Failed SLLA twice — what finally helped me pass on third attempt?

by priya.test 9 views3 replies
P
priya.testOP
May 27, 2026

Hey everyone, I'm not even sure how to start this post because I'm still kind of in shock that I actually passed. I took the SLLA for the third time last month and finally got a 163, which cleared the passing score in my state. The first two attempts I scored 154 and 157, so I knew I was close but couldn't figure out what I was doing wrong.

What changed everything was switching up my study approach. I'd been reading through a study guide cover to cover like it was a textbook, but that wasn't clicking. Once I started doing timed SLLA practice test sets and really analyzing every wrong answer — not just noting it but writing out WHY I got it wrong — my scores started moving. I also spent extra time on the instructional leadership and ethics standards, which I'd been underestimating.

Anyone else struggling with the constructed response section specifically? That's where I lost most of my points early on. Happy to share what worked for me if it helps anyone else grinding through this exam.

S
Sarah M.
May 27, 2026
Congrats!! I passed on my second try and the constructed response section tripped me up too. What helped me was practicing with a strict 10-minute timer per response and forcing myself to cite specific ISLLC standards by name. Once I stopped writing vague leadership language and got precise, my scores jumped. Also the exam tips in the ETS preparation materials are actually worth reading — I ignored them the first time and regretted it.
D
David K.
May 28, 2026
This is so encouraging, thank you for sharing. I'm scheduled for my first attempt in six weeks and honestly terrified. I've been using a study guide but feel like I'm just memorizing without understanding. Did you use any specific practice test resource you'd recommend? I'm in Virginia so I need a 160 and right now my practice scores are hovering around 150-152. Not sure if that's close enough or if I need to push my test date back.
C
Chloe W.
May 28, 2026
Six weeks is plenty of time if you stay consistent. I'd focus on 90-minute timed sessions at least 3x a week rather than long cramming sessions. The fatigue factor on this test is real — pacing yourself matters as much as knowing the content.

Join the Discussion

Sign in or register to reply with your account, or reply as a guest below.