EDIUG YDUTS • ACIR
RICA✦
✦
SUB 2
Credentialing
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment · Subtest 2 Study Guide
CA CTC
ENSURING EXCELLENCE IN READING INSTRUCTION
RICA — Subtest 2 Study Guide Examination
A C A D E M I C L A N G U A G E · V O C A B U L A R Y I N ST R U C T I O N · CO M P R E H E N S I O N · A SS E SS M E N T ·
D I F F E R E N T I AT I O N
ORGANIZATION California Commission on Teacher RESOURCE TYPE RICA Subtest 2 Study Guide
Credentialing (CTC)
ACADEMIC YEAR TOTAL QUESTIONS 25 Questions
SUBJECT AREAS Vocabulary · Comprehension · Assessment FORMAT Multiple Choice — Select the Single Best
· Differentiation Answer
STUDY GUIDE EXAMINATION INSTRUCTIONS
▸ Select the single best answer for each question based on the RICA Subtest 2 Study Guide content.
▸ Content covers: technical vs. non-technical academic language, vocabulary instruction methods (contextual redefinition, direct
instruction, word consciousness), comprehension types (literal, inferential, evaluative), assessment strategies (QAR, story
grammar, retelling), differentiation for struggling readers/English learners/advanced learners, and graphic organizers (Venn
diagrams, word webs, KWL charts).
▸ Key concepts: Matthew Effect, four components of vocabulary instruction, five stages of spelling development, gradual release
of responsibility model, skimming vs. scanning.
SECTION I — VOCABULARY, COMPREHENSION & INSTRUCTIONAL Questions 1 –
STRATEGIES 25
1. What is the difference between technical and non-technical academic language?
A. Technical language is informal; non-technical language is formal.
B. Technical academic language is specific to a particular subject matter (e.g., sovereignty, monarchy); non-technical
academic language is used across multiple subjects (e.g., theory, hypothesis).
C. There is no difference — both terms are interchangeable.
D. Technical language is only used in science; non-technical language is used in humanities.
CORRECT ANSWER B — Technical academic language is specific to a particular subject matter (e.g., sovereignty,
monarchy); non-technical academic language is used across multiple subjects (e.g., theory,
hypothesis).
RATIONALE TECHNICAL academic language is domain-specific (sovereignty, monarchy, tyranny). NON-TECHNICAL
academic language crosses subject boundaries (theory, hypothesis, analysis). For struggling readers, focus on
KEY VOCABULARY and non-technical academic language. For English Learners, use L1 TRANSFER (cognates)
and provide concrete examples. For advanced learners, increase the pace and use more advanced texts. The
three factors to consider when teaching new vocabulary: frequency, utility, and level of knowledge.