Test Information Guide

Overview and Test Objectives
Field 191/291: Vocational Technical Literacy Skills Test

Test Overview

Table outlining the test format, number of questions, time, and passing score.
Format

Computer-based test (CBT) and online proctored test

Reading Subtest (191)

  • 60 multiple-choice questions

Writing Subtest (291)

  • 40 multiple-choice questions, 2 open-response items
Number of Questions

Reading Subtest (191)

  • Word Meaning: 8–10 multiple-choice questions
  • Main Idea and Detail: 8–10 multiple-choice questions
  • Writer's Purpose: 8–10 multiple-choice questions
  • Idea Relationships: 8–10 multiple-choice questions
  • Critical Reasoning: 8–10 multiple-choice questions
  • Graphs, Tables, and Charts: 14–16 multiple-choice questions

Writing Subtest (291)

  • Unity and Focus: 7–9 multiple-choice questions
  • Use of Verbs and Nouns: 7–9 multiple-choice questions
  • Use of Pronouns and Modifiers: 7–9 multiple-choice questions
  • Use of Sentence Structure and Punctuation: 7–9 multiple-choice questions
  • Use of Capitalization and Spelling: 7–9 multiple-choice questions
  • Written Composition Exercise: 1 open-response item
  • Written Summary Exercise: 1 open-response item
Time 4 hours for one or both subtests (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240 on each subtest

The Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) are designed to measure a candidate's knowledge of the subject matter contained in the test objectives for each field. The MTEL are aligned with the Massachusetts educator licensure regulations and, as applicable, with the standards in the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks.

The test objectives specify the content to be covered on the test and are organized by major skill areas. The chart below shows the approximate percentage of the total test score derived from each of the skill areas.

The Vocational Literacy Skills Test is designed to assess each candidate's communication and literacy skills as required by the Massachusetts Education Reform Act of 1993 and specified in the Chapter 74 Manual for Vocational Technical Educator Licensure and Relicensure. Candidates taking the test are asked to demonstrate that they have the communication and literacy skills necessary for effective instruction and communication between school, students, and parents.

Test Objectives

Reading Subtest (191)

Table outlining skills and approximate test weighting for Reading subtest
Skills Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
Word Meaning 15%
Main Idea and Detail 15%
Writer's Purpose 15%
Idea Relationships 15%
Critical Reasoning 15%
Graphs, Tables, and Charts 25%
100%

 

Objective 0001: Determine the meaning of words and phrases in written material.
Objective 0002: Recognize the main idea and supporting details in written material.
Objective 0003: Identify a writer's purpose, audience, point of view, and intended meaning.
Objective 0004: Recognize the relationship among ideas in written material.
Objective 0005: Use critical reasoning skills to evaluate written material.
Objective 0006: Understand information presented in graphs, tables, and charts.

Writing Subtest (291)

Table outlining skills and approximate test weighting for Writing subtest
Skills Approximate Test Weighting
Multiple-Choice
Unity and Focus 11%
Use of Verbs and Nouns 11%
Use of Pronouns and Modifiers 11%
Use of Sentence Structure and Punctuation 11%
Use of Capitalization and Spelling 11%
55%
Open-Response*
Written Composition Exercise
Written Summary Exercise
45%

*The open-response items require candidates to prepare written responses to demonstrate mastery of vocabulary, grammar, mechanics, summarizing, and development of ideas in essay form on specified topics.

 

Objective 0007: Recognize examples of unified and focused writing.
Objective 0008: Apply knowledge of the use of verbs and nouns in standard American English.
Objective 0009: Apply knowledge of the use of pronouns and modifiers in standard American English.
Objective 0010: Apply knowledge of the use of sentence structure and punctuation in standard American English.
Objective 0011: Apply knowledge of the use of capitalization and spelling in standard American English.
Objective 0012: Demonstrate the ability to prepare a written response in an appropriate form on a given topic.
Objective 0013: Demonstrate the ability to outline or summarize a given piece of written material.