GACE Study Guides for Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and Educational Testing Service (ETS) Latest Update

The Georgia Assessments for the Certification of Educators (GACE) is a critical program developed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission (GaPSC) and Educational Testing Service (ETS) to ensure that educators in Georgia are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively teach in the classroom. The GACE assessments are designed to evaluate a teacher’s competency in specific areas of instruction and are a vital component of the certification process for teachers in Georgia. As the education system evolves, the GACE program regularly updates its study guides, test formats, and available resources to ensure that educators are well-prepared to meet the needs of their students.

Official GACE Study Materials and Resources

The official GACE study materials provided by Educational Testing Service (ETS) offer candidates the most comprehensive and up-to-date preparation resources. These materials are designed to help test-takers understand the test’s structure, the content covered, and the key competencies they will be evaluated on. The main official resources include:

1. Study Companions: The study companion is a key resource that provides detailed outlines of the content and competencies that will be tested in each subject area of the GACE exam. This document highlights the test objectives, breakdowns of test sections, and important study resources. Each GACE assessment has its own study companion that outlines specific competencies, skills, and the general structure of the test. The study companions are available for all GACE assessments, excluding the GACE Teacher Leadership and Georgia Ethics assessments.

2. Tests at a Glance: The "Tests at a Glance" document is a concise, high-level overview of the test, summarizing the content areas and types of questions included. These documents provide a snapshot of the structure of each test and are a helpful resource for those who want a quick overview of the test format. Like the study companions, they are available for all GACE assessments except the Teacher Leadership and Georgia Ethics exams.

3. Interactive Practice Tests (IPTs): These are full-length practice tests designed to simulate the real GACE exam experience. They allow test-takers to familiarize themselves with the format and question types. Practicing with these tests can help candidates understand the pacing of the exam and identify areas where they may need further study. The Interactive Practice Tests are available for purchase on the ETS website.

4. Tutorials and Test Familiarization Videos: ETS offers a variety of tutorials and instructional videos that can help candidates understand how to navigate the online testing platform. These tutorials cover features such as using the online calculator, alternate character toolbar (for language assessments), and how to use the test-taking interface. Additionally, the test familiarization videos are designed to provide an in-depth look at what test-takers can expect on the test day, as well as tips for managing the test experience.

5. Webinars: ETS regularly hosts webinars that provide in-depth guidance on GACE test preparation. These webinars cover a variety of topics, including general test-taking strategies, subject-specific advice, and an overview of the available study materials. They are particularly useful for candidates who prefer live, interactive learning and have the opportunity to ask questions directly to experts.

6. Study Strategies and Tips: For individuals preparing for the GACE assessments, ETS provides study strategies, including suggested study schedules, tips for improving test performance, and advice on how to effectively review content. These tips aim to help test-takers optimize their study efforts and build the confidence necessary for success on the test.

These official resources are vital for any candidate preparing for the GACE assessments. They are specifically designed to align with the most current standards and test formats, ensuring that the study experience is as close as possible to the actual testing conditions.

Third-Party Study Materials

In addition to the official resources provided by ETS, candidates can benefit from third-party study materials. These resources can supplement the official study companions and practice tests by offering additional perspectives and practice opportunities. Here are some of the most popular third-party resources:

1. Union Test Prep: Union Test Prep offers free, user-friendly study guides and practice questions for a variety of GACE assessments. The website features detailed outlines of the test sections and breaks down the material into manageable chunks. This makes it easier for candidates to focus on specific content areas while practicing sample questions. Union Test Prep also provides study tips to help optimize preparation.

2. Quizlet: Quizlet is a widely recognized platform for creating flashcards and study sets. GACE candidates can access pre-made flashcards for the Georgia Ethics exam and other GACE assessments. These flashcards cover essential terms, concepts, and principles that are frequently tested. Quizlet is especially useful for those looking to reinforce their knowledge through repetition and active recall.

3. Practice Test Geeks: Practice Test Geeks provides free practice tests and study materials for GACE exams. Their resources cover a wide range of subjects and test formats, offering sample questions and practice exams that mimic the real test experience. The website also includes solutions and explanations to help test-takers understand the rationale behind the correct answers.

4. Other Third-Party Resources: Numerous websites and bookstores also offer books, flashcards, and study guides for the GACE exams. These materials often come with test strategies, practice exams, and tips to help candidates excel. Some third-party providers even offer coaching services and one-on-one tutoring, which can be helpful for those who need personalized attention.

Upcoming Changes to the GACE Program

It is important to note that the GACE program is undergoing a transition in terms of its testing provider. The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is being replaced by Evaluation Systems of Pearson (ES) as the official testing provider for the GACE exams. This change is set to take effect on July 1, 2025. After this date, candidates must take all parts of a GACE exam from the same test provider in order for their scores to be comparable. This transition may impact how the tests are administered and how preparation materials are structured. Candidates are encouraged to stay informed by regularly checking the official GACE website for updates.

Recommendations for GACE Test-Takers

For anyone preparing for the GACE exams, it is crucial to begin studying as early as possible to ensure ample time for review. Here are some recommendations for effective GACE preparation:

1. Use Official Resources First: The official GACE study materials provided by ETS should be the first point of contact for any test-taker. These materials are tailored to the specific requirements of the exam and are regularly updated to reflect changes in the testing structure.

2. Supplement with Third-Party Resources: While the official resources are comprehensive, third-party study materials can provide additional practice opportunities and alternative explanations of key concepts. Combining both official and third-party resources will allow candidates to gain a well-rounded understanding of the material.

3. Develop a Study Plan: A structured study plan can help candidates manage their time effectively. Candidates should allocate time for studying each content area, complete practice tests regularly, and allow time for review before the exam date.

4. Stay Informed About Program Changes: As the GACE program transitions to a new testing provider in 2025, it is essential to stay updated about changes to the test format, study materials, and certification requirements.

In conclusion, the GACE exams play a crucial role in ensuring that Georgia educators are fully qualified and prepared for the classroom. By utilizing both official and third-party study materials, candidates can increase their chances of success on these important assessments. Staying informed about upcoming changes to the program is equally important to ensure that all requirements for certification are met in a timely and effective manner.