A first grader says the printed word "napkin" has two syllables "because I hear two vowel sounds". Which idea from New York's grade 1 standards is the child using?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 1RF3d. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
A first grader writes: "Dogs are the best pet. They play fetch. They keep you safe." Measured against New York's grade 1 opinion standard, what does the piece show?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 1W1. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
A four-year-old "writes" a shopping list as a row of letter-like shapes and random letters. How do New York's prekindergarten standards treat this writing?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), Prekindergarten Writing Standards, Production and Range of Writing. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
Show all 40 questions (37 more)
Knowledge of literacy and language arts, continued
A second grader writes: "First we packed the car. Next we drove to the lake. Finally we swam." Which element of the grade 2 narrative standard do the words first, next and finally supply?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 2W3. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
At circle time one child answers a classmate, the classmate adds a thought, and the first child replies again. Which kindergarten speaking and listening expectation does this show?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KSL1b. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
Children move the word cards "ran", "dog" and "the" around until the sentence sounds right. Which part of language is this activity about?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
During a read-aloud a kindergarten teacher asks, "What does this picture show us that the words did not say?" Which kindergarten reading standard is she teaching toward?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KR7. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
In September a kindergarten teacher gives every child the same brief check of letter naming and phoneme segmentation to find out who may need extra help. What kind of assessment is this?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Assisting Students Struggling with Reading: Response to Intervention and Multi-Tier Intervention in the Primary Grades (NCEE 2009-4045), recommendation 1. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
In the word "kindness", what does the ending -ness do?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
In which word does the letter i stand for its long vowel sound?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
New York's grade 2 writing standards separate an opinion from a claim. Which sentence is their example of a claim?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 2W1, note. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
Second graders turn the text message "gonna be late, sry" into a note for the principal. Which grade 2 language standard does the task serve?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 2L3a. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
Which feature does New York's grade 2 standard for informative writing name that the grade 1 standard does not?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standards 1W2 and 2W2. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
Which of these items in a kindergarten room is informational text as New York's standards list it?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), Kindergarten Introduction, range of student reading experiences. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
Which spoken word has four phonemes?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
Which task matches New York's grade 1 reading standard on genre?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 1R5. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.2 Knowledge of English Language Arts
Which word begins with a blend of three consonants, each keeping its own sound?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0001, 1.1 Knowledge of Language and Literacy Development
Instruction in foundational literacy skills 17
A child points to the m on a sign and says, "That one says /m/, like the start of Max." Which understanding is the child showing?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.2 Instruction in Phonics, Word Recognition, and Fluency
A child reads the word "sat" aloud as "/s/ … /sa/ … sat", adding each sound to what came before. Which way of blending is this?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), glossary. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.2 Instruction in Phonics, Word Recognition, and Fluency
A first-grade group is about to read a story about a giraffe. The word "giraffe" is beyond the phonics they have learned, but the story depends on it. What does the IES guide advise?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), recommendation 3. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.2 Instruction in Phonics, Word Recognition, and Fluency
A grade 1 teacher plans a lesson on segmenting spoken words that include consonant blends. Which word belongs on her list?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 1RF2a. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.1 Instruction in Print Concepts and Phonological Awareness
A kindergarten teacher says, "Say cat. Now change /k/ to /h/. What is the new word?" Which kindergarten standard does the task practice?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KRF2e. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.1 Instruction in Print Concepts and Phonological Awareness
A prekindergarten teacher and the children clap "cup … cake" and "base … ball". Which prekindergarten expectation is the game aimed at?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard PKRF2b. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.1 Instruction in Print Concepts and Phonological Awareness
A second grader who knows "book" and "shelf" works out what "bookshelf" means. Which grade 2 word-learning strategy is this?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 2L4d. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.3 Instruction in Language Knowledge and Vocabulary
A second grader will practice fluency alone with no adult nearby. Which text level does the IES guide call appropriate for that?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), recommendation 4. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.2 Instruction in Phonics, Word Recognition, and Fluency
A teacher shows kindergartners how to find the characters, the setting, the problem and the events of each story they hear. Which IES recommendation for comprehension is she carrying out?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2010-4038), recommendation 2. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.4 Text Complexity and Instruction in Text Comprehension
According to the IES guide, when should academic vocabulary such as "locate", "contrast" and "estimate" be taught in kindergarten through grade 3?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), recommendation 1. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.3 Instruction in Language Knowledge and Vocabulary
Before choosing a book for a child, a teacher weighs his love of trains and what he already knows about them. Which part of judging text complexity is she attending to?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.4 Text Complexity and Instruction in Text Comprehension
Children can already push one chip into a sound box for each phoneme of a word. The teacher now swaps the chips for letter tiles. What does the change do?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), recommendation 2. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.1 Instruction in Print Concepts and Phonological Awareness
During a read-aloud discussion a child says, "The fox was mean." The teacher replies, "What did the fox do that makes you think so?" Which practice from the IES comprehension guide is this?IES What Works Clearinghouse practice guide, Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2010-4038), recommendation 3. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.4 Text Complexity and Instruction in Text Comprehension
Kindergartners walk, then march, then gallop across the rug as the teacher calls out each verb. Which kindergarten vocabulary standard is the lesson built on?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KL5d. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.3 Instruction in Language Knowledge and Vocabulary
New York's kindergarten standards call one distinction about text complexity "the most critical". Which is it?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), Kindergarten Introduction, text complexity expectations. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.4 Text Complexity and Instruction in Text Comprehension
Which of these prekindergarten expectations is a print concept?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standards PKRF1 to PKRF3. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.1 Instruction in Print Concepts and Phonological Awareness
Which word pair fits a grade 1 lesson on root words and simple suffixes, as New York's standard gives examples?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 1RF3f. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0002, 2.2 Instruction in Phonics, Word Recognition, and Fluency
Instruction in English language arts 6
A kindergarten class lists questions about worms, looks through books and a worm bin together, and records what it finds on a chart. Which writing standard is the class working on?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KW6. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0003, 3.2 Instruction in Writing
A kindergartner draws her dog and says, "Dogs are fun because they play." The teacher writes the sentence under the drawing. How does this fit New York's kindergarten opinion standard?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KW1. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0003, 3.2 Instruction in Writing
A kindergartner holds up her drawing of a caterpillar while she tells the class about its stripes. Which presentation standard does the drawing serve?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KSL5. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0003, 3.3 Instruction in Speaking and Listening
After a classmate shows a shell, a kindergartner asks, "Did you find it at the beach or buy it?" Which kindergarten standard is this child meeting?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard KSL3. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0003, 3.3 Instruction in Speaking and Listening
After a read-aloud about frogs a first grader says, "It is about how frogs grow," and then tells three stages. Which grade 1 reading standard has the child met?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standard 1R2. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0003, 3.1 Instruction in Reading Literature and Informational Text
After a story a kindergartner says, "The bear was scared of the dark, like me at Grandma's house." Which reading standard, worded the same in prekindergarten and kindergarten, does the remark show?New York State Education Department, English Language Arts Learning Standards (2017), standards PKR9 and KR9. Framework section: Part One, Competency 0003, 3.1 Instruction in Reading Literature and Informational Text
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to Part One: Literacy and English Language Arts (field 211) of the NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023 (https://www.nystce.nesinc.com/content/docs/NY_fld211_246_245_objs.pdf, read 2026-10-10): Knowledge of Literacy and Language Arts 17 selected-response items, Instruction in Foundational Literacy Skills 17, Instruction in English Language Arts 6. The bank holds the same 17, 17 and 6. Standards and practices were checked on 2026-10-10 against the New York State English Language Arts Learning Standards of 2017, prekindergarten to grade 2 (https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/nys-next-generation-ela-standards.pdf), and three Institute of Education Sciences practice guides: Foundational Skills to Support Reading for Understanding in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2016-4008), Improving Reading Comprehension in Kindergarten Through 3rd Grade (NCEE 2010-4038) and Assisting Students Struggling with Reading (NCEE 2009-4045); each question names the one it used. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
Mathematics: all 40 questions
Number and operations 10
A child counts six blocks aloud. The teacher covers them with a cloth and asks, "How many blocks are under here?" The child answers "six" without asking to count again. Which idea has the child shown?New York State Education Department, Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (2017), standards NY-PK.CC.3 and NY-K.CC.4. Framework section: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
A recipe needs 3/4 cup of flour. The only scoop holds 1/8 cup. How many level scoops are needed?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
A student works out 47 × 6 as (40 × 6) + (7 × 6) = 240 + 42 = 282. Which property of operations justifies the first step?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
Show all 40 questions (37 more)
Number and operations, continued
One classroom timer beeps every 12 minutes and another every 18 minutes. Both beep at 9:00. When do they next beep at the same time?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
One strip of ribbon is 5/6 yard long and another is 3/8 yard. How long are the two strips laid end to end?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
What is 3.6 ÷ 0.12?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
What is 306 × 24?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
What is 4,965 rounded to the nearest hundred?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
What is −7 − (−3)?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
Which list orders 3/4, 0.7 and 5/8 from least to greatest?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0001, Number and Operations
Operations and algebraic thinking 15
A 12-ounce box of cereal costs $3.00 and a 20-ounce box costs $4.60. Which box has the lower unit price?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.2 Ratios and Proportional Relationships
A kayak rental costs $15 plus $9 for each hour on the water. One rental comes to $51. For how many hours was the kayak out?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
A pattern starts at 4 and follows the rule "add 5": 4, 9, 14, 19, … Which feature is true of every term, although the rule does not state it?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
A teacher wants an example of a prime number between 50 and 60. Which of these numbers works?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
A train covers 195 miles in 3 hours at a constant speed. At that speed, how far does it go in 5 hours?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.2 Ratios and Proportional Relationships
An $80 coat is marked 15% off. What is the sale price?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.2 Ratios and Proportional Relationships
Function A is y = 2x + 5. Function B has the values (0, 1), (1, 4) and (2, 7) and keeps the same rate of change. For which value of x do the two functions give the same result?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
In a class of 24 children, 18 walk to school. What percent of the class walks to school?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.2 Ratios and Proportional Relationships
The pattern 5, 8, 11, 14, … adds 3 each time. What is its 20th term?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Solve for x: 4x − 7 = 2x + 9.NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
What is the value of 5 + 3 × (8 − 2)² ÷ 6?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Which equation treats 56 ÷ 7 as an unknown-factor problem?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Which expression is equivalent to 7(2x − 4) + 3x?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Which number has exactly three factors?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Which numerical expression means "subtract 4 from 19, then multiply the result by 3"?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0002, 2.1 Operations and Algebraic Thinking
Measurement, geometry and data 10
A closed rectangular prism measures 6 units by 2 units by 5 units. What is its surface area?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.1 Measurement and Geometry
A rectangle has an area of 60 square centimeters and a length of 12 centimeters. What is its perimeter?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.1 Measurement and Geometry
A rope is 7 feet 6 inches long. How long is it in inches?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.1 Measurement and Geometry
A school of 400 students wants to learn its favorite lunch. Which sample is least likely to be biased?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.2 Data, Statistics, and Probability
Five bean plants are 23, 31, 18, 27 and 35 centimeters tall. What is the range of the heights?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.2 Data, Statistics, and Probability
Five children have 4, 7, 7, 9 and 13 stickers. What is the mean number of stickers?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.2 Data, Statistics, and Probability
How many lines of symmetry does an isosceles triangle have if it is not equilateral?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.1 Measurement and Geometry
In a picture graph each star stands for 6 points. The Blue team has three and a half stars. How many points does the Blue team have?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.2 Data, Statistics, and Probability
Six quiz scores are 12, 14, 15, 15, 16 and 48. If the outlier, 48, is removed, which measure changes the most?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.2 Data, Statistics, and Probability
Three corners of a rectangle are at (−2, 1), (4, 1) and (4, 5) on the coordinate plane. Where is the fourth corner?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023: Part Two, Competency 0003, 3.1 Measurement and Geometry
Instruction in mathematics 5
A first grader fills in 8 + 4 = □ + 5 with 12. Which activity best targets the misconception?New York State Education Department, Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (2017), standard NY-1.OA.7. Framework section: Part Two, Competency 0004, 4.1 Instruction in Number and Operations
A first grader measures a book with paper clips, leaves spaces between the clips, and reports "5 clips long". What should the teacher address?New York State Education Department, Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (2017), standard NY-1.MD.2. Framework section: Part Two, Competency 0004, 4.2 Instruction in Measurement and Data and Geometry
Kindergartners shake five two-color counters, spill them, and record the result each time, such as 5 = 2 + 3 and then 5 = 4 + 1. What is the activity teaching?New York State Education Department, Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (2017), standards NY-K.OA.3 and NY-K.OA.4. Framework section: Part Two, Competency 0004, 4.1 Instruction in Number and Operations
Under New York's standards, to what precision do first graders learn to tell and write time?New York State Education Department, Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (2017), standards NY-1.MD.3a and NY-2.MD.7. Framework section: Part Two, Competency 0004, 4.2 Instruction in Measurement and Data and Geometry
Which model shows the number 18 the way New York's kindergarten place value standard frames it?New York State Education Department, Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards (2017), standard NY-K.NBT.1. Framework section: Part Two, Competency 0004, 4.1 Instruction in Number and Operations
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to Part Two: Mathematics (field 246) of the NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2) (211/246/245) Assessment Design and Framework, January 2023 (https://www.nystce.nesinc.com/content/docs/NY_fld211_246_245_objs.pdf, read 2026-10-10): Number and Operations 10 selected-response items, Operations and Algebraic Thinking 15, Measurement, Geometry, and Data 10, Instruction in Mathematics 5. The bank holds the same 10, 15, 10 and 5. Every answer that is a number is worked from what the question prints, and each one was worked out again on 2026-10-10. The six questions on how young children learn mathematics were checked on 2026-10-10 against the New York State Next Generation Mathematics Learning Standards of 2017 (https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/nys-next-generation-mathematics-p-12-standards.pdf) and name their standard. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
Arts and Sciences: all 40 questions
Science and technology 16
A class stirs equal amounts of sugar into equal volumes of water at 10°C, 30°C and 50°C and times how long each takes to dissolve. What is the independent variable?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.1 scientific inquiry and investigation
A puck sliding on smooth ice keeps moving in a straight line after the stick stops touching it. Which principle does this show?NASA Glenn Research Center, Newton's Laws of Motion. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.2 the physical setting
A sled starts at the top of a snowy hill and speeds up as it slides down. Which energy change is taking place?U.S. Energy Information Administration, Energy Explained: Forms of energy. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.2 the physical setting
Show all 40 questions (37 more)
Science and technology, continued
A student compares paper towel brands by pouring "some water" on a sheet of each and judging which looks driest. Which change most improves the investigation?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.1 scientific inquiry and investigation
A team's water filter cleans well but is slow. The team tries three thicknesses of sand, timing each and measuring how clear the water is, to find the best balance. Which part of engineering design is this?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.4 technology and engineering design
A toy car rolls down a ramp in 2.4, 2.6, 2.5 and 2.9 seconds in four trials. What is the mean time?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.1 scientific inquiry and investigation
In a classroom scale model, 1 centimeter stands for 2 meters. How long is the model of a 15-meter whale?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.5 themes that connect mathematics, science, and technology
In a food web diagram, an arrow points from pond algae to a snail. What does the arrow show?National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Aquatic food webs. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.3 the living environment
Students build a craft-stick bridge that must hold 2 kilograms. Which is a fitting test of the design?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.4 technology and engineering design
Students notice that the bean plants near the window are taller. Which statement is a testable hypothesis?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.1 scientific inquiry and investigation
Three of four classmates who ate breakfast scored above average on one quiz. A student concludes that breakfast raises every student's scores. What is the main weakness of the conclusion?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.1 scientific inquiry and investigation
What causes the seasons on Earth?NASA Space Place, What Causes the Seasons?. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.2 the physical setting
What is the basic unit of inheritance, passed from parents to offspring?National Human Genome Research Institute, Talking Glossary of Genomic and Genetic Terms: Gene. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.3 the living environment
Which statement describes climate and not weather?NOAA National Ocean Service, What is the difference between weather and climate?. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.2 the physical setting
Which two things drive the continual movement of water in the water cycle?U.S. Geological Survey, Water Science School, The Water Cycle. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.2 the physical setting
Why does the Moon appear to change shape during a month?NASA Science, Moon Phases. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0001, 1.2 the physical setting
Social studies 16
A class studies how the Erie Canal was dug. Which of these is a primary source?National Archives, Educator Resources, History in the Raw. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.6 social studies skills
Early complex societies of the Eastern Hemisphere arose in Mesopotamia and in the valleys of the Yellow River, the Indus River and which other river?New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (revised February 2017), 6.3b. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.1 history of New York State, the United States, and the world
The Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) confederacy began with five nations. Which nation joined as the sixth around 1720?National Park Service, The Six Nations Confederacy During the American Revolution. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.1 history of New York State, the United States, and the world
In which body does Article I of the United States Constitution vest all legislative powers?National Archives, The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.4 economic and political principles
The President returns a bill to Congress with objections. How can the bill still become law?National Archives, The Constitution of the United States: A Transcription. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.4 economic and political principles
To whom does the Tenth Amendment reserve the powers that the Constitution neither gives to the United States nor denies to the states?National Archives, The Bill of Rights: A Transcription. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.4 economic and political principles
The transatlantic movement of goods, people, ideas and diseases after 1492 reshaped lives on both sides of the ocean. What is this exchange called?New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (revised February 2017), 5.3c. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.3 human development and interactions
What do lines of longitude measure?NOAA National Ocean Service, What is longitude?. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.2 geography
What does "scarcity" mean in economics?New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (revised February 2017), 1.9a. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.4 economic and political principles
What marked the Neolithic Revolution?New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (revised February 2017), 6.2c. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.1 history of New York State, the United States, and the world
Where was the First Women's Rights Convention held in July 1848?National Park Service, Women's Rights National Historical Park, The First Women's Rights Convention. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.1 history of New York State, the United States, and the world
Which amendment, ratified in 1920, says the right to vote shall not be denied on account of sex?National Archives, The Constitution: Amendments 11-27. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.5 citizenship
Which is an example of cultural diffusion?New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (revised February 2017), 3.6a. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.2 geography
Which right does the First Amendment protect?National Archives, The Bill of Rights: A Transcription. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.5 citizenship
Which sentence states an opinion and not a fact that could be checked?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.6 social studies skills
Why was the Erie Canal built?New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (revised February 2017), 4.6b. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0002, 2.1 history of New York State, the United States, and the world
Fine arts, consumer science and career development 8
A new lamp will not light, and it came with no written warranty. Which protection still covers the buyer?Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice, Warranties. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.8 consumer economics and personal resource management
A student wants viewers to walk around a finished artwork and see it from every side. Which medium fits that purpose?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.1 visual arts
A worker takes home $2,400 a month and budgets $900 for rent, $360 for food, $180 for transport and $480 for other bills. If the rest is saved, what percent of take-home pay is saved?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.8 consumer economics and personal resource management
Brand A sells 32 ounces of juice for $4.80 and Brand B sells 20 ounces for $3.20. Which has the lower unit price?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.8 consumer economics and personal resource management
In a play, an actor carries a lantern and a walking stick. What are these objects called?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.3 theater and dance
On a mortgage offer, how does the annual percentage rate (APR) differ from the interest rate?Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, What is the difference between a mortgage interest rate and an APR?. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.8 consumer economics and personal resource management
Which pair names two principles of art, as opposed to elements of art?NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.1 visual arts
Which three areas do career assessments usually focus on to suggest careers that may suit a person?CareerOneStop (sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor), What is a career assessment?. Framework section: Part Three, Competency 0003, 3.9 career development
How this list was compiled: Our own questions, written to Part Three: Arts and Sciences (field 245) of the NYSTCE Multi-Subject: Teachers of Childhood (221/222/245) Assessment Design and Framework, October 2017 (https://www.nystce.nesinc.com/content/docs/NY_fld221_222_245_objs.pdf, read 2026-10-07): Science and Technology 16 selected-response items, Social Studies 16, and Fine Arts, Health and Fitness, Family and Consumer Science, and Career Development 8. The bank holds the same 16, 16 and 8; its last 8 cover the arts, consumer economics and career development and leave out the health and fitness topics. Facts were checked on 2026-10-07 on pages of NASA, the U.S. Geological Survey, NOAA, the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the National Human Genome Research Institute, the National Archives, the National Park Service, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, CareerOneStop and the New York State K-8 Social Studies Framework (https://www.nysed.gov/sites/default/files/programs/curriculum-instruction/ss-framework-k-8a2.pdf); each question names its page. Licence: Questions, choices and explanations are original work of this site.
How it works
This free CST Multi-Subject Early Childhood practice test follows New York's framework for Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth–Grade 2): literacy, mathematics, and arts and sciences. It is unofficial and not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by the New York State Education Department or Pearson.
Read the full guide
The three parts
Parts One (211) and Two (246) each ask 40 selected-response questions and one written response, which this page does not mark; Part Three (245) asks 40 questions. Exam mode gives each set the framework's minutes for its 40 questions: 60, 75 and 60.
What is particular to Birth–Grade 2
Part One follows the prekindergarten to grade 2 standards: print concepts, rhyme and syllables, first phonics, drawing or dictating as writing. Part Two is the redeveloped test 246, with 10 of 40 questions on number and operations and 5 on how young children learn mathematics.
Part Three is shared
Part Three is one test for all four grade bands, passed once, so its set here is the one on the CST Multi-Subject practice test. That set leaves out health and fitness.
The real Part Two shows a standard four-function calculator on screen. A basic calculator is fair for the mathematics set here.
Questions and answers
What is on the CST Multi-Subject Early Childhood test?
Part One: language and literacy knowledge, foundational literacy teaching and English language arts teaching. Part Two: number, algebraic thinking, measurement, geometry and data, and how children learn mathematics. Part Three: science and technology, social studies, and the arts. Each part is scored on its own.
What score do you need to pass the Multi-Subject Early Childhood CST?
520 on each part, by the test's own page, and you must pass all three to qualify for certification in this field. 520 is a scaled score, so this page reports how many you got right and gives no pass verdict.
How much does the written response count on the Early Childhood Multi-Subject test?
In Part One the constructed response carries 30% of the score and the 40 selected-response items 70%. In Part Two the split is 20% and 80%. Part Three is selected-response only.
Are these real NYSTCE Early Childhood questions?
No. Every question is our own, written to New York's Assessment Design and Framework of January 2023. None is copied or reworded from the real test or from the sample questions in its preparation materials.