To help you prepare reading material for the ATAS (Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills) 95 exam, specifically for the “Instructional Support” subarea, I’ll provide an outline and content focusing on the key competencies and knowledge areas covered. This material is intended to help you understand concepts, strategies, and practice questions that match the types of items found on the exam.
ATAS 95 Exam Preparation: Instructional Support
Introduction to the ATAS 95 Exam
The ATAS (NYSTCE Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills) 95 exam assesses the skills and knowledge required for teaching assistants in New York State. The exam includes four subareas: Reading, Writing, Mathematics, and Instructional Support. Instructional Support evaluates understanding of classroom instruction, student engagement, and behavior management.
Purpose of Instructional Support Section
The Instructional Support subarea tests your ability to:
• Understand and apply instructional techniques.
• Support diverse learners.
• Collaborate effectively with classroom teachers.
• Manage student behavior and encourage participation.
Section 1: Understanding Classroom Instruction
This section focuses on basic instructional techniques and methods to support teaching.
Key Concepts
1. Differentiated Instruction
• Definition: Adjusting instruction to meet the individual needs of students.
• Strategies: Using varied activities, materials, and levels of support.
• Examples: Providing reading material at different difficulty levels, using visual aids, and offering hands-on learning.
2. Scaffolding Techniques
• Definition: Providing temporary support to help students achieve learning goals.
• Techniques:
• Modeling: Demonstrating a task before asking students to perform it.
• Guided Practice: Working alongside students as they practice new skills.
• Gradual Release: Moving from teacher-led to student-led activities.
• Example Questions: “Which method best supports a student struggling to read independently?”
3. Direct Instruction vs. Inquiry-Based Learning
• Direct Instruction: Teacher-centered approach with structured lessons.
• Inquiry-Based Learning: Student-centered approach encouraging exploration.
• Application: Knowing when to use each approach depending on learning goals.
Section 2: Supporting Diverse Learners
This section covers ways to address diverse needs within the classroom, such as varying abilities, cultural backgrounds, and learning preferences.
Key Concepts
1. Accommodations and Modifications
• Accommodation: Adapting how information is presented without changing the curriculum.
• Modification: Changing the curriculum or instruction to meet student needs.
• Examples:
• Accommodation: Providing extra time for assignments.
• Modification: Simplifying assignments for a student with special needs.
2. Understanding IEPs and 504 Plans
• IEP (Individualized Education Program): A plan for students with disabilities detailing specific educational needs and accommodations.
• 504 Plan: A plan that ensures students with disabilities receive equal access to education.
• Role of Teaching Assistant: Implementing accommodations as outlined and supporting students’ specific goals.
3. Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion
• Definition: Respecting and incorporating students’ cultural backgrounds in instruction.
• Strategies:
• Recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives.
• Using inclusive materials that reflect different cultures and languages.
4. ELL (English Language Learner) Support
• Definition: Providing language assistance to students learning English.
• Strategies:
• Using visual aids, simplified language, and bilingual resources.
• Allowing peer support for language practice.
Section 3: Collaboration with Classroom Teachers
This section highlights the teaching assistant’s role in supporting the lead teacher’s goals and strategies.
Key Concepts
1. Understanding the Classroom Teacher’s Instructional Goals
• Role of a Teaching Assistant: Reinforcing concepts, supporting group work, and assisting individual students.
• Methods of Support:
• Helping prepare materials and setting up activities.
• Observing student behavior and providing feedback to the teacher.
2. Effective Communication with Teachers
• Importance: Ensuring that the assistant and teacher are aligned on instructional methods and student progress.
• Strategies:
• Regular check-ins and feedback sessions.
• Clarifying roles and expectations to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Maintaining Professional Boundaries
• Definition: Understanding the limits of a teaching assistant’s role in decision-making and disciplinary actions.
• Example: Assisting with lesson delivery rather than leading it, and deferring behavioral decisions to the teacher.
Section 4: Behavior Management and Student Engagement
This section focuses on classroom management techniques and ways to encourage active participation.
Key Concepts
1. Positive Reinforcement
• Definition: Encouraging desirable behaviors through rewards and praise.
• Examples:
• Verbal praise, token systems, and positive feedback.
• Application: Using praise to reinforce participation and respectful behavior.
2. Setting Clear Expectations
• Importance: Ensuring students understand classroom rules and consequences.
• Strategies: Modeling expected behaviors, using visual reminders, and clearly explaining consequences for actions.
3. Handling Disruptive Behavior
• Techniques:
• Redirection: Gently guiding students back to the task.
• Proximity Control: Managing behavior by moving closer to the student.
• De-escalation Techniques: Calming down situations without confrontation.
• Example Question: “Which strategy is best for addressing a student who frequently interrupts?”
4. Encouraging Student Engagement
• Techniques for Engagement: Group activities, interactive lessons, and hands-on projects.
• Role of Teaching Assistant: Actively supporting these activities to keep students interested.
Sample Questions and Practice
Practicing questions helps reinforce understanding and prepare for the exam format.
Sample Questions
1. Differentiated Instruction Scenario
• A classroom includes students with various reading levels. How can a teaching assistant help ensure each student participates?
• Answer: By providing materials at different reading levels and pairing students for peer support.
2. Behavior Management Scenario
• A student consistently talks during independent work. Which strategy might the teaching assistant use?
• Answer: Using proximity control or a quiet reminder to refocus the student.
3. Collaboration with Teacher
• What is a primary role of the teaching assistant when supporting a new lesson?
• Answer: Preparing materials, assisting students with directions, and reinforcing the teacher’s instructions.
Conclusion and Final Tips
The Instructional Support subarea of the ATAS 95 exam is designed to test your practical understanding of classroom techniques, collaboration, and student support. To excel:
• Familiarize yourself with common instructional methods.
• Understand key behavior management strategies.
• Practice communicating clearly and professionally with teachers and students.
Reviewing these core concepts and practicing sample questions will help reinforce your understanding and improve your confidence in supporting effective classroom instruction.
This outline provides a well-rounded foundation for studying the Instructional Support section of the ATAS 95.
Reading – 27%
Understand the meaning of general vocabulary words.
Understand the stated main idea of a reading passage
Understand the sequence of ideas in a reading passage
Interpret textual and graphic information
Writing – 27%
Understand the standard use of verbs
Understand the standard use of pronouns and modifiers
Understand standard sentence structure and punctuation
Understand the standard use of capitalization and spelling
Mathematics – 27%
Understand number concepts
Understand the addition and subtraction of whole numbers
Understand multiplication and division of whole numbers
Understand operations involving fractions, decimals, and percents
Instructional Support – 19%
Understand classroom instruction related to reading
Understand classroom instruction related to writing
Understand classroom instruction related to mathematics