What is the best book to prepare for the SHSAT?

How to prepare for the MTEL, Teacher Licensure for Massachusetts: Which Book?

• So, I’m going to take the MTEL test for Visual Art and the Communication and Literacy Skills Test at the same time in May. My Wife is taking the test for English teachers and the Communication and Literacy as well. We went and bought the REA (yellow and black book) for the Communication and Literacy test. For my Visual Art test we got a book published by XAM called “Visual Art Sample Test 17” and for her English test we got “English 07” by the same publisher. My first impression is that the REA book looks very good and the XAM books look very sloppy. Especially my Visual Art book, It contains ONLY the so called “sample test”. Under each multiple choice question, the answer letter is written! How are you supposed to practice the test if you see the answer emediately. I suppose I can cover each answer with my hand, but still… this doesn’t really simulate the test. But my biggest concern is that the questions themselves doesn’t look any thing like the ones in the small sample test that MTEL provide on their homepage. For instance, on the homepage the questions often refer to illustrations, but in this book there is no illustrated questions what so ever. So should I trust MTEL themselves – that the sample test that they put out resembles the actual tests that is put together by them – or should I trust this publisher XAM? I’m leaning towards MTEL… and I’m considering returning this book and get my money back. The REA book contains so much more stuff. Sample questions, yes, but not only that. For instance it has Vocabulary Lists and other tools to help you actually PRACTICE for the test and improve your skills. Does anyone know about these books? Are there other books out there? Does anyone have other tips or suggestions for preparing for the MTEL or other Licensure tests?

• Answer:

  Generally, state tests are based on the questions right from the PRAXIS equivalent test, so I would consider also purchasing the PRAXIS study book as well if there is one. Thats only my two cents, not sure about those other books.