Apr 11 / by The Learning Liaisons

25 Sample Questions and Answer Examples for the Pearson Foundations of Reading (190) Exam

Preparing for the Pearson Foundations of Reading (190) Exam requires a strong understanding of phonics, reading development, and literacy instruction. Below are 25 sample questions designed to help you prepare for the questions you may encounter on the exam.

Subarea I: Foundations of Reading Development

Q1: What is phonemic awareness, and why is it important for early literacy development?

A: Phonemic awareness is identifying and manipulating individual sounds (phonemes) in spoken words. It is crucial for developing decoding skills in reading.

Q2: Which instructional strategy best supports the development of phonemic awareness?

A: Engaging students in oral segmentation and blending activities, such as clapping syllables or using Elkonin boxes.

Q3: What is the difference between phonological awareness and phonics?

A: Phonological awareness is recognizing and manipulating sounds in spoken language, while phonics involves understanding the relationship between sounds and printed letters.

Q4: A kindergarten teacher asks students to isolate the first sound in the word “dog.” What skill is she assessing?

A: Phoneme isolation.

Q5: What is the best approach for teaching letter-sound relationships in phonics instruction?

A: Systematic and explicit instruction introducing common consonant sounds before vowel sounds.

Subarea II: Development of Reading Comprehension

Q6: What is the role of fluency in reading comprehension?

A: Fluency allows readers to decode words automatically, freeing cognitive resources for comprehension.

Q7: Which of the following best describes a metacognitive reading strategy?

A: A student thinks about their understanding while reading and uses strategies like summarizing and questioning.

Q8: What is an effective strategy for teaching vocabulary?

A: Using explicit instruction with multiple exposures to new words in different contexts.

Q9: A teacher uses a graphic organizer to help students identify a text's main idea and supporting details. What reading skill is being reinforced?

A: Reading comprehension and text structure analysis.

Q10: What is the most effective way to improve a student’s reading fluency?

A: Repeated readings of a familiar passage with feedback and modeling.

Subarea III: Reading Assessment and Instruction

Q11: What type of assessment measures a student’s ability to decode unfamiliar words?

A: A phonics screening assessment.

Q12: A teacher notices a student struggles with decoding multisyllabic words. What intervention would best support the student?

A: Teaching syllabication strategies and morphology.

Q13: What is the primary purpose of a running record?

A: To assess a student’s reading accuracy, fluency, and comprehension.

Q14: A student struggles with reading rate and expression. What is likely their primary area of difficulty?

A: Reading fluency.

Q15: Which instructional approach is most effective for a student with dyslexia?

A: Structured, multisensory phonics-based instruction such as the Orton-Gillingham approach.

Subarea IV: Integration of Knowledge and Understanding

Q16: A teacher wants to support English language learners (ELLs) in reading comprehension. What strategy would be most effective?

A: Pre-teaching key vocabulary and using visuals to support understanding.

Q17: A student can decode words accurately but struggles to understand what they read. What instructional strategy should the teacher use?

A: Explicit instruction in comprehension strategies such as making predictions and summarizing.

Q18: What is the best way to assess a student’s phonemic awareness skills?

A: Asking students to segment and blend phonemes orally.

Q19: Which of the following activities would best develop morphological awareness?

A: Teaching common prefixes, suffixes, and root words.

Q20: A teacher asks students to compare and contrast two informational texts. Which comprehension skill is being developed?

A: Text analysis and synthesis.

Scenario-Based Questions

Q21: A second-grade teacher notices that a student has difficulty with consonant blends. What would be the best instructional approach?

A: Providing targeted phonics instruction with hands-on blending activities.

Q22: A third-grade student can read accurately but reads very slowly. What is the most effective intervention?

A: Repeated reading with a focus on increasing automaticity and prosody.

Q23: A teacher is working with a small group of struggling readers. What type of instruction is best suited for this setting?
A: Differentiated small-group instruction focusing on students' specific reading needs.

Q24: A first-grade student consistently misreads common high-frequency words. What strategy would help improve word recognition?
A: Using multisensory sight word instruction with repetition and hands-on activities.

Q25: A teacher is planning a read-aloud session for her kindergarten class. What strategy should she use to maximize student engagement and comprehension?
A: Asking open-ended questions, making predictions, and encouraging discussion throughout the reading.

Pearson Foundations of Reading (190) Exam Overview

The Pearson Foundations of Reading (190) Exam is a standardized test designed to assess the knowledge and skills required for effective reading instruction. It is a crucial step for educators seeking certification to teach reading and literacy in elementary and special education classrooms.

Purpose of the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam

The Foundations of Reading exam ensures that candidates possess the competencies necessary to:

  •    Understand phonemic awareness, phonics, and word-recognition strategies.
  •    Develop effective reading comprehension and vocabulary instruction.
  •    Support diverse learners, including English language learners and students with reading disabilities.
  •    Implement literacy assessments and interventions based on data-driven instruction.

Structure of the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam

The exam is divided into multiple subareas, each assessing different aspects of literacy instruction:

1. Foundations of Reading Development (Subarea I)
  •    Covers phonemic awareness, phonics, and word recognition strategies.
  •    Assesses the candidate’s understanding of how children develop early reading skills.

2. Development of Reading Comprehension (Subarea II)
  •    Focuses on vocabulary development, reading fluency, and comprehension strategies.
  •    Evaluates knowledge of different text structures, genres, and literary devices.

3. Reading Assessment and Instruction (Subarea III)
  •    Covers how to assess student reading abilities and use data to guide instruction.
  •    Includes strategies for differentiating instruction for struggling readers and diverse learners.

4. Integration of Knowledge and Understanding (Subarea IV)
  •    Requires candidates to analyze and respond to scenario-based constructed-response questions.
  •     Measures the ability to apply reading instruction concepts in a practical classroom setting.

Test Format

  •   Computer-Based Testing (CBT): Administered at authorized Pearson testing centers.
  •    Multiple-Choice Questions: The majority of the exam consists of selected-response questions.
  •    Constructed-Response Questions: Scenario-based writing tasks assessing instructional decision-making.

Scoring and Passing Criteria

  •    Scaled Scores: Ranges from 100 to 300.
  •    Passing Score: A minimum score of 233-240 is required to pass and is dependent on the state you are taking the test in. For example, states like Alabama and Mississippi require a score of 233 or higher to pass. Other states, such as Massachusetts and North Carolina, require a score of 240 or higher to pass.
  •    Performance-Based Evaluation: Candidates must demonstrate competency across all subareas.

Eligibility Requirements

To take the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam, candidates must:

  •    Hold at least a bachelor’s degree.
  •    Complete an approved educator preparation program (EPP) or meet state-specific certification requirements.

Registration and Fees

  •    Registration: Available online through the Pearson testing website.
  •    Fees: $139 for the full exam.

Test Dates and Locations

The exam is offered year-round at Pearson VUE testing centers across various states. Candidates can select available dates and locations during registration.

Common Questions About the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam

How long does the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam take?

  •    The exam duration is 4 hours.
  •    It includes multiple-choice and constructed-response questions, with specific time allocations for each section.

What score is required to pass the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam?

  •    A passing score is 233- 240+ or higher on a scale of 100-300.
          -     Passing score is dependent on the state you are currently taking the test in. 
          -     For example, Some states, like Alabama and Mississippi, require a score of 233 or higher to pass. Other states, such as Massachusetts and North Carolina, require a score of 240 or higher to pass.
  •    Scores are evaluated across multiple subareas, and candidates must demonstrate proficiency in both multiple-choice and written responses.

Can I retake the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam if I don’t pass?

  •    Yes, candidates can retake any portion they do not pass.
  •    There is a 30-day waiting period between attempts.
  •    Retake fees apply, and candidates are encouraged to review their score report to identify areas for improvement before retesting.

6 Effective Strategies for Studying for the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam

Preparing for the Pearson Foundations of Reading Exam requires a strategic approach to mastering reading instruction competencies. Below are six proven strategies to help you prepare effectively and pass the exam.

1. Familiarize Yourself with the Test Framework

  •    The exam aligns with state reading standards and best practices in literacy instruction.
  •    Review the exam blueprint to understand the objectives and competencies outlined in each subarea.

2. Break Down Your Study Plan into Manageable Goals

  •    Focus on one subarea at a time to ensure thorough comprehension.
  •    Example:
         
          - Monday: Study phonemic awareness and phonics strategies (Subarea I).
          - Wednesday: Review reading comprehension techniques and fluency instruction (Subarea II).
          - Friday: Practice responding to constructed-response questions (Subarea IV).

3. Use Pearson Foundations of Reading Study Materials

  •    Invest in study guides like “Foundations of Reading 190 Study Guide” or online practice tests.
  •    Utilize official Pearson test preparation resources for sample questions and test structure.

4. Practice Under Test-Like Conditions

  •    Take timed practice exams to simulate real test conditions.
  •    Example:
 
         -  Allocate 4 hours to complete an entire practice test.
         -  Review incorrect answers and identify weak areas for further study.

5. Customize Your Study Approach to Suit Your Learning Style

  •    Visual learners: Use graphic organizers to map out reading instruction concepts.
  •    Auditory learners: Listen to recorded summaries of reading strategies and best practices.
  •    Kinesthetic learners: Engage in hands-on activities, such as modeling phonics instruction techniques.

6. Consider Enrolling in a Prep Course

  •    Professional Foundations of Reading prep courses provide structured guidance and additional resources.
  •    Programs like the Learning Liaisons offer video lessons, practice tests, and study guides.

Additional Success Tips

  •    Stick to a study routine: Dedicate regular time to exam preparation.
  •    Join a study group: Engage with peers to discuss key concepts and practice questions.
  •    Maintain balance: Get adequate rest, stay organized, and manage stress effectively before test day.

Simulate Testing Conditions

Take full-length practice exams to build stamina and improve time management.

With thorough preparation and strategic study techniques, you’ll be well-equipped to pass the Pearson Foundations of Reading (190) Exam and advance in your career as a literacy educator!