TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) Exam Overview
Planning to work in a bilingual classroom in Texas? You’ll most likely need to pass the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam. But don’t stress—you’re in the right place. The following article will detail the structure of this exam and offer valuable tips and resources to help you ace it.
The TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam gauges your ability to instruct students in a bilingual setting. Since this exam is an important part of your teaching journey, it’s natural to feel some anxiety about passing it. But there are ways to take charge of your testing experience. For instance, getting familiar with the exam structure can boost your confidence. A suite of effective study tools will also set you up for success on the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental test.
With that in mind, let’s delve into the details of the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam and explore some strategies for preparation. Whether you’re taking the exam for the first time or gearing up for a retake, this article will empower you to tackle the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental test with confidence. Let’s get to work!
Overview of the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam
Knowing what to expect can help ease your nerves on test day. Let’s take a broad look at the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam to understand what it covers.
The TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions. You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the test. This test covers four competency areas:
- Teacher understands the foundations of Bilingual Education and the concepts of bilingualism and biculturalism and applies this knowledge to create an effective learning environment for students in the Bilingual Education program.
- Teacher understands processes of first- and second-language acquisition and development and applies this knowledge to promote students’ language proficiency in their first language (L1) and second language (L2).
- Teacher has comprehensive knowledge of the development and assessment of literacy in L1 and the development and assessment of biliteracy.
- Teacher has comprehensive knowledge of content area instruction in L1 and L2 and uses this knowledge to promote bilingual students’ academic achievement across the curriculum.
For specific details on exam topics, check out the information provided by the official TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental prep guide.
Familiarizing yourself with these content expectations should help you allocate study time. For instance, as you begin preparing for the TExES English Language Arts and Reading exam, prioritize areas you know will be challenging.
Overall, a balanced approach to studying the four competencies listed above will set you up for success on the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam.
Time Limit
You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to complete the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam.
Passing Score
The passing score for the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam is a 240.
Number of Questions
The TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental test has 80 multiple-choice questions that cover four different competencies.
Cost
The TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam costs $116. Visit the TExES website for more information on payment and additional fees.
Registration Information
You can register for the TExES Bilingual Supplemental exam year round. Start the registration process by creating an NES account. Pay for the test online and then choose a convenient time, date, and exam site.
Scoring Information
Your TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) scores will be posted to your Pearson account after 10 p.m. (CT) on the report date for your exam. This typically falls within seven days of your testing date. You will also receive your TExES scores via email if you selected this option at registration. View the score report dates on the TExES website to find out when to expect your report. (Scroll down to “Score Reporting.”)
Want to learn more about TExES Bilingual Education scores? Explore the details with our TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) scoring guide!
Test Preparation Tips
Given its importance to your career, the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam may feel intimidating. However, the right strategies and mindset will give you the boost you need to succeed. Here are some preparation tips to make the most of your study time:
Take a Proactive Approach
- Get familiar with the format and content areas of the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) test as soon as you can. The longer you put off studying, the more anxiety you’ll feel. (Reading this article is a great start!)
- Avoid procrastination by using a calendar app to schedule study time. When you’ve made a formal appointment to study, it’s harder to skip.
- Ensure you address each competency as you study, and consider setting a timer to stay on track. It’s important that you be ready for the full range of topics that appear on this exam.
Review Key Facts and Terms
- Before you begin, it’s important to know what this exam does not require. The Bilingual Education Supplemental test takes place entirely in English, and you will not have to read, write, or speak in any other language.
- The bilingual education field is packed with acronyms, so you might want to get ready for the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam by memorizing key terms and abbreviations. This will help avoid confusion.
Study Sample Questions and Take Practice Tests
- Attempt sample questions in every content category. While you may already have a sense of your strengths and weaknesses, you should test those assumptions against exam materials.
- Take full-length practice tests on a regular basis to ensure you’re comfortable with the exam’s format and timing. If you’re unable to finish tests within 4 hours and 45 minutes, avoid attempting a drastic time cut. Try gradually accelerating your pace instead.
- Use official TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam preparation materials. Studying content that aligns with the real TExES exam will help prevent surprises on test day.
Develop Effective Study Strategies
- Whenever you miss a practice question, don’t just move on. Read the explanation behind each answer and ensure it makes sense.
- Break down your study routine into manageable chunks. It’s better to dedicate 20 minutes to studying every night than to burn out after 10 hours of nonstop prep.
- Use diagrams, charts, and flashcards to organize terms and concepts. Visualizing ideas can make them easier to remember.
- Engage in active learning techniques, such as defining terms in your own words, explaining an idea to someone else, or participating in study groups. These strategies will help ensure you’re truly mastering the material, as opposed to memorizing surface details.
Important Exam Day Instructions
On the day of your TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam, read all pre-test instructions carefully. Allow ample time for travel—and verify that you’re headed to the location named in your confirmation email. Be sure to arrive 15 minutes before the time of your exam.
Check Required Items
Before leaving for the exam, double-check that you have all you need. Essential items can include:
- Valid identification: To take any TExES content exam, you’ll need to present two forms of photo ID. Both IDs must also show your signature, and neither may be expired.
- Necessary materials: To combat cold exam rooms, the TExES website recommends bringing clothing you can layer. You should also be sure to wear soft-soled shoes to keep the testing space quiet. Read the official instructions to learn more about testing policies and what to bring to the exam site.
Understand Exam Format and Instructions
To prevent confusion on test day, familiarize yourself with the format and basic instructions of the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam well in advance. Key things to remember include:
- Time limits: Be aware of the time limit and set your pace accordingly. You will have 4 hours and 45 minutes to answer all 80 multiple-choice questions.
- Marking scheme: Make sure you know how to mark selections properly on your screen. TExES content exams take place exclusively via computer.
- Special instructions: Pay attention to any special instructions provided by the exam proctors, such as rules around breaks or how to fill out the compliance agreement you’ll sign before starting.
- Adaptive questions: The TExES Bilingual Supplemental exam is adaptive, meaning that your performance on each question affects the difficulty level of the next question. Missing too many easy questions can start to limit the difficulty of your test, making it harder to earn enough points to pass. For this reason, you should take the exam seriously from beginning to end.
- Test difficulty: Don’t assume you’re doing poorly just because the test seems tough. No matter how well you’re performing, this exam will feel challenging due to its adaptive design. Keep calm and carry on!
Manage Time Effectively
Time management is crucial to finishing the TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental exam within 4 hours and 45 minutes. The following tips can help you manage your time effectively.
- Read and understand the instructions: Take a moment at the beginning of the test to go over all instructions thoroughly. This will help prevent errors and wasted time.
- Pace yourself: On average, you’ll have around 3.5 minutes for each question. But try to work faster than that whenever possible, since you’ll want to leave plenty of time for tough questions.
- Anticipate needs: If you feel you’ll need a bathroom break during this lengthy test, be sure to budget a few extra minutes.
- Know when to move on: There is no guessing penalty on the TExES Bilingual Supplement exam, so if you’re stuck on a question, it’s in your best interest to guess.
On exam day, you can use these tips to streamline your test-taking process and maximize your chances of success. Working efficiently, staying calm, and maintaining your focus are all essential to doing well on the TExES Bilingual Education test.
Conclusion
The TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental (164) exam is a key qualification for teaching in bilingual settings, including dual immersion and transitional ELL classrooms. To pass this exam, you’ll need to demonstrate proficiency in four different competencies that relate to bilingual instruction.
While the scope of this test is broad, don’t let that intimidate you. If you familiarize yourself with the exam structure, review all content areas, and follow our test prep tips, you can approach the TExES Bilingual Education exam with confidence, increasing your chances of success.
More TExES Bilingual Education Supplemental Resources
