NYSTCE EAS (201) Cheat Sheet
The whole test on one page · Independent summary · Weights verified against the official test framework on 2026-09-29
Format
| Selected-response | 42 items · 70% of score |
| Constructed-response | 3 written items · 30% of score (10% each) |
| Total time | 135 min (2 h 15 min) |
| Passing score | 520 |
| Fee | $80 |
Competency weights — not evenly split
| # | Competency | Share | One-line summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Diverse Student Populations | 28% | Culturally responsive teaching; audit your own practice before escalating |
| 2 | English Language Learners | 28% | Scaffold access; never remove participation; social fluency ≠ academic fluency |
| 3 | Students with Disabilities and Other Special Learning Needs | 28% | IEPs and 504s bind the adult in the room; accommodation ≠ modification; LRE is a presumption |
| 4 | Teacher Responsibilities | 8% | Mandated reporting; FERPA; never promise confidentiality about safety; boundaries on private channels |
| 5 | School–Home Relationships | 8% | Proactive, translated, multi-channel outreach; route families to the right person |
Study order that matches the marks: C1 + C2 + C3 = 84% of the test and all 3 written items. C4 + C5 = 16%.
Scenario questions: 4 elimination rules
- Smallest appropriate first step beats dramatic action
- Never remove access to instruction (pull-out instead of scaffold = wrong)
- Collaborate + document when two answers both look right
- Never promise confidentiality about a child's safety
Accommodation vs modification
| Accommodation | Modification | |
|---|---|---|
| Changes | HOW a student learns or demonstrates | WHAT is taught or tested |
| Example | Read-aloud, extended time, text-to-speech | Fewer standards, easier rubric |
| Standards | Same | Changed |
504 vs IEP
| Section 504 plan | IDEA / IEP | |
|---|---|---|
| Provides | Accommodations and equal access | Specially designed instruction + related services |
| Eligibility | Broad: a limitation of a major life activity | Narrower categories + educational impact |
| Enforceable? | Yes, on its own | Yes |
Constructed-response formula (4 moves, 10 min each)
- Identify the key learning need
- One specific strategy + why it fits this student
- A second support involving family or a colleague
- How you will monitor progress
Drill the free practice tests →
Also read the full EAS study guide for the 4-week plan.