To become an effective educator, it’s not enough to simply know your subject—teachers must also possess the ability to plan lessons, manage classrooms, evaluate student performance, and create inclusive, supportive learning environments. The Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATSW) is a standardized test that evaluates whether aspiring teachers have the pedagogical knowledge and professional disposition necessary for classroom success.
Administered as part of the New York State Teacher Certification Examinations (NYSTCE), the ATSW was historically required for many teacher certification paths in New York. Although it has been phased out for most certification programs and replaced by newer exams like the edTPA, the ATSW remains an important example of how teaching skills have been evaluated and continues to be used in some states and education programs.
Free ATSW Practice Test Online
Key Takeaways
ATSW assesses professional knowledge and pedagogical skills required for effective teaching.
The exam includes multiple-choice questions and a constructed-response essay.
Focuses on student development, classroom management, instruction, and assessment strategies.
Previously required in New York State, it may still be used for certain alternative certification paths or teacher preparation programs.
Scores help determine an educator’s readiness to create inclusive, supportive, and academically rigorous classroom environments.
Overview and Purpose of the ATSW
The Assessment of Teaching Skills Written is designed to evaluate a teacher candidate’s readiness to teach students at various grade levels. While content knowledge is tested through subject-specific exams, the ATSW focuses on how to teach—assessing the candidate’s knowledge of instructional best practices, classroom strategies, and professional conduct.
Historically, the ATSW was split into two levels:
Elementary ATSW (91): For teachers of pre-kindergarten through grade 6.
Secondary ATSW (92): For teachers of grade 7 through grade 12.
The test helped certification boards determine whether a candidate could:
Support student learning through effective lesson planning and instructional delivery.
Adapt teaching for diverse learners and special populations.
Maintain classroom discipline while promoting a safe and engaging learning space.
Communicate effectively with students, parents, and colleagues.
Reflect on and improve their teaching practices.
Test Format and Structure
The ATSW consists of both selected-response (multiple-choice) items and constructed-response (essay) questions. The exam typically lasts 4 hours, including time for instructions and breaks.
1. Multiple-Choice Section
Contains approximately 80 selected-response questions
Covers a range of pedagogical competencies across diverse teaching situations
Includes classroom scenarios and best-practice decision-making
Questions may have graphics, case studies, or charts
Topics include:
Student development and learning
Instruction and assessment
Learning environment and classroom management
Diversity and equity in education
Professional development and collaboration
Legal and ethical issues in teaching
2. Constructed-Response Section
One extended-response essay
Candidates must analyze a teaching scenario or respond to a question on effective instruction
Requires demonstrating reflective thinking, decision-making, and knowledge of pedagogy
Evaluated for clarity, organization, and depth of insight
Scoring and Results
The ATSW is scored on a scale of 100 to 300, with 220 typically required to pass. Scoring is divided between:
85% for multiple-choice questions
15% for the written essay
Essay responses are evaluated by trained assessors using a standardized rubric. Strong essays will:
Address the prompt directly and thoroughly
Show understanding of pedagogical principles
Use concrete examples and evidence
Demonstrate clear writing and logical organization
Scores are usually available within 2 to 6 weeks after testing and are reported directly to state certification offices and the candidate.
Core Skills and Competencies Assessed
The ATSW evaluates six core competencies essential for educators at any level:
1. Human Development and Learning
Understanding child and adolescent development
Cognitive, social, and emotional growth
Learning theories and motivational strategies
2. Instructional Planning and Delivery
Differentiated instruction
Curriculum development
Use of instructional technology
Lesson design aligned with state standards
3. Classroom Management
Establishing classroom routines and behavioral expectations
Fostering a safe, inclusive environment
Conflict resolution and student engagement
4. Assessment and Evaluation
Formative and summative assessment tools
Data-driven instruction
Providing meaningful feedback
5. Diversity and Inclusion
Teaching students with disabilities or English language learners (ELLs)
Addressing cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity
Promoting equity in education
6. Professional Responsibilities
Ethical teaching practices
Communication with parents and staff
Reflective practice and ongoing professional development
Relevance in Modern Teacher Certification
While the ATSW has been replaced by edTPA for many certification tracks in New York and elsewhere, it is still used in some teacher preparation programs or out-of-state equivalency assessments. Additionally, it serves as a strong model for evaluating pedagogical knowledge and is conceptually similar to parts of the Praxis Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) exams used in other states.
For those preparing for teacher licensure, understanding the structure and goals of the ATSW remains useful, especially in developing the reflective and analytical skills needed for performance-based assessments like the edTPA.
Conclusion
The Assessment of Teaching Skills Written (ATSW) plays an important role in ensuring that aspiring educators possess the knowledge, judgment, and ethical foundation needed to teach effectively in today’s classrooms. Whether you’re preparing for certification in New York or studying for similar exams across the U.S., the competencies measured by the ATSW remain relevant and essential.
By focusing on core pedagogical skills, the ATSW encourages future teachers to think critically about student learning, instructional planning, and professional conduct. It not only serves as a gatekeeper for licensure but also as a benchmark for what it means to be a thoughtful, skilled, and reflective educator.
FAQs
Is the ATSW still required in New York?
As of recent years, the ATSW has been largely phased out and replaced by the edTPA for initial certification. However, it may still be used for certain certification paths or out-of-state transfers.
Can I take the ATSW in other states?
It is primarily a New York-specific assessment, but similar tests exist in other states (e.g., Praxis PLT).
What is the difference between Elementary and Secondary ATSW?
The Elementary ATSW (91) focuses on teaching younger students (PK–6), while the Secondary ATSW (92) targets grades 7–12. The structure is similar, but scenarios and content are age-group specific.
How is the essay scored?
The written response is scored based on organization, insight, relevance to the prompt, use of pedagogical knowledge, and writing clarity.
How can I prepare for the ATSW?
Use NYSTCE prep guides, practice with sample questions, read current pedagogical research, and reflect on classroom scenarios and effective teaching strategies.