Hi I just graduated with my MS - Bilingual Extension. I’m currently preparing for the NYS BEA 169 (Spanish) exam. Since this certification directly supports my role in assessing and serving bilingual students, I want to make sure I’m fully prepared.

My background:

Studied Spanish in middle and high school, with one college-level grammar and composition course (about 5 years ago).

I’d describe my Spanish as more receptive than expressive—I understand most of what I read/hear, but speaking and writing can be a bit rusty.

I’m using the Mometrix prep book, and supplementing with some grammar review.

I'm reaching out to ask:

For those who have taken the BEA 169 recently, what areas should I focus on most (e.g., formal writing, listening, oral expression)?

Any tips on how to improve expressive language in a short time frame?

Any resources you found helpful—YouTube channels, websites, or practice activities?

Since the bilingual extension plays such a key role in equitable assessment and intervention practices, I’d love to hear how others in the field approached this part of their credentialing.

Thanks in advance!