| One of the keys to your teaching career is the | | | | Second, since this is both a multiple choice and |
| successful passing of the California State required | | | | written examination, I would read the experts. |
| RICA examination. RICA has to do with reading | | | | Expert one on the multiple choice area is Dr. Jim |
| instruction and assessment and is not only an | | | | Zerrillo and his text, Ready for the RICA: A Test |
| extremely important test, but in light of the | | | | Preparation Guide. Expert two is for the written |
| deficits that many students are experiencing in | | | | aspect. This is Dr. Beth Schipper and her book |
| California schools a most important concept. | | | | Case Studies in Preparation for the RICA. |
| Preparation for the RICA must be taken seriously. | | | | Third, and if you might not consider yourself as |
| I speak from experience on that issue. My first | | | | prepared as you might, I would take a RICA |
| thought as a well-educated person was "How | | | | preparation class offered in your area. I took two |
| difficult can a test be?" The first time I took the | | | | or three because I had to pass this test! |
| test, I didn't study as much as I should have and | | | | Fourth, I would try to talk with those who have |
| proved to myself and to others that this is a | | | | taken the test before. I do not believe that it is |
| really difficult test! The second time I took it I | | | | unethical to talk with those folks, but they cannot |
| knew what I had to do, did it, and passed with | | | | or should not give you the questions. These |
| flying colors. | | | | people might be a wealth of information for you. |
| To pass the RICA, you must understand and | | | | Fifth, I would make certain that I am finished with |
| master the domains and the content areas. Here | | | | my preparation before the day before the test. |
| is how I would suggest you study for this rite of | | | | That might save some confusion. Put your notes |
| passage. | | | | away and leave them away. Then make sure |
| First, I would go back over my reading courses | | | | that you get in bed early and get a good night of |
| and review both the texts and your notes. You | | | | rest in final preparation. |
| might retake Cornell notes on both and study | | | | Should you have any questions, you might give |
| those. | | | | me a shout at and I'll do what I can to assist you. |