recognize the correct order of operations.
- Recognize and order different forms of numbers (e.g., integers, fractions, decimals) and locate them on a number line.
- Demonstrate knowledge of place value for integer and decimal numbers.
- Solve problems and make reasonable estimates using integers, fractions, decimals, percents, and proportional reasoning.
0008 Understand algebra and data analysis.
For example:
- Solve single- and two-step equations involving one variable.
- Interpret and evaluate basic algebraic expressions in which letters represent numbers.
- Solve real-life and mathematical problems using numerical and algebraic expressions and equations.
- Recognize and extend basic numerical and visual patterns.
- Represent data in a variety of graphical formats.
0009 Understand measurement and geometry.
For example:
- Convert between units of time, money, length, mass, volume, and weight in the standard measurement system.
- Use metric units appropriately and convert units within the metric system.
- Identify and describe basic geometric figures based on their properties.
- Perform computations involving the area, perimeter, and volume of basic two- and three-dimensional geometric figures.
- Locate points and recognize basic geometric figures on a coordinate plane.
Domain IV—Instructional Support
0010 Understand how to support reading instruction in the classroom.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of students' foundational reading skills (e.g., sounding out words, breaking words down into parts, using context clues).
- Demonstrate knowledge of reading strategies for students to use before, during, and after reading to aid comprehension (e.g., making predictions, skimming, summarizing).
- Observe students and communicate information about their progress as readers to support the teacher's planning, assessment, and instruction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate use of instructional resources and technology to support students' learning in reading.
0011 Understand how to support writing instruction in the classroom.
For example:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the writing process (e.g., drafting, revising) and techniques for helping students improve their writing (e.g., brainstorming, outlining).
- Demonstrate knowledge of writing modes (e.g., descriptive, persuasive/opinion) and writing for various purposes and audiences.
- Observe students and communicate information about their progress as writers to support the teacher's planning, assessment, and instruction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate use of instructional resources and technology to support students' learning in writing.
0012 Understand how to support mathematics instruction in the classroom.
For example:
- Relate mathematics to everyday and real-world situations.
- Identify and correct common errors in arithmetic.
- Observe students and communicate information about their progress in mathematics to support the teacher's planning, assessment, and instruction.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the appropriate use of instructional resources, manipulative materials, and technology to support students' learning in mathematics.