How to Pass the TExES Core Subjects EC-6 291 Exam

Are you studying to pass the Core Subjects EC-6 291 exam? Perhaps you have failed it and are discouraged, or maybe you just have heard how challenging it is and are studying hard.

I have passed the Core Subjects EC-6 exam, so I know just how difficult it is. Our tutors have also passed the exam and are well qualified to help you learn tips and strategies to pass your test. Read more to learn how to maximize your chances of passing!


1. STUDY GUIDE FOR CORE SUBJECTS EC-6: Choose a great study guide. Although I sell my own study material, right now I only have Math, Science, and ELAR. When I took the exam, I used the guide by www.passthetexes.com and found it very helpful. Their content is great, but they only have the sample test questions for the Core Subjects EC-6 exam that you can already get for free from the ETS manual. So, if you want sample tests, you can buy a sample test for Math, Science, Social Studies, and ELAR at my site www.coresubjects.net Be sure to carefully read the entire study guide. Take notes and make flash cards. Use metacognitive strategies as you study. Some metacognitive strategies include pausing to check for understanding and going back to re-read parts of the text you do not understand. Watch videos about topics you struggle to understand.


2. SAMPLE TESTS AND STAAR TESTS FOR CORE SUBJECTS: If you do take sample tests, please understand that those sample tests are not a way to study, but instead are a way to assess your understanding. When you miss a sample question, be sure to look up more information about that topic. For example, if you miss a question about the causes of the War of 1812, look in your study guide or search online for good resources about the War of 1812. That way, you will be able to answer other questions that might come up on your test. Also, take released STAAR tests for Grades 3 through 8 for Math, Science, Social Studies, and English Language Arts. There are released STAAR tests and answer keys. When you miss questions, be sure to study those concepts in your guide or look online, as previously recommended for when you miss questions on sample tests.


3. SITUATIONAL or SCENARIO-BASED QUESTIONS: If you have taken the exam or looked at the sample questions in the ETS manual, you know there are a lot of questions asking you the best way to teach a concept or handle a situation. Usually you can eliminate two answer choices easily, but the remaining two both seem right. Let’s look at this sample question:
Ms. Smith teaches third grade. Many of her students are struggling with learning decimals. What would be the best hands-on approach to help her students learn about decimals in a meaningful way?

A. Showing them a video and giving them a worksheet that explains decimals.

B. Breaking the class into small groups that each receive a board with 100 squares and 100 counters or manipulatives. She will show the class a few examples that 3 counters on the board is the equivalent of .03, or 3 out of 100. Then students will come up with their own decimals using the board and manipulatives.

C. Teaching them a song about decimals, and having a guest speaker that talks about how he/she uses decimals and math in the workplace.

D. Using the Smart Board to demonstrate what decimals are, what they are used for, and having advanced students do some sample problems on the Smart Board. The rest of the class will take notes from their desk, and later the class will take a quiz so she will be able to evaluate their progress and determine if they have mastered the concept.

It is pretty easy to eliminate answer choices A and C, but many people may not know if B or D is the correct answer. When facing situational questions, use these strategies:
1. Always read the question twice, very carefully, and review the answer choices carefully. This will help you notice key words like but, except, all, etc. that can change the meaning of a question.
2. Ask yourself which of the answer choices is MOST ON TOPIC. Which one is most related to what the question is asking?
3. If both are on topic, which of the answer choices is MOST THOROUGH? Which one most fully answers the question?
4. If both remaining answer options are on topic and thorough, which one is the MOST LEARNER-CENTERED? Which one has the students engaged in hands-on or meaningful activities? Which one has a variety of activities to appeal to different types of learners?
The answer choice that is most on topic, thorough, and learner-centered is correct. So, in this example, B is correct because it is on topic, thorough, and student-centered. D is also on topic and fully addresses the question, but is not as student-centered.
Our sample tests include situational questions to help you practice for the exam.


4. Use extra resources when you are struggling. Many people have a hard time with the Math section and struggle to finish in time. Khan Academy has great free resources to help you practice Math. We also offer digital courses for Math, Science, and English Language Arts and Reading.

5. Keep in mind in order to pass the exam, you have to earn at least 240 ON EACH SECTION. That means even if you do extremely well in Math, English Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies, but earn a 239 on Fine Arts, you do not pass the test. As a result, it is important to study for each subject area of the exam.


6. Consider scheduling a tutoring session. We offer a 30 minute phone session for $27, and will help you learn strategies, tips, and content to pass your test. www.coresubjects.net


7. Best test anxiety! Don’t let nerves ruin your score. The ETS site has a great document on reducing test anxiety. When you have negative thoughts, like “I’m going to fail,” replace it with a positive, realistic thought. Remind yourself of the hard work you have done to prepare and try to focus on that instead of fear of failure. Also, slow down your breathing by counting to three as you inhale, hold the breath for three seconds, breathe out slowly for three seconds, and wait three seconds to breathe again.
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