MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for

Date:

Name:

About Your Study Plan

This Study Plan comprises the full spectrum of materials and resources available to a candidate. We encourage you to use the
recommended resources to target preparation to your needs and goals.
There will be hyperlinks throughout this document. Please make sure that you visit the relevant pages to access all of the
resources.
Your commitment to great teaching begins here. Your efforts will not only help you pass the test, but will also prepare you to
become a successful teacher.

How to study:

ABCTE Teacher Forums:

ABCTE is committed to making sure you are the best possible teacher.
We will provide you with study tips to get ready for the exam and both the
content and resources to review this material. It is your job to commit to
preparing and stay dedicated while studying.
Think of the Snapshot below as an overview for what you need to know.
For more detail in each topic, review the exam standards. The ABCTE
exams are based on this blueprint, so consider this a syllabus for what you
want to study.

Become a part of the ABCTE community by

participating in our Teacher Forums today!
You can discuss the program, ask questions,
and learn what other candidates have done to
succeed in their classrooms.
http://www.abcte.org/forums

Mathematics Exam Snapshot

Time Allowed
Format
Number of Questions
On-Screen Exhibits
Passing Score

240 minutes
Multiple-choice
125
None
Proficient: 272
Distinguished: 340

(The number of questions answered correctly is

converted to a scale score ranging from 0 to 500.)

Exam Summary
Content Domains
Number Sense
Algebra and Functions
Geometry and Measurement
Trigonometry
Probability, Statistics, and Data
Analysis
Linear Algebra
Calculus

Approximate
Percentage of
Examination
12%
26%
20%
11%
12%
6%
13%

About This Exam

The American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence believes that highly skilled mathematics teachers should possess a
comprehensive body of mathematical knowledge that is research-based and promotes student achievement. The mathematics
exam is a rigorous assessment of a candidates knowledge and application of mathematic concepts. Most topics assessed are
characteristically covered in introductory college level mathematics courses, although some more advanced topics are included,
as teachers must hold a more sophisticated understanding of mathematics content than that presented to their students. Use
of a calculator is not permitted.

How to use ABCTE Practice Tests

If you have chosen to use our practice tests, you may have already used the quizzes to get a better idea of where your strengths
and weaknesses are. There are two full-length exams that we would suggest you use in testing mode as a mid-term and final to
work on your timing and endurance. You can use them again in explore mode to identify distractors.

1-877-669-2228 www.abcte.org advisor@abcte.org

MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for ABCTEs Standards Stepwise Method
Name:

Date:

The right way to get started: using the Standards as your syllabus
Your Self Assessment is a summary of the standards; by doing it, you have identified which ones need the most
attention. The Standards are your study lifeline; you can find them on your MyAccount page. Throughout the
course of your study you will learn all of them. How to begin? Here is ABCTEs Standards Stepwise method:
Domain 1: Instructional Design

Topic 1: Selects, Organizes, Plans, and Designs Content

Approach in bite-sized chunks:

Writes measurable objectives for both individual or

dont be overwhelmed or paralyzed by how

many standards there are, simply pick a
topic of a domain and get started.

Define the terms: take the first

three items in the topic and make sure you

know all the terms. Look up any you are do
not recognize. After all, you cannot answer
a question definitively if you dont even
know the terms.

1.1.01

classroom performance based on student data and subject

matter.

Guides curricular planning (e.g., content clusters,

1.1.02

instructional methods, learning activities and assessment

tools) based on goals of the instruction.

Guides curricular planning

(e.g.,content
content
clusters,
Organizes
across
lessons around central concepts,
propositions,
theories, or
models.
1.1.03
instructional methods,
learning
activities
and
assessment tools) basedSelects
on goals
of
the
instruction.
facts, samples, examples or a combination to
1.1.04

substantiate or illustrate ideas.

Juxtaposes examples that differ in many ways but are the
same in defining features, so that students can generalize to

1.1.05

new examples and learn to discriminate same/different

when faced with new examples.

Plans lessons, depending on size and content of unit, so that

1.1.06

1.1.07

important ideas or skills are studied or practiced on several

occasions rather than all at once.

Selects lesson content that builds on prior learning.

Uses routines, presentations, practice, review,

1.1.08

memorization, application and homework, as appropriate, to

organize instruction into clearly defined segments.

UseDesigns
the instruction
required
resources in your Study
that shows relationships among content

Plan or aand
broad
survey
to refreshforyour
memory
ideas and
pointstext
out opportunities
transfer.
on the topic.
Knows about the ways to organize information for students,

1.1.09

including:

Outlines and graphic organizers that depict

Use the
appropriate recommended
relationships of central ideas, super-ordinate
concepts,
and coordinate
resources to
probesubordinate
deeper concepts
if you need
better

concepts;
understanding.
Use the Standards to target the

that call attention to key ideas and

sections you Study
needguides
to read.
address literal, interpretive, and applied levels of

1.1.10

comprehension;

Concept guides
thatthe
link new
informationsection
and
YourNotes:
go to
resources
of

previously learned material;

ABCTE.org and
identify additional resources to use
Methods
identifyingto
cause-effect
relationship
as needed. Use
theforForums
see what
other s and
temporal sequences and to compare and contrast
people are using.

situations;

Organizers that help students keep track of the steps

and the strategies they use

to complete
Checkinvolved
for understanding
and
reflect:

assignments
think about how
you would use this in a classroom
or how you would teach the subject. Use your
quizzes to check for understanding and move on.

Wash, rinse, and repeat: once you finish

a chunk of three, go back and attack the next
three.
Have a Plan
It is important to have a plan of attack to study. Block out
set times to study and if you slip and miss a session,
restart your plan instead of letting yourself get paralyzed
and procrastinate.

1-877-669-2228 www.abcte.org advisor@abcte.org

MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for

Date:

Name:

The Study Plan:

Your study plan includes direction on how to use ABCTEs resources. We also include recommended resources to aid in your
mastery. The full description of these can always be found at: www.abcte.org/teach/exam-preparation. You should also rate
these resources whenever possible.
This plan was designed for a 9 month period (4 months for Professional Teaching Knowledge (PTK); 4 months for the subject
matter; 2 weeks to take each test) in which most people are able to complete the program. Many have completed the program
in a shorter amount of time.
Area of Study

Number Sense

Required Resource

Review the specific Math standard

Recommended Resource
Web Resources
SparkNotes Math Study Guides

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/mathematics/standards

The accompanying sessions can be found

in your ABCTE Refresher Workshops at:

Timeline

These and other resources can be

found at:

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/Mathematics

{Time}

http://www.abcte.org/courses/mathematics/in
dex.html

Real Number Properties

Fundamental Theorem of Arithmetic
Absolute Values
Algebraic Expressions
Complex Numbers
Operations with Real Numbers
Field Properties with Real Numbers

Your Notes:

Note: The resources recommended outside of the ABCTE program are often freely accessible online or can be found in your
library. To ease your search we have hyperlinked them.

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MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for

Date:

Name:

Study Tip:
One effective way of using the practice quizzes is to look at the incorrect answer choices before looking at the correct
explanation to see if you can understand why those options are wrong. If you can understand how a test maker uses distractors,
you will be able to eliminate wrong answer choices faster on test day.

Area of Study

Algebra and Functions

Required ABCTE Resource

Review the specific Math standard

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/mathematics/standards

The accompanying sessions can be found

in your ABCTE Refresher Workshops at:
http://www.abcte.org/courses/mathematics/in
dex.html

Algebra and Functions I

Parallel and Perpendicular Lines

Absolute Values
Relations and Functions
Solving Systems of Equations
Compositions and Inverses of Functions
Sequences and Series
Solving Linear Equations and Inequalities
Graphing Linear Equations and Inequalities
Finding the Equation of a Line

Recommended Resource
Web Resources
SparkNotes Math Study Guides
Algebra I Tutorials
AlgebraHelp.com Calculators

Timeline
{Time}

Books
Algebra for Dummies
The Idiots Guide to Algebra
Schaum's Outline of
Intermediate Algebra

These and other resources can be

found at:

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/Mathematics

Algebra and Functions II

Algebraic Functions
Factoring Polynomials
Simplifying Rational Polynomials
Solving and Graphing Quadratic Equations
Binomial Expansion
Conic Sections
Laws of Integral Exponents
Laws of Fractional Exponents
Exponential Functions

Your Notes:
}

I can give children the inspiration and encouragement to confront their own challenges, surpass negativity and
persevere.Without this program, I wouldnt have had the opportunity to pursue teaching.
Traci Brown, ABCTE Teacher,

1-877-669-2228 www.abcte.org advisor@abcte.org

MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for

Date:

Name:

Testing on the Computer:

This may be your first time taking a test on a computer. On average, people read 20% slower on a screen vs. paper. Because of
this and other issues, practice as much as you can on the computer to become comfortable working in that environment.
Familiarity with the test and its standards will go a long way towards your ABCTE success.
The online practice tests are great practice to get a feel for the testing environment.

Area of Study

Geometry and
Measurement

Required Resource

Review the specific Math standard

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/mathematics/standards

Geometry and Spatial

Reasoning

The accompanying sessions can be found

in your ABCTE Refresher Workshops at:

Measurement

http://www.abcte.org/courses/mathematics/in
dex.html

Geometry and Spatial Reasoning

Symmetry and Space

Classifying Two- and Three-Dimensional
Solids
Two-Dimensional Representations of
Three-Dimensional Objects
Triangles
Similarity and Ratio
Convex Polygons
Quadrilaterals
Straightedge and Compass Constructions
Skew Lines
Special Triangles
Area of Triangles and Special
Quadrilaterals
The Pythagorean Theorem
Circles
The Equation of a Circle
Geometric Proofs using Coordinate
Systems

Recommended Resource
Web Resources
SparkNotes Math Study Guides

Timeline
{Time}

Books
Geometry For Dummies
E-Z Geometry
Geometry Success in 20 Minutes a
Day

These and other resources can be

found at:

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/Mathematics

Measurements and Linear Algebra

About Measurement
Measuring Two-Dimensional Figures
Measuring Three-Dimensional Figures
Proportions in Measurement
MatricesOperations and Inverses
Matrices for Systems of Equations
Geometric Interpretations
Special Matrix Products

Your Notes:

The information presented in the courses and the workshops was extremely helpful to me because they provided real examples
that I have been able to implement immediately in my classroom.
Lauren Masino, ABCTE Teacher, FL

1-877-669-2228 www.abcte.org advisor@abcte.org

MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for

Date:

Name:

We love to highlight ABCTE teachers in local newspapers. Not only does this provide publicity for a potential job search, it can
also help highlight your school as one that is committed to providing students with the best possible teacher. Visit
http://www.abcte.org/get-involved/share-your-story .
Area of Study

Trigonometry

Required Resource

Review the specific Math standard

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/mathematics/standards

Recommended Resource
Web Resources
An Introduction to Trigonometry
Dave's Short Course in

Timeline
{Time}

Trigonometry

The following sessions can be found in your

ABCTE Refresher Workshops at:
http://www.abcte.org/courses/mathematics/in
dex.html

Trigonometric Ratios
Law of Sines & Law of Cosines
The Unit Circle
Introduction to Tangent, Cotangent, Secant,
and Cosecant
Pythagorean Trigonometric Identities
Amplitude, Frequency, Period, and Phase
Shift
Graphing Trigonometric Functions and
Inverse Trigonometric Functions
Half-Angle and Double-Angle Formulas
Rectangular and Polar Coordinates

Books
Trigonometry Demystified
Trigonometry

These and other resources can be

found at:

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/Mathematics

Your Notes:

"The podcast for new teachers is very helpful. I have them all on my iPod and they really hit some good topics."
- Lisa Mayo, ABCTE Teacher, PA

Dr. Glen Moulton, a supervisor of instruction and life-long teacher trainer, and Michael Kelley, author of
Rookie Teaching for Dummies, provide advice, tips, and discussions for new and veteran teachers monthly.
Sign up for this great resource. It is free for anyone to download for help in the classroom:
www.newteacherhotline.com

1-877-669-2228 www.abcte.org advisor@abcte.org

MATHEMATICS EXAM STUDY PLAN

for

Date:

Name:

Questions and concerns can be directed to the Help Desk at: http://helpdesk.abcte.org/
Or contact your advisor at: advisor@abcte.org
Area of Study

Probability, Statistics and

Data Analysis
Linear Algebra
Calculus

Required Resource
Review the specific Math standard
http://www.abcte.org/teach/math-standards

The following sessions can be found in your

ABCTE Refresher Workshops at:
http://www.abcte.org/courses/mathemati
cs/index.html

Probability, Statisitics, Data Analysis

Defining Probability
Combinations and Permutations
Utilizing Combinations and Permutations
Independent and Dependent Events
Beginning Statistics
Data Displays, Normal Distributions and
Lines of Best Fit

Recommended Resource
Web Resources
StatSoft Electronic Textbook
Linear Algebra Toolkit
Pre-calculus
Calc101.com
Calculus-Help.com
Books
Introduction to Statistics
Statistics for People Who

Linear Algebra

MatricesOperations and Inverses

Matrices for Systems of Equations
Geometric Interpretations
Special Matrix Products

Calculus

(Think They) Hate Statistics

The Cartoon Guide to Statistics
3,000 Solved Linear Algebra Problems
Linear Algebra and its Applications
Calculus Made Easy
The Humongous Book of Calculus
Problems: For People Who Don't
Speak Math *

These and other resources can be

found at:

http://www.abcte.org/teach/exampreparation/Mathematics

Limits and Continuity

Differential Calculus
Differential Calculus II
Integral Calculus
Differential Equations, Sequences, and
Series

Your Notes:

Did you know that ABCTE is on Facebook? Become an ABCTE fan.

http://www.abcte.org/facebook

1-877-669-2228 www.abcte.org advisor@abcte.org

Timeline
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