Learn mathematics as part of the General Knowledge for Teachers series by focusing on numbers, operational expressions, geometry, algebra, probability, and statistics.
This course provides an overview of the basic Mathematics concepts most commonly tested on the general knowledge certification exams for teachers. Some prerequisite knowledge of middle school and high school math is assumed, but the review materials are suggested, where appropriate. Unit 1 starts the course with a few self-tests to check your knowledge of basic pre-algebra topics before proceeding to the rest of the course. Topics covered are types of real numbers, divisibility rules, order of operations, percents and word problems involving percents. Unit 2 reviews the basic definitions in geometry and focuses primarily on properties of triangles and quadrilaterals, as well as calculating perimeter, area, and volume. Unit 3 consists of topics typically studied in beginning and intermediate Algebra courses: linear and quadratic equations and their graphs, inequalities, and introductory function concepts. Unit 4 provides an introduction to the study of probability statistics by overviewing methods of collecting, representing, and analyzing data, including drawing conclusions from the results of studies and avoiding bias.
- Unit 1: Review of Numbers and Operational Expressions
- Unit 2: Geometry and Measurement
- Unit 3: Algebra
- Unit 4: Probability and Statistics
- Demostrate mastery of numbers sense, concepts, and operations;
- Apply principles of geometry and measurement;
- Demonstrate knowledge of algebraic thinking and the coordinate plane; and
- Interpret probability, statistics, and data.
Focus on the key reading skills teachers need by identifying key ideas and details, outlining the craft and structure of texts, and discovering how information shapes ideas.
This reading course covers concepts that prospective teachers should be proficient in to effectively teach general reading and comprehension skills. To prepare students for the general reading exam for teachers, this course considers how identifying key ideas and details can help determine meaning in a text, how to recognize the varying structure of texts, and the role of information in shaping the ideas of a text passage. Throughout the course, we will review strategies for taking the reading exam to help students succeed in the exam. By the end of this course, your students should be able to use these skills to better comprehend and examine a text passage.
- Unit 1: Identifying Key Ideas and Details
- Unit 2: Outlining the Craft and Structure of Texts
- Unit 3: How Information Shapes Ideas
- Recognize and recall key ideas and details of various texts and documents;
- Outline how texts are crafted and built; and
- Analyze how authors integrate information to shape ideas.
Learn how to write and read effectively by focusing on finding and fixing errors, revising for context, supporting your writing, and writing an essay.
This course covers concepts that prospective teachers should be proficient in to effectively teach general essay writing skills. This course will prepare you for the general essay writing exam for teachers by considering how grammar and syntax affect an essay, how to recognize context and make appropriate revisions, what strategies you can use to select and use details in your writing, and how to craft an essay with the help of a rubric.
Throughout the course, we will address strategies for taking the writing exam to help you prepare. This course will help you expand your ability to identify strong writing techniques and use those techniques in your essay writing.
- Unit 1: Find the Errors! Fix the Errors!
- Unit 2: Revise for Context
- Unit 3: Supporting Writing
- Unit 4: Writing the Essay
- Identify and correct grammar, mechanics, and syntax errors in writing;
- Revise writing in its context accounting for development, organization, style, and writing conventions;
- Assess research integration, relevance, credibility, and citation format; and
- Write effective argument, source-based, and analysis essays in a limited amount of time.
Learn how to use English effectively by engaging grammatical and organization structures, considering the impact of tone and word use, and applying editing strategies to demonstrate appropriate language use.
This course covers concepts that prospective teachers should be proficient in to effectively teach the use of the English language. This course will prepare you for the English Language exam for teachers by considering how organization, structural choices, vocabulary, word use, and grammar impact the effectiveness of a student's writing. This course will also consider how tone, diction, and commonly confused terms can both enhance and detract from a reading passage or piece of original writing.
Throughout the course, we will address strategies for taking the language exam to help you prepare. This course will help you develop your ability to recognize and correct common English language errors and evaluate how writing can improve for clarity and efficacy.
This course is not intended to be your first exposure to, nor to teach, language skills. This course is designed to provide an opportunity to practice and assess your grasp and mastery of standard middle to high-school-level subject matter. Should you discover that you need to learn or relearn the concepts presented in this course, it is recommended that you take whichever of the courses in our ESL series addresses your needs prior to attempting a teacher licensing exam. Read the course learning outcomes posted in the syllabi of each course to select the course that best suits your needs.
- Unit 1: The Building Blocks of English
- Unit 2: Using Your Words
- Unit 3: Making It Clear
- Recognize and apply a variety of effective language structures;
- Determine and compare organizational structures in a piece of writing;
- Identify effective word use and tone in a reading;
- Recognize and revise commonly confused and misused words;
- Identify and demonstrate correct use of tense, agreement, and case; and
- Demonstrate appropriate editing practices for common English conventions.
