Welcome to the online RICA Test preparation course presented by ricatest.com.
The contents of this article comes from part of our RICA Test Prep online course.
On this page, you will learn the background knowledge about the RICA Test Case Study that you will receive in Subtest 3.
The RICA Test case study is typically the most feared section on the RICA exam, but fear not because in this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know, as well as provide you with all of the right resources to help you ace your case study written response!
About The Case Study
Test takers will encounter the case study problem while completing Subtest 3.
According to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing,
“For this assignment, candidates receive substantial background information about a student and samples of materials illustrating the student’s reading performance. Candidates are asked to assess the student’s reading performance, describe appropriate instructional strategies, and explain why these strategies would be effective. The examination includes one case study, which includes content related to all five domains of the revised RICA Content Specifications and requires a typed response of approximately 300–600 words.”
What To Expect
First, it’s important to note that the Case Study section of your Subtest 3 exam includes information covered in domains 2 through 5.
The Case Study section of your Subtest 3 exam asks examinees to write a 300 – 600 word response, which counts for a total of 20% of the total examination score.
Examinees taking Subtest 3 are given a total of 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete the entire exam. Because Subtest 3 includes a total of 25 multiple-choice questions, we suggest planning to spend approximately 1 hour to complete your case study written response
Test Format
Beginning 8/16/2021, the RICA exam will be segmented into the three separate sections:
- Subtest I: 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions
- Subtest II: 35 multiple-choice questions and 2 constructed-response questions
- Subtest III: 25 multiple-choice questions and 1 constructed-response question
* For more information regarding each subtest, click the appropriate links above.
Scoring Weight
- Subtest 3:
- Multiple Choice: 80%
- Case Study: 20%
Writing Passing Essay Responses
There are a total of four essay questions, not including the Case Study. Within those four essay questions, two are shorter in length, and two are longer in length.
For the essay questions presented in Subtests 1 and 2, use this framework:
- Identify one need demonstrated by the student described in the question.
- Describe an instructional strategy to address this student’s need.
- Explain why the strategy you chose would effectively address this student’s need.
Remember the following:
- Using simple-to-understand words, while demonstrating your knowledge of reading instruction vocabulary.
- Answer every section of the essay question.
- Write concisely; don’t be wordy.
Writing a Passing Case Study Response
The case study is covered extensively and completely in the online course. Watch, listen, and take notes to understand the examinee tasks and effective strategies to write a passing case study response.
Started by watching this video. Then, use the online course to master the material!
Making The Right Decision: Time Management
A decision that you will want to make prior to beginning Subtest 3 is whether you will complete the multiple-choice questions or case study response first.
On one hand, if you complete the multiple-choice questions first, reading the questions and answers can activate RICA vocabulary, and you can jot notes as you take the test as you come across key terms.
On the other hand, completing your case study first gives you the advantage of writing while you’re fresh and full of energy.
How Your Writing Is Evaluated
Your written case study response is evaluated based on the extent to which you demonstrate knowledge and skills important for effective delivery of a balanced, comprehensive reading program using the following criteria:
Purpose: The candidate demonstrates an understanding of the relevant content and pedagogical knowledge by fulfilling the purpose of the assignment.
Application of Content: The candidate accurately and effectively applies the relevant content and pedagogical knowledge.
Support: The candidate supports the response with appropriate examples, evidence, and rationales based on the relevant content and pedagogical knowledge.
In this next section of the lesson, you’ll learn
How To Organize Your Case Study Written Response
In receiving your Case Study prompt, you will be presented with information about a student’s reading performance, where you will be required to examine and analyze the student’s assessments to apply your knowledge of reading assessment and instruction to analyze this case study. Your response should include three parts:
In receiving your Case Study prompt, you will be presented with information about a student’s reading performance, where you will be required to examine and analyze the student’s assessments to apply your knowledge of reading assessment and instruction to analyze this case study. Your response should include three parts:
We are going to pause this lesson here.
You’ve learned how to think about and how to start your Case Study written response, but that is only the beginning.
Master writing your Case Study written response by clicking the button below and enrolling into our Rica® Test Prep online course.
This is an on-demand course that allows you to study when you want and where you want.
Hope over to check it out by clicking on the button below.
For further introductions to the Case Study, watch our video directly below.
