5 Tips to Passing the RICA for California Teachers

Education Articles | October 26, 2006

One of the keys to your teaching career is the successful passing of the California State required RICA examination. RICA has to do with reading instruction and assessment and is not only an extremely important test, but in light of the deficits that many students are experiencing in California schools a most important concept.

Preparation for the RICA must be taken seriously.

I speak from experience on that issue. My first thought as a well-educated person was “How difficult can a test be?” The first time I took the test, I didn’t study as much as I should have and proved to myself and to others that this is a really difficult test! The second time I took it I knew what I had to do, did it, and passed with flying colors.

To pass the RICA, you must understand and master the domains and the content areas. Here is how I would suggest you study for this rite of passage.

First, I would go back over my reading courses and review both the texts and your notes. You might retake Cornell notes on both and study those.

Second, since this is both a multiple choice and written examination, I would read the experts. Expert one on the multiple choice area is Dr. Jim Zerrillo and his text, Ready for the RICA: A Test Preparation Guide. Expert two is for the written aspect. This is Dr. Beth Schipper and her book Case Studies in Preparation for the RICA.

Third, and if you might not consider yourself as prepared as you might, I would take a RICA preparation class offered in your area. I took two or three because I had to pass this test!

Fourth, I would try to talk with those who have taken the test before. I do not believe that it is unethical to talk with those folks, but they cannot or should not give you the questions. These people might be a wealth of information for you.

Fifth, I would make certain that I am finished with my preparation before the day before the test. That might save some confusion. Put your notes away and leave them away. Then make sure that you get in bed early and get a good night of rest in final preparation.

Should you have any questions, you might give me a shout at david@daveshelp.com and I’ll do what I can to assist you.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Holland is a well-educated educator having been teaching in a variety of situations for most of his adult life. Dave holds a bachelor’s degree from Minnesota, three master’s degrees: Education from California; Divinity from California; and Management from Missouri, as well as two earned doctoral degrees.

While obtaining his fifth year teaching certificate from the California State College in Fullerton, he developed the RICA Guide. He developed this guide to help him be more focused in his preparation for the RICA, shared it with fellow educators, and now markets it at his website.

Visit Dave’s website to download his RICA Study Guide at www.daveshelp.com.