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.

Key Takeaways

Free ATSW Practice Test Online

• 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.

• 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

• 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:

• Understanding child and adolescent development

• Cognitive, social, and emotional growth

• Learning theories and motivational strategies

• Differentiated instruction

• Curriculum development

• Use of instructional technology

• Lesson design aligned with state standards

• Establishing classroom routines and behavioral expectations

• Fostering a safe, inclusive environment

• Conflict resolution and student engagement

• Formative and summative assessment tools

• Data-driven instruction

• Providing meaningful feedback

• Teaching students with disabilities or English language learners (ELLs)

• Addressing cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity

• Promoting equity in education

• 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.