Curious about the MTEL-Flex, if you’re eligible, and what to know about the assessment, registration, scoring, and preparation? We’ve got you covered in the blog below!
What is the MTEL-Flex?
The MTEL-Flex is an assessment alternative for MTEL candidates who are very close to passing (more on this later!) various MTEL content exams and would prefer to demonstrate their knowledge in a written assessment* of an MTEL test objective, rather than retake the traditional MTEL again.
*Candidates taking the MTEL-Flex Spanish (913) exam will submit a video response.
At the moment, the MTEL-Flex is available for only some content area exams, and for each exam there are two options to choose from:
Am I Eligible?
As referenced above, candidate eligibility for MTEL-Flex is determined by scoring within one standard error of measurement of passing on the corresponding MTEL exam. Said another way, since a passing MTEL score is 240 (80%), in order to qualify for the MTEL Flex your score must be under 80% but over 76%.
If your score falls in that window, you will have the option to take an MTEL-Flex assessment, as long as you failed the corresponding MTEL on or after October 20, 2020.
To confirm eligibility, feel free to schedule a free consultation call with us and we can help you check!
How Do I Register?
You will register on the MTEL website just as you would for a traditional MTEL. However, the Flex must be done at home and submitted online- a test site is not an option like it is for traditional MTEL exams.
The cost of the MTEL-Flex is $69 per submission for most tests, except for the General Curriculum subtests, which have a fee of $49 per submission. Yes, this is less than most MTEL exams which cost around $94 depending on the exam, but there are factors other than price to consider when deciding if the MTEL Flex is right for you.
During registration, you will select the MTEL test objective that you will address in your submission. You’ll also be able to download your MTEL Flex template and assessment instructions. Keep reading as we unpack more details about all of this below.
Exam Details
What’s the Assessment Like?
All MTEL-Flex exams (except for MTEL-Flex Spanish*) are formatted as a template made up of (4) prompts followed by (1) 1600 word essay of a specific topic or concept.
The purpose of the prompts are to provide a background and overview of the essay. Though the prompts do vary, they typically ask you to outline the descriptive statements from the objective (more on this below!) that you will be addressing in your essay. You’ll also be asked to describe the topic of your essay and 3-4 sources that you will be citing.
After the prompt section you will be provided with a space to type your essay. The essay must be typed in Arial font size 11, single spaced, and no more than three pages. Tables, charts, graphs, or other diagrams can be included if you have them, but you still cannot go over the 3 page limit.
Here is an example template to check out!
*The MTEL-Flex Spanish (913) template is similar to the other MTEL-Flex exams in that it begins with the four prompts, but the essay portion is replaced with a 4 to 5 minute video file of your oral response. You can read more details in the MTEL-Flex Handbook.
What Am I Writing About?
Each MTEL-Flex exam covers a specific subset of topics related to the subject of the corresponding traditional exam. In the chart at the beginning of this blog you will notice that an objective number is written next to the MTEL-Flex options. As you may have guessed, that objective is related to the corresponding MTEL exam and whichever one you choose will be the topic of your MTEL Flex.
Additionally, there are descriptive statements that accompany said objective that you will need to reference in your submission. You’ll refer to the MTEL Flex template you download at registration to determine which/how many descriptive statements you are meant to address in your assessment. These are the statements you will be referring to in the prompt section, and throughout your essay.
When you are writing your essay, make sure to apply your knowledge rather than simply stating facts! Citing the 3-4 sources you listed in the prompt section throughout your essay is essential for passing, but note that active hyperlinks to sources are not allowed. Sources can include textbooks, articles, course materials, or other printed or electronic materials.
How Do I Submit?
As mentioned above, your template will be downloaded at registration and completed electronically. Once finished (don’t forget to review and proofread!) you will upload the file to the Pearson ePortfolio system. We can help you with all of this if you sign up for a 1:1 study session!
You will for submit your exam depending on when you wish to receive your score report. For most MTEL-Flex exams (except for MTEL-Flex Spanish), there is typically one submission deadline every month and you will receive your score 3-4 weeks later.
How is it Scored?
The exam is scored by trained scorers using a rubric (you can check it out on page 10 of the Flex document). You will receive a “P” if you pass, and if you do not pass there is no option for rescoring but you are allowed to retake the exam as many times as you like.
The scorers are evaluating you on:
- Purpose: The extent to which the response achieves the purpose of the assignment
- Subject Matter Knowledge: Accuracy and appropriateness in the application of subject matter knowledge
- Support: Quality and relevance of supporting details
- Rationale: Soundness of argument and degree of understanding of the subject matter
Is the MTEL-Flex Right For Me?
It might feel tricky to decide if the MTEL Flex is right for you. Compared to the 300 word essay required on other MTEL exams, 1600 words is certainly a lot! Additionally, the MTEL Flex essay is expected to be much more complex and polished.
Here’s our general advice: If you’re only a point or two away from passing, retake the MTEL – A 1600 word essay is challenging and you’re truly so close to passing the original exam.
But, every case is different and we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons and come to the right decision for you. Sign up for a complimentary call and let’s figure it out together.
And if you’ve decided the MTEL Flex is right for you, sign up for a 1:1 Study Session and we will help you prepare!
There are enough barriers to succeeding as a teacher these days, the MTEL shouldn’t prevent excellent teachers from starting their careers.
We’re here for you and you for this! Create a study plan, find resources that work for you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help! We’ve got you!
