Eastern Illinois University: College of Education and Professional Studies
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: College of Education
Illinois State University: College of Education
Indiana State University: College of Education
Millikin University: School of Education
Southern Illinois University Carbondale: College of Education and Human Services
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: School of Education
Northern Illinois University: College of Education
Test Framework – The Basic Skills Test Framework provides information on the content covered on the basic skills test in the areas of Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, Mathematics, and Writing. The framework is a great starting point to preparing for the test. The framework can be found at http://www.icts.nesinc.com/PDFs/IL_fld096R_FW.pdf under the link for the Basic Skills Diagnostic Practice Test. The Basic Skills Diagnostic Practice Test is an interactive computer program that contains a full-length practice test form for the Basic Skills test, including questions for the Reading Comprehension, Language Arts, and Mathematics subareas of the test. In addition, a constructed-response writing assignment, and sample responses to the practice test writing assignment is provided to assist in the preparation for the Writing subarea. The program also includes a tutorial providing instructions on how to use and navigate through the practice test, and scoring of and correct answer explanations for the multiple-choice questions.
Basic Skills Preparation Program (developed by Illinois Community College Board) – The Basic Skills Test Preparation program is a web-based tutorial that works through all areas covered on the Basic Skills Test.
Reading Center – The EIU Reading Center in Room 1320 Buzzard Hall (http://www.eiu.edu/~readctr/) offers an array of services for students preparing for the Basic Skills Test, providing workshops and individualized programs. Excellent skill building programs are available to assist students with reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and writing. The programs take students through practice test assessments with prescriptive exercises to build those skills essential to passing the Basic Skills Test.
Commercial Guides (Illinois Basic Skills Test and ACT Study Guides) – Many commercial test preparation publishers have developed study guides for the Illinois Basic Skills Test. These study guides can be found at bookstores or on-line through sites such as Amazon. In addition to the Illinois Basic Skills Test Preparation books, many students have found ACT Study Guides a help in preparing for the test.
High School Texts (especially Math) available in the EIU Booth Library – The Ballenger Teacher Center in Booth Library has numerous high school textbooks in Mathematics and English that might assist you in reviewing the concepts covered on the Basic Skills Test.
Tutors (private or commercial).- Consider seeking assistance from a former teacher or friend with exceptionally strong skills in the given area in which you need help. You may also check out Lake Land College Tutoring Services by calling 217-234-5366 or by clicking here for assistance in tutoring for Math and English.
How do I know what specific courses I need for transfer to an Illinois institution?
You have been assigned to a faculty advisor at Lake Land College who will assist you with advisement each semester. Sample programs are also available in the Lake Land College catalog.
How do I know what Lake Land College courses will count toward graduation?
Lake Land College courses numbered above 100 will count toward a transfer degree program; however, students need to follow the specific check list for their major. It is also important to work with your education advisor to ensure you are taking the appropriate coursework for transfer to your identified four year institution.
Where can I find an advisor check sheet showing course requirements for transfer to a specific school?
Transfer checklist guides for education majors can be located at the Lake Land College Counseling Services. Note: not all institutions will have developed checklists for each major. You may also contact the four-year institution for specific transfer requirements and for articulated check lists for specific majors. In general, you can locate what courses will transfer by typing “transfer guides” in the institution search engine link.
Will Lake Land College courses numbered under 100 transfer to a four year institution?
It depends on the institution. EIU will accept as general credit any coursework that is not considered a remedial/developmental course. However, these courses will not generally apply to major coursework. Schedule an appointment with Counseling Services to determine which courses will transfer to your desired transfer institution.
How many hours beyond 64 can I take at Lake Land College and still transfer?
Students may take additional coursework beyond the associate degree at Lake Land College; however, it is not usually advisable to do so. The four-year institution will require upper division and/or residency requirements for graduation and additional courses may not meet requirements toward graduation for the bachelor degree.
Will I be able to transfer a grade of “D” in any of my courses or should I repeat the course prior to transfer?
In general, the Illinois State Board of Education requires a “C” or better in all coursework that counts toward an education degree (including general education requirements). It is advisable for you to repeat any courses you do not receive a “C” or better in if the course applies toward your major requirement. Be sure to see your faculty advisor if you are not sure whether a course meets a major requirement.
When Do I need to take the Illinois Basic Skills test?
In general, the Illinois Basic Skills test should be completed no later than the end of your first semester of your sophomore year. The Illinois State Board of Education requires all individuals who are accepted into a bachelor degree program for an education major must have completed and passed all three sections in the Illinois Basic Skills test. Test sections include reading, math and English. See the General Education checklist for information about how to sign up for the Illinois Basic Skills test or visit http://www.icts.nesinc.com.
How many times can I take the Illinois Basic Skills test and how much will it cost?
The Illinois Basic Skills test can be repeated up to five times. It will be the student’s responsibility to know which portion of the test they did not receive passing scores in and will need to repeat.
Where can I find information about studying for the Illinois Basic Skills test?
Information about the Illinois Basic Skills test can be located at http://www.icts.nesinc.com. You may also contact the Lake Land College Educational Specialist in Northeast Building, room 001 or by phone at 217-234-5488.
The Elementary Education degree requires an “area of concentration” as part of the degree requirements for graduation. What is an “area of concentration” and how many hours can I complete at Lake Land College? What specific Lake Land College courses will count toward my chosen “area of concentration?”
The Elementary Education degree requires that students have 15 hours in an area of concentration. Students may complete nine of the hours toward elective credit at Lake Land College. Six semester hours must be completed at the upper division level. In general the following courses will apply to each area of concentration:
English: Must include advanced composition or writing course, on course in American Literature and a course in children’s literature.
Fine Arts: Two disciplines must be represented with a minimum of two courses from each discipline. Select from Art, Music or Theater Arts.
Foreign Language: Fifteen semester hours with six hours from upper division level.
General Science: Two disciplines must be represented with a minimum of two courses from each discipline. Select from Biological Science, Chemistry, Earth Science, Geology and Physics.
Mathematics: Fifteen semester hours of course work other than methods courses.
Social Science: Two disciplines must be represented with a minimum of two courses from each discipline. Select from Economics, Geography, History and Political Science.
See appropriate check lists for more information regarding what courses will apply toward the Elementary Education area of concentration.
Which educational degrees require that I take EDU190 Introduction to Special Education?
EDU190 is generally required for any special education endorsement area or for certification in early childhood education. Check with your faculty advisor for more information regarding this requirement.
Which Lake Land College classes will fulfill EIU’s diversity requirement?”
A listing of Lake Land College courses that will meet the EIU general education graduation core is located on the EIU education web site under course substitution (http://www.eiu.edu/~transfer/coop_coursesub.php). It is also recommended that you refer to your EIU checklist for Lake Land College courses that will meet this requirement and discuss course selections with your Lake Land College faculty advisor or an EIU Transfer Coordinator.
If I complete my teaching degree at an Illinois school, will I be able to teach in another state?
States require different certification requirements; however, as long as you have received your education certification from an NACTE accredited university program, you can be hired on a temporary license while you complete the requirements for certification for that state. Contact the state board of education for the state you are considering teaching in for more information.
Do I need to belong to a professional education organization?
It is highly recommended that you participate in educational organizations throughout your educational and professional career. LLC offers an opportunity to belong to an educational organization through the Future Education Association (FEA). FEA is the internationally recognized professional education association. Meeting dates, locations and times are available by contacting Kim Davis, Lake Land College Education Coordinator at 217-234-5471 or by email at kdavis@lakelandcollege.edu.
The Future Educators Association is a club offered on Lake Land College’s campus for students enrolled in a teacher education program. The objectives of the club are to promote interest in and knowledge about the teaching profession, to provide fellowship among students, faculty, and community professionals, and to provide learning opportunities for future educators to develop professional skills through experiential learning.
Kimberly Davis Coordinator of Education Programs Lake Land College 217-234-5471 kdavis9876@lakelandcollege.edu Northeast Building #002
Note: Each institution will have specific admission requirements to the College of Education and specific requirements for the major. Transfer checklist guides for education majors can be found in the links below or in Lake Land College Counseling Services.
Eastern Illinois University: College of Education Illinois State University: College of Education Southern Illinois University-Carbondale: College of Education Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville: School of Education University of Illinois: College of Education
Register for the exam at http://www.icts.nesinc.com. Cost for test is $89 ($30 additional late registration fee). An Illinois Certification Testing System Basic Skills Diagnostic Practice Test is available at the registration website. The diagnostic practice test is an interactive computer program that contains a full-length practice test form for the ICTS Basic Skills test. Additional resources for the Illinois Basic Skills test are available on the back of this document.
In order for students to gain hands on experience in a classroom setting, a supervised classroom experience is required for the courses of EDU100 (30 hours) and EDU190. (5 hours) All sites must be approved by the Education Specialist.
Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity
Lake Land College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation or any basis of discrimination precluded by applicable federal and state statutes in admission or access to or in treatment of employment in college programs and/or activities. The Director of Human Resources, Lake Land College, is designated to coordinate compliance with nondiscrimination requirements contained in the implementing regulations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and Age Discrimination Act of 1975. The Counselor/Coordinator Student Accommodations, Lake Land College, is designated as the Section 504 Coordinator of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.