NYSTCE Overview
To find information, search for "building principal exam New York".
Important exams:
Educating All Students (EAS)
School Building Leader (SBL)
School District Leader (SDL)
Required Tests:
Must take Educating All Students (EAS) unless already completed.
SBL consists of two parts, each lasting four hours:
Can take in one full day (8 hours) or over two days.
SDL also required.
Scheduling:
Important to check testing windows and scores return dates.
Align testing dates with graduation dates.
Passing Scores:
School Building Leader: Passing score is 520/600.
Educating All Students: 500/600.
Testing Center Info:
Use your ZIP code to find locations.
Good reviews for Pearson site in White Plains and Poughkeepsie.
Avoid community colleges as testing sites based on previous feedback.
Parking can be an issue, especially in White Plains.
Alternatives suggested: Brewster and other nearby locations.
Preparation:
Access practice exams and test prep materials available online.
Courses and test prep books are available but not necessary; focus on official resources.
Test Structure:
Involves multiple choice (selected responses) and essays (extended performance tasks).
A video component in SBL exam, watching and analyzing teaching sessions.
Approach to Exam:
Consider stamina and test-taking anxiety: decide on one day vs. two.
Review and analyze data carefully; avoid deep diving into unnecessary details—focus on surface-level understanding.
Sample Exam Structure:
Exam includes scenarios (case studies) followed by related questions.
Focus on identified themes in scenarios and data presented.
Essay Writing Tips:
Provide clear, precise responses.
Use evidence from provided documents to support claims and arguments.
Instructor:
Experience includes being a special education teacher and principal.
Has worked with various school districts.
Active in mentoring and consulting in educational leadership.
Issues Raised in Group Discussions:
Addressing achievement gaps and student performance.
Importance of teacher collaboration and morale.
Emphasis on professionalism and ongoing teacher development.
Action Steps:
Review testing registration details thoroughly.
Prepare using provided materials and practice exams.
Engage with peers for resource sharing and support during test preparation.