WELCOME TO ONBOARDING
Teach For America - Chicago-Northwest Indiana
Overview
Basic Skills
Determining if you are exempt from the Basic Skills Exam
What to do once you have determined your exempt status
In Illinois and in Indiana there are two categories of tests: Content Exams (which align with the specific subject you are teaching) and the Basic Skills exam. While the Content Exam is required for all corps members you can be exempt from the Basic Skills exam. The first step you need to take when joining the corps is to determine if you are exempt from the Basic Skills exam. Once you are clear on if you need to take this test we will work with you to design a study plan and to register.
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Understanding if you are exempt from the Basic Skills Exam is one of the most important steps in Onboarding. Read the following section carefully and let us know if you have questions.
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SAT EXEMPT SCORES:
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If you tested prior to 3/5/16: Composite score of 1030 (critical reading + mathematics = 1030 or higher) and a minimum score of 450 on writing
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If you tested 3/5/16 or later: Composite score of 1110 (evidence-based reading and writing + mathematics = 1110 or higher) and a minimum score of 26 on writing and language
In all instances above your Composite Score and Writing Score can come from 2 different exams
There are several different ways you can be exempt from the Basic Skills Exam in Illinois:
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With previous ACT scores
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With previous SAT scores
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If you have already taken/passed the Illinois specific Basic Skills Exam (the TAP)
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If you are transferring an existing teaching license from another State
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ACT EXEMPT SCORES:
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If you tested prior to 9/1/15: Composite score of 22 or higher and a minimum score of 19 on the Combined English/Writing portion.
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If you tested between 9/1/15-9/9/16: Composite score of 22 or higher and a minimum score of 16 on the Writing portion.
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If you tested 9/10/16-later: Composite score of 22 or higher and a minimum score of 6 on the Writing portion
In all instances above your Composite Score and Writing Score can come from 2 different exams
Please see below to identify if you have ACT/SAT scores that will exempt you from re-taking this exam
If you are NOT exempt, and need to re-test please reach out IMMEDIATELY to the Onboarding Inbox. We will follow up with you regarding next steps and study supports.
If you are exempt, take the following action immediately:
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Send the Onboarding Inbox A screenshot of your ACT/SAT scores that document you are exempt
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Read your Basic Skills exempt testing guide to learn how to send your ACT/SAT scores to the Illinois State Board of education.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These exempt guidelines are for ILLINOIS ONLY, if you already know you are teaching ONLY in Indiana please click <HERE> to see if you are exempt and take the next steps outline at the bottom this page.