Wisconsin Reading Foundations Test
Starting in the Fall 2013, students be required to pass a Wisconsin Reading Foundations Test based off the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL) before student teaching.
Why will I be required to take another test?
According to the newly enacted Wisconsin State Statute ACT 166:
SECTION 21. 118.19 (14) (a) any person applying for a teacher license “…to teach in grades kindergarten to 5 or in special education, an initial license as a reading teacher, or an initial license as a reading specialist…” are required to take and pass a Foundations of Reading Test.
Students wishing to gain licensure in the following areas are required to take this test:
- Early Childhood-Middle Childhood Majors – Regular Education and Dual Education
- Middle Childhood-Early Adolescence Majors – Regular Education and Dual Education
- Special Education Majors
- Reading Teacher (316) and Reading Specialist (17) Licensures
This rule first applies to an application for a teaching license received by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) January 1, 2014.
NOTE: As the legislature is written, this will include Fall 2013 student teachers because you would be applying for your license “after” January 1, 2014.
About the Test
- The test will be based on the Massachusetts Foundations of Reading Test.
- The test will be offered in a computer-based testing format.
- Testing will be available by appointment, Monday through Saturday (excluding holidays) at the testing centers located in Polk library as well as other locations within Wisconsin.
- Test results have a 4-week turn-around time; if passing score is not acquired then tests can be retaken after 60 days. After reaching passing score, you are unable to retake a test again.
- Although Wisconsin students costs have not been finalized, based off the Massachusetts test, costs are approximately $155. Since we are still in the process of finalizing costs, they are subject to change, but it is probably a good idea to start saving now.
Preparing for the test
- Test Objectives
- Full-length Practice Test
- Study Guide - updated Feb. 26, 2013
- Test Appendix
Test Prep Articles
- Saying the "p" word: Nine guidelines for exemplary phonics instruction - Steven A. Stahl
- Developing phonemic awareness in young children - Hallie Kay Yopp
- Fluency: Bridge between decoding and reading comprehension - John J. Pikulski and David J. Chard
- Reading comprehension: What every teacher needs to know - Maureen McLaughlin
- Nine things every teacher should know about words and vocabulary instruction - Karen Bromley
