Study Guide

Field 137: Journalism 
Test Design and Framework

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The test design below describes general assessment information. The framework that follows is a detailed outline that explains the knowledge and skills that this test measures.

Test Design

Test overview, including duration of test, number of questions, and passing score.
Format Computer-based test ( C B T )
Number of Questions 80 selected-response questions and 1 constructed-response assignment
Time* 4 hours
Passing Score 240

*Does not include 15-minute  C B T  tutorial

Test Framework

Pie chart of approximate test weighting outlined in the table below.

test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 1 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
selected-response
roman numeral 1 journalism skills and processes 0001–0004 25 percent
roman numeral 2 foundations of journalism 0005–0008 25 percent
roman numeral 3 advising, instruction, and assessment 0009–0013 35 percent
this cell intentionally left blank. 85 percent
test weighting by number of questions per subarea part 2 of 2.
subareas range of competencies approximate percentage of test
constructed-response
roman numeral 4 pedagogical content knowledge 0014 15 percent

Subarea roman numeral 1–Journalism Skills and Processes

Competency 0001–Apply knowledge of forms, functions, and principles of journalism.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0002–Apply knowledge of a wide variety of information sources and skills, criteria, and methods for gathering and evaluating information.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0003–Apply knowledge of journalistic writing processes and how to use these processes to prepare effective journalistic products.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0004–Apply knowledge of processes and conventions of revising and editing journalistic writing for a variety of media.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 2–Foundations of Journalism

Competency 0005–Apply knowledge of the evolution of U S journalism and the role of a free and independent press in a democratic society.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0006–Apply knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of journalists and legal and ethical standards related to journalism and media content.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0007–Apply knowledge of the functions, limitations, and influences of mass media in society and skills and criteria for analyzing and evaluating media content.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0008–Apply knowledge of principles, elements, tools, and techniques of media design and production.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 3–Advising, Instruction, and Assessment

Competency 0009–Apply knowledge of learning theories, curriculum approaches, and classroom environments that promote all students' learning and skill development.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0010–Apply knowledge of forms and functions of different types of student media and roles and responsibilities of a journalism adviser.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0011–Apply knowledge of the management of student staff and media.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0012–Apply knowledge of content-specific journalism instruction and assessment.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Competency 0013–Apply knowledge of the importance of professional development, practice, affiliation, and reflection for journalism teachers.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics 

Subarea roman numeral 4–Pedagogical Content Knowledge

Competency 0014–Analyze lesson plans and instructional content and activities for journalism education, including student work and assessment data, and describe how to use this analysis to inform subsequent instruction.

 start italics The following topics are examples of content that may be covered under this competency. end italics