GACE Strategies for Success Video Script
MUSIC INTRODUCTION with Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators® (GACE®) logo
Title Screen: Preparing for the Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators® (GACE®)
SPOKESPERSON:
I know what you're thinking. Before I got my certification, I had the same questions you do:
Is the test really hard?
How should I prepare?
And what if I'm so nervous I forget everything but my name?
The good news is by planning your preparation you can succeed on the test.
Let's drop in on a few test takers to see how they are getting ready.
MALE 1 (FRANK):
Susan, I'm overwhelmed. I know my subject, but I've never been any good at taking tests.
FEMALE 1 (SUSAN):
Frank, you're freaking out for no reason. Just relax.
Taking tests isn't hard.
There are a lot of short cuts you can use.
MALE 2 (RICK):
Hey, what's going on?
FRANK:
Hey Rick. I'm trying to prep for my certification test and instead I'm prepped for a nervous breakdown. I don't know where to begin (waves a stack of paper). It's all too much.
SUSAN:
I'm telling him to relax and work the short cuts, but he won't listen.
FEMALE 2 (MARIA):
I think these guys need some help here, don't you?
RICK:
I agree, can we join you?
FRANK and SUSAN (in unison): Sure!
SPOKESPERSON:
Sound familiar?
Frank can't focus.
And Susan thinks that taking a certification test is as simple as knowing the tricks.
They're both wrong, but don't take my word for it.
Let's see what Maria and Rick have to say.
Title Screen: Know What to Expect
RICK:
I have to tell you — I took the test twice before I passed. The first time, I was confused so I skimmed the test prep materials and spent my time trying to figure out how to beat the system.
I found out that the best way to pass the test is to do what Maria did.
MARIA JUMPS IN:
I prepared. Preparation is everything. You can't beat the test, but you can pass it.
RICK:
Exactly. Your first stop should be the program website — they have materials to help you prepare and organize yourself. There are detailed test descriptions with sample questions and test-taking strategies to help you know what to expect. These materials really helped me get on the path to success.
MARIA:
Also, it's important to make a study schedule and stick to it. Once you go to the website and find out what topics are covered, you'll want to spend some time figuring out where your strengths and weaknesses are, determine what resources you have that'll help you — like books or class notes — and what you'll need to fill the gaps. And schedule some time to study! Of course, you want to put aside some extra time for the areas that need the most review. Also consider a study group or taking an additional course to help you prepare. It worked for me.
RICK:
Right. Joining a study group helped me A LOT. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses. If there was an area I wasn't as confident in, there was bound to be someone else in my group who could help out. It also really made a difference to have other people working through this with me. It seemed to make things a little less stressful and also kept me accountable. If there was a time or two when I felt like I could slack off, I remembered that my group was counting on me.
SPOKESPERSON:
Rick and Maria offer great advice. Whether you plan to study on your own or with others, you have to get organized. Go to the website (gace.ets.org), take stock of what you know, fill in the gaps, and get started with your review! There's just no substitute for knowing the material!
Title Screen: Understanding and Dealing with Anxiety
FRANK:
Well, I see what you mean about knowing the content, but I'm still nervous.
I can handle myself in a lot of different situations, but I get nervous just walking into a testing room.
RICK:
Look, Frank, you're great at getting up in front of people and giving a speech. How do you get ready to do that?
FRANK:
I decide what I want to say, organize it and practice until I'm comfortable.
I also visualize myself in front of the audience when I practice. That's something I learned from my football coach and it makes a huge difference.
RICK:
Exactly! If you know your stuff and you're prepared, you won't be half as nervous.
MARIA:
Preparing for the test is like preparing to give a speech. Get familiar with what will be on the test, practice taking sample questions, focus on areas where you need review, and then do it!
SUSAN:
So it's like you said: it's all about preparation and practice, isn't it?
MARIA:
Correct!
RICK:
Preparation goes a long way to reduce anxiety.
FRANK:
I've been worried about something else, too … I need to take insulin every couple of hours. Can I take that during the test?
RICK:
I think that's okay.
Check the Supplement to the Registration Bulletin that's on the website to find out — but don't wait until the last minute, because it may take some time to get that cleared for test day.
MARIA:
Frank, I think you'll be in good shape by test day. The more prepared you are, the less stressed you'll be.
Title Screen: Establishing a Strategy for Success
SPOKESPERSON:
Fear of the unknown.
It's totally natural to be nervous about taking a certification test, especially if you haven't taken one before. But the good news is that you can easily draw up a strategy for success. Just like Maria said, the more you know about what you're getting into, the more confident you'll feel on test day.
Step 1 is getting your preparation materials together.
Step 2: Plan your study time. Pay attention to areas where you feel you might need extra review.
Step 3: And this one's important … Practice answering sample questions. They'll clue you in on the types of questions you're likely to see and get you familiar with applying all that newly refreshed knowledge to the test.
Step 4: Check out the website (gace.ets.org) to get an idea of what the test is like and what to expect on test day. You'll find videos and lots of other information that will help you understand how things will run at the test center. If you have a disability or a health-related need, read the Bulletin Supplement to see if you have to request testing accommodations. Going over all this beforehand will not only ease your mind, it will also help prevent you from showing up unprepared, without the proper ID, or with prohibited items like cell phones. You don't want to spend all this time preparing for the test only to be turned away on test day for not having the proper ID!
MARIA:
The best strategy is to organize, plan, prepare and practice.
RICK:
And if you need help, ask a friend who's been through the process. Heck, I'll help you get through it.
MARIA:
Another thing — make sure you answer all the multiple-choice questions — even if you have to guess. Right, Rick?
RICK:
Sure. Nothing is subtracted from your score if you answer incorrectly.
So try to eliminate answers you know are wrong and go from there.
MARIA:
Use your time to study, not to worry. You'll be fine.
RICK:
So true. Instead of worrying, do some studying.
MARIA:
And practice!!! Organize your schedule and stick to it.
Now, let's get to work
RICK:
I'll bet you guys know more than you think you do. (Frank and Susan nod their heads)
SPOKESPERSON:
There you have it.
Passing your certification test is all about organization, planning, preparation and practice.
So instead of wasting energy worrying, study and prepare.
You can't control the test or the testing situation, but you can control yourself and how prepared you are.
SPOKESPERSON: {List appears on screen as the Spokesperson reads the bullets}
The keys to passing the test are obvious.
Organize your material.
Make a study schedule.
Get the prep materials.
Test yourself to see your strengths and weaknesses.
Concentrate on areas where you feel you need extra study.
The better prepared you are, the better your chances of passing the test.
So hit the books, get ready and be confident. You can pass this test — we know you can.
Exit Screen: gace.ets.org