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CSET (REA) - Best Test Prep for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers : 1st Edition (Test Preps)
CSET Best Test Prep for the California Subject Examinations for Teachers 1st Edition - REA - Test Preps Author:Michelle DenBeste, James L Love, Melissa Jordine, Maire Mullins, Ted Nickel, Jin H. Yan Be prepared. Get certified. Then get ready to teach! REA's excellent CSET: Multiple Subjects test prep helps you master the CSET exam so you will be one step closer to teaching in a California classroom of your own. — Our new CSET test prep comes complete with a comprehensive review and 2 full-length practice exams that focus on all subjec... more »t areas of the new CSET. The California Subject Examination for Teachers: Multiple Subjects is one of the most comprehensive educator certification exams in use today. Covering seven subject areas and requiring writing as well as analytical skills, the CSET: Multiple Subjects Test is designed to ensure that only well-rounded, competent educators become certified to teach in the state of California. The CSET: Multiple Subjects Test is a challenging exam; so follow up your CSET study with REA's powerhouse test-taking strategies. We get you ready for this all- important, career-oriented exam. Every type of question, every subject area, and every skill needed to pass the exam is given complete coverage.
DETAILS
- Written by six leading California-based specialists with doctorates in teacher education.
- Comprehensive review of all CSET subject material
- Features every type of question, every subject area, and every skill that can be expected on the actual CSET.
- Each practice exam question is fully explained in easy-to-follow, step-by-step detail.
- Adaptable eight-week study schedule that fits your lifestyle.
- Fully compliant with federal No Child Left Behind guidelines.
- Fully indexed for quick and speedy topic searches.
CONTENTS
About Research & Education Association
Chapter 1 Passing the CSET: Multiple Subjects
- Know the Format
- How to Use this Book
- Scoring the CSET
- Studying for the CSET
- CSET Test-Taking Strategies
- The Day of the Test
- CSET Study Schedule
Chapter 2 Reading, Language, and Literature Review
- Prose
- Poetry
- Language and Linguistics
Chapter 3 History and Social Science Review
- World History: Ancient Civilizations through Early Modern Times
- River Valley Civilizations
- The Rise of Advanced Civilizations
- Trade and Migration in the Ancient World
- Rise of World Religions
- Civilizations in the Middle Ages
- Renaissance, Reformation, and Enlightenment
- United States History: Pre-Colonial through the Industrial Era
- Beginnings of European Exploration
- Beginnings of English Colonization
- Attempts at Stronger Control of the Colonies
- The Colonies and the Coming American Revolution
- The War for Independence
- Development of the New Nation and the Constitution
- The Constitution of the United States
- Westward Expansion and Conflict
- Expansion and Economic Growth of the U.S.
- Slavery in the U.S.
- Continuation of Westward Expansion
- The Civil War and Reconstruction
- California History: Pre-Columbian Development through the Present Day
Chapter 4 Science Review
- Structure and Properties of Matter
- Principles of Motion and Energy
- Life Science
- Structure of Living Organisms and their Functions (Physiology and Cell Biology)
- Living and Nonliving Components in Environments (Ecology)
- Life Cycle, Reproduction and Evolution (Genetics and Evolution)
- Earth and Space Science
- The Solar System and the Universe (Astronomy)
- The Structure and Composition of the Earth (Geology)
- The Earth's Atmosphere (Meteorology)
- The Earth's Water (Oceanography)
- Planning and Conducting Experiments
Chapter 5 Mathematics Review
- Arithmetic
- Algebra
- Measurement and Geometry
- Statistics, Data Analysis, and Probability
Chapter 6 Physical Education Review
- Benefits of Diet and Exercise
- Principles of Cardiovascular Fitness
- Aerobic Exercise
- Low-Impact Aerobics
- Anatomy and Physiology
- Sports and Games
- Health and Diet
- First Aid
- Movement Education
- Psychological and Social Aspects of Physical Education
Chapter 7 Human Development Review
- Student Development and Maturation
- Theories of Cognitive Development
- Nature and Nurture
- Learning Styles
- Study Strategies
- Jointly Constructed Meaning
- Abuse and Neglect of Children: Factors of Risks and Treatment
Chapter 8 Visual and Performing Arts Review
- Aesthetic Perception and Creative Expression
>- Cultural Heritage
- Historical Survey
- Dance, Theater, Opera, Popular Musical Theater, and Ethnical Folk Traditions
- Critical Judgment
Practice Test 1
- Answer Sheets
- Subtest I: Reading, Language & Literature, History & Social Science
- Constructed-Response Questions
- Subtest II: Science, Mathematics
- Constructed-Response Questions
- Subtest III: Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts
- Constructed-Response Questions
- Answer Key
- Detailed Explanations
Practice Test 2
- Answer Sheets
- Subtest I: Reading, Language & Literature, History & Social Science
- Constructed-Response Questions
- Subtest II: Science, Mathematics
- Constructed-Response Questions
- Subtest III: Physical Education, Human Development, Visual and Performing Arts
- Constructed-Response Questions
- Answer Key
- Detailed Explanations
Index
CHAPTER 1 - Passing the CSET: Multiple Subjects
The California Subject Examination for Teachers: Multiple Subjects is one of the most comprehensive educator certification exams in use today. Covering seven subject areas and requiring writing as well as analytical skills, the CSET: Multiple Subjects Test is designed to ensure that only well-rounded, competent educators are certified to teach in the state of California. The CSET: Multiple Subjects Test is a lengthy, challenging exam, and may cover material that you have not studied in several years. But by studying the information and proven strategies in our book, you will be well on your way to succeeding. REA provides you with everything you need to know to achieve a passing score. Every type of question, every subject area, and every skill needed to pass the exam is given complete coverage. The information in this book, coupled with your dedication, will get you certified. Let's start by learning a little bit about the background of the exam.
In California, a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential enables one to teach any subject in a self-contained classroom. While this credential is good for grades K-12, in practice it is used mostly in elementary schools. A California Single Subject Teaching Credential enables the holder to teach a specific subject in a departmentalized class. Again, the Single Subject Credential allows the holder to teach in grades K-12; however, its most prevalent use is for getting certified in middle and secondary schools.
The focus of this book is the CSET: Multiple Subjects Test, which is administered by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. (NES). CSET: Multiple Subjects is part of NES's series of teacher certification exams, which also includes the California Basic Educational Skills Test. For more information on the CSET series in general, or the CSET: Multiple Subjects examination in particular, contact NES as follows:
National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
P.O. Box 340813
Sacramento, CA 95834-0813
Phone: (916) 928-0244
Website: www.cset.nesinc.com
KNOW THE FORMAT
The CSET consists of three distinct subtests, each containing both multiple-choice and constructed-response items. By and large, this exam has the feel of the straightforward fill-in-the-oval kind of exam you've seen many times in your educational career. The balance of the CSET, however, features items that require you to write short, focused responses. Thus, the exam is of considerable breadth and scope. Don't be daunted: One-hundred forty-three multiple-choice and 11 constructed-response questions covering seven subject areas may sound like a lot, but let's take a look at a breakdown of the questions by subject.
Number of Constructed-
Subject Number of Questions Response Questions
Subtest I
Reading, Language and Literature 26 2
History and Social Science 26 2
Subtest II
Science 26 2
Mathematics 26 2
Subtest III
Physical Education 13 1
Human Development 13 1
Visual and Performing Arts 13 1
You'll notice that the test favors core subjects like math and English by a ratio of 2 to 1 over physical education and human development. While all areas of the test are important, the exam is biased toward math, science, English, and history. Knowing this will allow you to play to your strengths and tailor your study time accordingly.
Each testing session is five hours in length. You may choose to take up to three CSET: Multiple Subjects subtests per session. Subtest I consists of Reading, Language and Literature, and History and Social Science. Subtest II consists of Science and Mathematics, while Subtest III encompasses Physical Education, Human Development, and Visual and Performing Arts. Individual subtests are not timed.
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
When Should I Start Studying?
It's never too early to start studying for the CSET. With so many subject areas to cover, the more time you have, the better. We've included an eight-week study schedule, but the format is very flexible. If you've only got a few weeks before your test date, you'll have to make some adjustments. If you've got a few months, then extend the time allotted to each section in the study schedule. Remember, the more time you spend studying, the more confident and prepared you'll feel on test day.
About the Review Sections
The review material in this text has been compiled in accordance with explicit guidelines provided by National Evaluation Systems, Inc. California currently adheres to these standards. By using the review material in conjunction with the practice tests, you should be well prepared for the actual CSET: Multiple Subjects Test. At some point in your educational experience, you have probably studied all the material that constitutes the test. For most candidates, however, this was most likely some time ago. The reviews will serve to refresh your memory of these topics, and the practice tests will help you gauge which areas you need to work on.
SCORING THE CSET
How Do I Know If I've Passed the Exam?
NES administers several versions of the CSET, and these versions vary in their level of difficulty just as the scoring weight of each question varies. For this reason, there is no single formula that you may use to convert your raw score into a scaled score. Responses to multiple-choice questions are machine scored. Test scores are based on the number of questions answered correctly. No penalty is assessed for guessing.
The Content-Response Exercises also are difficult to score. A scoring guide is included in the Content-Response Exercises practice exam, as are sample essays against which you can judge your work. You may want to have a professor or another test candidate judge your work against our sample essays. If you are honest with yourself about the quality of your work, however, there is no reason why you cannot score your responses yourself. Each response is graded on a four-point scale, 0-3.
A quick reference guide to the approximate weight value of the scoring for the complete CSET: Multiple Subjects test (Subtests I, II, and III):
Test Number of Questions Score weight
Multiple Choice 143 approx. 70%
Constructed-Response 11 approx. 30%
To pass the test, you will need to answer roughly 85, or 60 percent, of the multiple-choice questions correctly and score an average of about "2" on the constructed-response questions. If you don't achieve a passing score on your first practice test, don't worry. That's what diagnostic exams are for. Use what you learned about your strengths and weaknesses to focus your study.
About six weeks after you take the actual exam, you'll get your official score report from NES. Sit down, take a deep breath, and open it. The numbers on that score report will reflect your scaled score. Your scaled score is the total value of the questions you answered correctly based on your unique test administration.
Passing scores are as follows:
Test Passing
Subtest I 220
Subtest II 220
Subtest III 220
Remember, each subtest is scored individually. Therefore, there is not an overall minimum score to obtain to pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects test. You must pass all three subtests to pass the complete exam.
STUDYING FOR THE CSET
There is no one correct way to study for the CSET. You must find the method that works best for you. But there are some general guidelines to follow. Let's take a look at some of the basics:
Be Realistic
How long has it been since you were on the other side of that desk? Depending on your specific areas of interest, it may have been years since you were in a history class, a math class, or an art history class. In addition to the time it's going to take to actually learn (or even relearn) the material that's tested on the CSET, it's going to take a while to simply acclimate yourself to this kind of study again. Account for this time when planning your study, and more importantly, remember this advice when you get frustrated, because you can't simply breeze through our math or history reviews. Allow yourself to be amazed at how much you've forgotten. In two weeks, you'll be amazed at how much you've learned.
The Double-It-Plus-Two Rule
Our study schedule is a good guide to how to plan your study time, but it's painted with a fairly broad brush. When planning your study for an evening rather than a week, use the Double-it-plus-two rule. Estimate how long it will take you to read a specific chapter or subsection. Then double it, and add two. For example, if you think it will take an hour to study the Physical Education Review, set aside four hours. This will account for study breaks, interruptions, and all the other miscellaneous demands placed upon your time in an average day. By carrying out a more realistic study plan, you'll retain more, especially if you are not frustrated by the inevitable distractions to your study time.
Know Thyself
Some candidates prefer to set aside a few hours every morning to study, while others prefer to study at night before going to sleep. Only you can determine when and where your study time will be most effective, but it is helpful to be consistent. You may retain more information if you study every day at roughly the same time. Use our study schedule as a guide, but remember, no one knows what works for you better than you do.
When taking the practice tests, remember to try to duplicate the actual testing conditions as closely as possible. A quiet, well-lit room, free from such distractions as the television or radio is preferable. As you complete each practice test, take a good look at your score reports and thoroughly review the explanations. Information that is wrong for one item may be correct for another, so it will be helpful to you to absorb as much data as possible. Keep track of your scores so you can gauge your progress accurately, and develop a clear sense of where you need improvement.
CSET TEST-TAKING STRATEGIES
Listed here are several must-do strategies to help you succeed on the CSET:
- Read all of the possible answers. Even if you believe you have found the correct answer, read all four options. Often answers that look right at first prove to be 'magnet responses' meant to distract you from the correct choice.
- Eliminate obviously incorrect answers immediately. It's always better to guess than not answer at all. Even if you have absolutely no idea what the correct answer might be, you have a 25 percent chance of being correct. Increase those chances by eliminating the answers you know are wrong. Points are not deducted for incorrect answers, so don't leave anything blank.
- Work calmly and steadily. You have a five-hour session to complete as many subtests (up to three subtests total) as you choose to take. Individual subtests are not timed so don't feel pressured to spend a certain amount of time on any one item. Work at your own pace as you attempt to achieve a comfortable rhythm of answering questions. Timing yourself while you take the practice tests will help you learn to use your time wisely.
- Be sure that the oval you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. The multiple-choice section of the CSET is graded by a computer, which has no sympathy for clerical errors. One incorrectly placed response can upset your entire score.
THE DAY OF THE TEST
Try to get a good night's rest, and get up early on the test day. Have a good breakfast, as a growling stomach could prove distracting to yourself and the other candidates and, moreover, your brain will function better with proper nourishment. Dress in layers. The testing center will be comfortable only for the proctor. Arrive early. Acclimate yourself to the room. Put yourself at ease by noticing any funny pictures or, say, odd cracks in the ceiling. The point is to minimize distractions once the clock starts ticking.
Before you leave for the testing center, make sure you have your valid admission ticket, as well as photo identification. The name on your ID must match the one on your registration. If the name on your identification differs from the name in which you are registered, you must provide official verification of the change (e.g., marriage certificate, court order). You will also need to bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils, as none will be provided at the test site. Basic four-function calculators will be provided for examinees taking CSET: Multiple Subjects Subtest II. Directions for the use of the calculator, however, will not be provided. Communication devices, such as cellular phones, are forbidden in the testing center. Possession or use of such devices could result in the voiding of your test score. No eating, drinking, or smoking is permitted during the test, so make sure to get those things out of the way beforehand.
Make sure you report to the test facility for each assigned test session at the time indicated on your admission ticket. If you arrive at a test session late, you may not be admitted. If you are admitted late, you will not be given any additional time beyond the scheduled end of the test session, and you will be required to sign a statement acknowledging this. When you have finished the test(s) or subtest(s) or when the test session ends, your test materials will be collected and you will be allowed to leave. After the test, go home and sleep for a day or so. You've earned it.
CSET STUDY SCHEDULE
The following study course schedule should provide all the time you need to pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects examination. If you have more than eight weeks, add any extra time you have to Weeks 2 and 7. No matter which schedule works best for you, the more time you devote to studying for the CSET, the more prepared and confident you will be on the day of the actual test.
Week Activity
1 Take the first test as a diagnostic exam. Your score will be an indication of your strengths and weaknesses. Study your score reports and review the explanations for the questions you answered incorrectly.
2 and 3 Study REA's CSET review material. Highlight key terms and information. Take notes on the important theories and key concepts since writing will aid in the retention of information.
4 and 5 Review your references and sources. Use any other supplementary material which your counselor and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing recommend.
6 Condense your notes and findings. You should have a structured outline detailing specific facts. You may want to use index cards to aid you in memorizing important facts and concepts.
7 Test yourself using the index cards. You may want to have a friend or colleague quiz you on key facts and items. Take the second K-12 practice test. Review the explanations for the questions you answered incorrectly.
8 Study any areas you consider to be your weaknesses by using your study materials, references, and notes. Retake the tests using the extra answer sheets provided in this book.« less