Coverage by content domain
Lessons and questions are organized around the exam’s content areas so your preparation reflects the structure of the assessment.
Why Test Alignment Matters for Your GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading Study Guide
Certification test standards are broad, but the exam questions are very specific. Our team of curriculum experts uses the 240 Study Guide Creation Process to ensure the most aligned, specific content for your GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading (350) test — so you are not wasting time on broad subject review that may not show up on exam day.
Why 240 is the best choice for the GACE 350 study guide
- Built around the official exam framework
- Organized by the competencies actually used on the exam
- Shows exactly what is covered and where depth is partial
- Includes aligned questions, flashcards, study materials, and videos
- Helps candidates study what is actually tested instead of broad generic content
Transparent coverage is a strength. We show where the guide is strong, where depth is partial, and where a gap has been identified so you can make an informed study decision.
How to Read This Alignment Review
2Domains
40Competencies reviewed
99%Test-aligned
39Covered
1Partially covered
0Gaps
- CoveredCompetency is comprehensively supported by the guide.
- Partially coveredCore content is covered, but some depth gaps remain.
- Coverage gap identifiedA content gap has been identified.
This study guide is based on the current official exam framework. We review and update alignment whenever the official framework changes so candidates are always studying current, accurate material.
Essential Components of Reading (Domain I)Covered
SMR I.0001 · Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to early literacy skills, including oral language, phonological and phonemic awareness, concepts of print, and the alphabetic principle.180 questions · 7 materials · 35 cards · 3 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. Demonstrate awareness of the interrelationships between oral language and literacy development. | ELA.Oral Language to Support Reading and Writing | Covered | 20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 1 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. Distinguish between phonological awareness and phonemic awareness and demonstrate understanding of the roles of both in students' reading and spelling development. | ELA.Phonological Awareness V2; ELA.Phonemic Awareness | Covered | 36 | 2 | 18 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (36 questions, 2 materials, 18 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. Demonstrate awareness of concepts of print (e.g., print carries meaning; the relationship between spoken and written language; print directionality; spacing between words; words are represented by specific sequences of letters). | ELA.Teaching - Concepts of Print | Covered | 26 | 1 | 8 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (26 questions, 1 materials, 8 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. Demonstrate awareness of the alphabetic principle and the interrelationship between letter-sound correspondence and beginning decoding. | ELA.Teaching - Alphabetic Knowledge and Principle | Covered | 33 | 1 | 5 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (33 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 1 videos). |
| e. Demonstrate awareness of evidence-based instructional approaches that support the development of early literacy skills, including oral language, concepts of print, phonological and phonemic awareness, and the alphabetic principle, for all learners. | ELA.Teaching - Oral Language; ELA.Teaching - Alphabetic Knowledge and Principle; ELA.Teaching - Concepts of Print; ELA.Teaching - Phonological Awareness | Covered | 125 | 4 | 29 | 3 | Covered by 4 topics (125 questions, 4 materials, 29 cards, 3 videos). |
SMR I.0002 · Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to phonics, word recognition, and fluency.224 questions · 5 materials · 47 cards · 0 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. Demonstrate awareness of common regular phonics patterns, including common consonant-vowel patterns (e.g., CVC, CVCC, CVCe, CVVC, CCCVCCC). | ELA.Phonics and Decoding | Covered | 38 | 1 | 21 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (38 questions, 1 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. Demonstrate awareness of regular and irregular high-frequency words and common inflectional endings (e.g., the suffixes -s, -ed, -er, -est, -ing). | ELA.Phonics and Decoding; ELA.Teaching - High-Frequency Words | Covered | 57 | 2 | 26 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (57 questions, 2 materials, 26 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. Demonstrate awareness of the reciprocity between decoding and encoding in reading and writing. | ELA.Phonics and Decoding | Covered | 38 | 1 | 21 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (38 questions, 1 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. Demonstrate awareness of the interrelationships between decoding skills, fluency, and reading comprehension. | ELA.Teaching - Phonics and Decoding V2 | Covered | 55 | 1 | 14 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (55 questions, 1 materials, 14 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. Demonstrate awareness of key indicators of reading fluency (i.e., accuracy, rate, and prosody). | ELA.Teaching - Reading Fluency V2 | Covered | 85 | 1 | 12 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (85 questions, 1 materials, 12 cards, 0 videos). |
| f. Demonstrate awareness of common factors that disrupt fluency (e.g., lack of automaticity, limited decoding skills, lack of vocabulary knowledge, lack of background knowledge). | ELA.Process of Learning and Intervention - Reading Fluency | Covered | 27 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (27 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. Demonstrate awareness of evidence-based instructional approaches that support the development of phonics, word recognition, and fluency skills for all learners. | ELA.Teaching - Reading Fluency V2; ELA.Teaching - Phonics and Decoding V2 | Covered | 140 | 2 | 24 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (140 questions, 2 materials, 24 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR I.0003 · Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to word analysis and vocabulary.219 questions · 7 materials · 57 cards · 2 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. Demonstrate awareness of the six English syllable types and of syllable division strategies for decoding multisyllabic words. | ELA.Phonics and Decoding | Covered | 38 | 1 | 21 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (38 questions, 1 materials, 21 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. Demonstrate awareness of various types of morphemes (e.g., base words, roots, inflections, derivational affixes). | ELA.Word Analysis from Roots and Affixes | Covered | 25 | 1 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. Demonstrate awareness of the use of morphemic analysis to teach the meaning and structure of complex multisyllabic words. | ELA.Word Analysis from Roots and Affixes | Covered | 25 | 1 | 11 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (25 questions, 1 materials, 11 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. Demonstrate awareness of the three tiers of vocabulary (i.e., Tier One: words used in everyday speech; Tier Two: general academic words; and Tier Three: discipline-specific words). | ELA.Three Tiers of Words | Covered | 21 | 1 | 3 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (21 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 1 videos). |
| e. Demonstrate awareness of criteria for selecting vocabulary words (e.g., tiered vocabulary, key words, concept words) for explicit word study. | ELA.Choosing Targeted Vocabulary Words | Covered | 11 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| f. Demonstrate awareness of the role of vocabulary knowledge in reading comprehension. | ELA.Importance of - Vocabulary and Reading Skills | Covered | 14 | 1 | 4 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (14 questions, 1 materials, 4 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. Demonstrate awareness of evidence-based instructional approaches that support the development of word analysis skills and vocabulary knowledge for all learners. | ELA.Teaching - Determining Meaning of Words; ELA.Teaching - Increasing Vocabulary V2 | Covered | 110 | 2 | 22 | 0 | Covered by 2 topics (110 questions, 2 materials, 22 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR I.0004 · Demonstrate understanding of concepts related to reading and comprehension of literary, informational, and multimedia texts.217 questions · 6 materials · 112 cards · 4 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. Demonstrate awareness of the development of text analysis and comprehension skills for reading grade-level texts. | ELA.Teaching - Reading Comprehension (All Texts) | Covered | 84 | 1 | 20 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (84 questions, 1 materials, 20 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. Demonstrate awareness of the levels of comprehension skills, including literal, inferential, and evaluative comprehension. | ELA.Levels of Comprehension | Covered | 20 | 1 | 3 | 2 | Covered by 1 topic (20 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 2 videos). |
| c. Demonstrate awareness of using organizational text structures (e.g., compare/contrast, cause/effect, chronological, problem/solution) and text features (e.g., graphs, photographs, maps, charts) to enhance comprehension of informational texts. | ELA.Teaching - Informational Text Comprehension | Covered | 47 | 1 | 42 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (47 questions, 1 materials, 42 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. Demonstrate awareness of using organizational text structures (e.g., beginning, middle, end), story elements (e.g., characters, plot, problem, solution, theme), text features (e.g., pictures, predictability), and genres (e.g., fiction, science fiction, poetry, drama) to enhance comprehension of literary texts. | ELA.Teaching - Literary Analysis; ELA.Teaching - Reading Comprehension (Narrative Texts) | Covered | 46 | 2 | 45 | 1 | Covered by 2 topics (46 questions, 2 materials, 45 cards, 1 videos). |
| e. Demonstrate awareness of evidence-based instructional approaches that support the development of comprehension of literary, informational, and multimedia texts for all learners. | ELA.Teaching - Reading Comprehension (Narrative Texts); ELA.Teaching - Informational Text Comprehension; ELA.Teaching - Reading Comprehension (All Texts); ELA.Teaching - Media Analysis V2 | Covered | 158 | 4 | 96 | 1 | Covered by 4 topics (158 questions, 4 materials, 96 cards, 1 videos). |
Assessment, Evaluation, Curriculum, and Instruction (Domain II)Partially covered
SMR II.0005 · Demonstrate understanding of using, interpreting, and communicating the results of various kinds of assessments.92 questions · 4 materials · 31 cards · 2 videosCovered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. Demonstrate awareness of various informal and formal assessments (e.g., criterion-referenced, norm-referenced, screening, progress monitoring, diagnostic, outcome). | ELA.Types of Assessment | Covered | 51 | 1 | 18 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (51 questions, 1 materials, 18 cards, 1 videos). |
| b. Demonstrate awareness of the basic principles of test construction, including reliability and validity. | ELA.Fair Assessment | Covered | 11 | 1 | 6 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 1 videos). |
| c. Demonstrate awareness of the purposes, strengths, and limitations of various types of informal and formal assessments. | ELA.Types of Assessment | Covered | 51 | 1 | 18 | 1 | Covered by 1 topic (51 questions, 1 materials, 18 cards, 1 videos). |
| d. Demonstrate awareness of how to interpret assessment data to explain student progress and communicate this information to parents/guardians and colleagues. | ELA.Communicating Assessment Results | Covered | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. Demonstrate awareness of how to use assessment data to inform and modify instruction to meet identified needs. | ELA.Using Assessment Data to Guide Instruction | Covered | 22 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (22 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| f. Demonstrate awareness of how to integrate, summarize, and communicate (orally and in writing) the meaning of educational assessment data for sharing with students, parents/guardians, and other teachers. | ELA.Communicating Assessment Results | Covered | 8 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 3 cards, 0 videos). |
SMR II.0006 · Demonstrate understanding of the principles of reading instruction and factors that may affect reading development.94 questions · 7 materials · 43 cards · 0 videosPartially covered
| Official competency | Matching 240 topics | Alignment | Qs | Mats | Cards | Vids | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| a. Demonstrate awareness of the principles and practices of scientific reading instruction and that learning to read requires explicit, structured, and cumulative instruction. | ELA.Planning and Adjusting Reading Instruction | Covered | 24 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (24 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| b. Demonstrate awareness of the essential components of reading instruction (i.e., phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension). | ELA.Fundamentals of Early Literacy | Covered | 15 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| c. Demonstrate awareness of language processes required for proficient reading and writing (i.e., phonological, orthographic, semantic, syntactic, and discourse). | ELA.Foundational Language Processes | Covered | 11 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (11 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| d. Demonstrate awareness of the reciprocal relationships between aspects of literacy (e.g., phonemic and phonological awareness, decoding, word recognition, spelling, writing, vocabulary knowledge). | ELA.Fundamentals of Early Literacy | Covered | 15 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| e. Demonstrate awareness of the typical developmental progression of literacy skills and of the centrality of listening, speaking, viewing, and visually representing to literacy learning. | ELA.Fundamentals of Early Literacy | Covered | 15 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
| f. Demonstrate awareness of content area literacy skills across the curriculum and how to integrate specific disciplinary literacy strategies within instruction. | ELA.Cross-Disciplinary Literacy | Covered | 8 | 1 | 7 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (8 questions, 1 materials, 7 cards, 0 videos). |
| g. Demonstrate awareness of how to critically examine literacy curricula when selecting high-quality literary, informational, and multimedia texts. | ELA.Selecting Instructional Materials | Covered | 13 | 1 | 6 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (13 questions, 1 materials, 6 cards, 0 videos). |
| h. Demonstrate awareness of research and concepts regarding the most common differences between proficient and striving readers (i.e., linguistic, cognitive, environmental, and neurobiological). | ELA.Determining Reading Level | Covered | 16 | 1 | 5 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (16 questions, 1 materials, 5 cards, 0 videos). |
| i. Demonstrate awareness of factors that may affect reading and writing development. | ELA.Factors Affecting Reading Development | Partially covered | 7 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Partial coverage by 1 topic (7 questions, 1 materials, 0 cards, 0 videos); limited supporting content. |
| j. Demonstrate awareness of the reciprocal relationships among the foundations of reading (i.e., phonological and phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary knowledge, and comprehension). | ELA.Fundamentals of Early Literacy | Covered | 15 | 1 | 9 | 0 | Covered by 1 topic (15 questions, 1 materials, 9 cards, 0 videos). |
How 240 Creates The GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading (350) Study Guide
Every 240 study guide starts with the official exam framework. From there, we organize lessons, practice, and study tools around the categories the exam uses to measure candidate knowledge.
Review the official exam framework
We begin with the standards, domains, competencies, objectives, or content categories published by the testing authority.
Map the tested categories
We map every major area the exam is designed to cover so the guide reflects the real structure of the test.
Build lessons around tested content
We create study materials to support the official blueprint, not broad filler content.
Cross-check practice against exam expectations
We review practice content against the framework and real exam patterns so preparation stays targeted.
Review and update as standards change
When official frameworks change, we review guides and update alignment as needed.
Reviewed by subject-matter experts and maintained to reflect current standards.
Why 240 Is Better Than Other Generic Study Guides
Not all study guides are built the same way. Here is what separates a test-aligned guide from a generic one — and why it matters when you are preparing for the GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading.
Generic prep
- Covers broad subject areas without structure
- No clear connection to the official exam framework
- Practice questions may not reflect the real test format
- May not update when official standards change
- Can be helpful for quick, broad review
240 test-aligned GACE 350 prep
- Every lesson maps to an official domain or competency
- Built directly from the official exam framework
- Practice questions aligned to what the exam actually measures
- A clear study path by tested category
- Study smarter and enter test day more prepared
FAQs About the GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading Study Guide
The questions teacher candidates ask us most often about the GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading study guide.
Is 240 a good study guide for GACE Fundamentals of the Science of Reading?
240 is a strong option because the guide is built around the official exam framework and shows detailed alignment by SMR and competency.
How closely does 240 align to the GACE 350 exam?
This guide is 99% aligned based on a competency-by-competency review of the official framework and the study resources included in the guide.
Does 240 cover every competency?
This page shows coverage transparently across covered, partially covered, and identified gaps so candidates can see exactly how the guide maps to the exam.
What does “partially covered” mean?
Partially covered means the guide addresses the core parts of a competency, but some depth or subtopics may still be limited.