Welcome to RICA Subtest 3!
To be fully prepared to pass the RICA Subtest 3, which includes RICA domain 1 (Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment) you will want to read this guide carefully to understand the material that will be covered in subtest number 3.
It is important to note, that in this review, we are providing advice specific to the Written RICA exam, and not the Video Assessment.
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How To Study for Subtest 3
You’ve landed on this page because you need to take and pass the RICA® Subtest 3, right? Great, because you’ve found the right page.
This site is dedicated to helping you pass your RICA Test on your next try, and in this article, we’ll breakdown the topics that you can expect to see in Subtest 3.
By the end of this article, you will have a firm grasp for the content that you’ll need to know in order to pass. Then, at the bottom, we present our test preparation material to help you get started studying the right material.
Quick Overview
Scroll through the images below to better understand Subtest 3. Then, keep reading below for an in-depth look at what to expect to see on your exam, and how to pass it.
Subtest 3 - Structure
To begin, let’s examine the structure of Subtest 3.
The table below shows that Subtest 3 is comprised of reading Domain 1, which includes Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment. There are a total of two reading competencies to know that will be covered with approximately 25 multiple-choice questions. Subtest 3 also includes a total of one essay, or Case Study question, that you’re asked to compose a 300- to 600-word response.
There are a total of two reading competencies to know that will be covered with 25 multiple-choice questions.
Subtest 3 also includes a total of one Case Study question, that you’re asked to compose a 300- to 600-word response.
Subtest 3 - About
Purpose: The purpose of Subtest 3 is to make certain that California educators are trained in and capable of providing students with the knowledge and skills to learn the important skills of reading. Teachers need to be well versed in providing effective reading instruction.
Multiple-choice questions: All multiple-choice questions are designed with four possible answers, but only one is the best choice. It is important to read all of the available options and to select the best option, as there is no penalty for guessing. Some multiple-choice questions include graphs, tables, charts, journal entries and other illustrations or diagrams, and you will want to quickly, but carefully review all the information to select the best possible answer.
Constructed-response questions: The typical format of the constructed-response, or essay questions includes the given information pertaining to and about a student’s reading ability using a real-life situation, along with supplementary information in the form of charts and/or diagrams. The test taker is then asked to discuss, describe, analyze, explain, or evaluate the given information and present a logical response, based on best practices for reading instruction.
Scoring:
Reaching a score of 220 is considered a pass for RICA each subtest.
- For multiple-choice questions: scored electronically and tallied based on the number of questions answered correctly.
- For constructed-response questions: A trained person judges the overall effectiveness of the response, according to the characteristics of reading instruction practices, teacher modeling, and student practice.
What Do You Need To Study?
Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment.
Below you will find the breakdown of the competencies, which act like subtopics within each domain:Domain 1:
- Competency 1: Understand how to plan, organize, and manage standards-based reading instruction.
How Long Should You Study For?
Subtest 3 - Best Strategy
Subtest 3 - Overview
Below, you will find the competencies that make the domain that you must know to pass Subtest 3:
Domain 1: Planning, Organizing, and Managing Reading Instruction Based on Ongoing Assessment
Competency 1: Understand how to plan, organize, and manage standards-based reading instruction.
Competency 2: Understand the purposes of reading assessment and best practices related to standards-based entry-level assessment, monitoring of student progress, and summative assessment.
Subtest 3 - Best Practices
Taking the RICA Written Exam is challenging, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
One of your best bets is to manipulate the things you can control to help you succeed. We recommend the following tips:
- Dress comfortably
- Get plenty of sleep the night before
- Eat a healthy meal before taking the test
- Use the bathroom before beginning the test
- Bring a bottle of water, if taking the test remotely
- Be confident in yourself, as this really matters
- If you feel yourself getting too nervous, take deep breaths to calm yourself
- Read the directions carefully and look at each word in both the question and solutions for the multiple-choice section, as well as the supplemental information for the essay questions
- Double check your answers
RICA Test Types
Computer-Based Testing
Taken in person at a designated testing center
Breaks: You may take bathroom breaks, but the time taken during the break is considered part of the testing time
Cost: $57
Results: Received within four weeks
Online Proctoring
Taken online with an appointed online proctor
Breaks: No breaks are allowed
Cost: $57
Results: Received within three weeks
