This site was created and is maintained by Dr. Al Rocca
Fall 2007
The purpose of this site is
to provide resources and strategies for passing the California Subject
Examination for Teachers (Multiple Subjects).
All students needing to pass CSET should meet with Dr. Rocca and discuss
their individual needs and timetable for taking the various subtests. It is also strongly suggested that you let
your advisor know about your CSET schedule, so as to effectively plan for your
credential program.
General CSET
information: Please refer to the latest
bulletin published by the company that administers the test, the National
Evaluation Systems, Inc. The booklets clearly
lay out the guidelines and test schedule for the current year. A copy of the booklet can be obtained in the
Education Office. You can also visit
their website at: www.cset.nesinc.com
CSET Study Plan
The following scenarios
makeup our suggested approach to studying for the test. Select the scenario that best matches your
personal goals and timetable. As you
look at the scenarios keep in mind that the CSET exam is broken into these
subtests:
Subtest 1: a.
b.
History and
Social Science (Geography)
Subtest 2: a. Science
b.
Mathematics
Subtest 3: a.
Physical Education
b.
Human Development
c.
Visual and
Performing Arts
Scenario 1: Taking all three subtests at one time. This is a difficult challenge, as trying to
study for all of the above-mentioned disciplines requires
much time and effort. The success rate
for students taking all three subtests on the same day is low. Few pass all three subtests, while others
pass one or two subtests—or none at all.
The problem comes with writing the short answer responses. Most students are tired as the five (5) hour
test limit approaches and they rush to write their answers. Consider this option only if you have no
other choice.
Scenario: 2: Take Subtests 1 and 3 at the same time. Take Subtest 2, math and science, on the next
test date. We have found that math and science
are the most difficult disciplines for the average student and time needs to be
dedicated to a concentrated study for each of these areas. If, for some reason, you do not pass Subtests
1 or 3 on the first attempt, you can add one of them to the next test date—with
math and science—and still have enough time to adequately address the short
answer questions.
Scenario 3: Take Subtest 3 first. Then take Subtest 1 next, followed by Subtest
2 last. This route offers you the
maximum time (five hours) to complete each test, thus time for writing is not
an issue. Also, this choice of options
allows you to have quality study time for Subtest 1, without worrying about the
math and science. Of course, this
scenario affects your overall credential program timetable, so consider this
option carefully.
Tests Dates: Another consideration in preparing to pass
the CSET, is the number of test dates in relation to
your goals and timetable for the credential program. For example the following dates are set for
2006-2007
·
September 15,
2007
·
November 3, 2007
·
January 12, 2008
·
March 15, 2008
·
May 17, 2008
·
July 19, 2008
*Keep in mind that you must
pass all three subtests in order to move into Student Teaching—so plan
accordingly.
Resources
Main CEST Prep Book
Resources & Education
Association,
The Best Teachers’ Test Preparation for the
CSET—Multiple Subjects
2005 ISBN:
0-7386-0058-X Price:
$24.95
(Make sure you get the
edition [Red] that has the CD with 2 practice tests)
CSET Special Collection Study Textbooks
One of the best ways to study
for the exam is to read grade level textbooks by publishers who printed books
based on the California Academic Content Standards. This is particularly helpful in the following
history subjects:
·
·
Early
·
Ancient
Civilizations: look for a 6th
grade text
·
Medieval and
Renaissance: look for a 7th
grade text
·
Mid-US history to
1900: look for an 8th grade
text
Science: find any text used in grades 6-8 and they
will cover the basic principles of Life, Earth and Physical science.
Availability: A limited number of grade level textbooks are
now available in the CSET Special Collections of the Curriculum Library—located
in the main Simpson University Library.
You will be able to checkout one book at a time. You might consider asking a teacher in the
appropriate grade level to borrow a book.
Outline Study Guides
“Quick
Study Academic Outlines” by Bar Charts Inc. Go to:
Most of the quick charts are
from $4.95 to 5.95. They provide
excellent quick summaries of major concepts and vocabulary. The following study guides are highly
recommended:
·
American History
1; Western Civilization 1
·
Astronomy;
Biology; Earth Science
·
Geography;
Meteorology
·
Math Review
Combined Outline Study
Cliff Notes Prep: CSET for Multiple Subjects contains all subject areas with study dedicated
through an outline approach. This book
also has written practice tests.
Study Videos
A limited number of history
study DVDs are available for checkout in the CSET Special Collections section
of the Simpson University Library.
Current videos include: Ancient
Civilizations, Medieval and Early Modern History; The Renaissance and
Reformation. These videos are available
courtesy of Glencoe-McGraw Hill Publishers.
They cover topics and events that are Standards-based and are commonly
covered in the test.
The Annenberg Media Video Learning Program
Professional development programming
for K-12 teachers
FREE through our satellite channel and Video On
Demand.
http://www.learner.org/index.html
This is an incredible study resource for CSET
preparation. Fill out a simple
registration form online and you can access top quality educational video
documentaries that use leading historians, scientists, and educators along with
excellent video photography and graphic models to explain important
concepts. Best of all it is FREE!!! It does help to have high-speed Internet to
see the videos. Their program changes
regularly so you will want to check the site periodically for new videos. You can also view any documentary that is
cataloged on the site in the following categories:
Math,
History, Language Arts, Science, the Arts
Below is a sample of programs in the Math
section:
Math
(There
are many more math video programs)
These videos are excellent and it is strongly
suggested that you use this Free resource!! If you do not have high speed Internet at
home then many of these videos are in the Simpson Library CSET DVD (Annenberg
Collection)
Ask for the following:
World history: Western Tradition
Science: (checkout this whole series):
Also try: The Earth
Revealed; Planet Earth
Art: Art of
the Western World (fantastic) and Exploring the World of Music
Human Development:
The Learning Classroom: Theory into Practice
Internet Web Sites
The following websites are
excellent sources for study and information.
They are presented here by testing area: (In Construction)
Math
The
World of Math this is an
excellent math help website, offering online tutoring sessions in every area
from basic math through trigonometry.
Just click on the “Practice” tab and select the area of math you want to
learn and practice. The program guides
you through each “Step” explaining the reason for each step. Online calculators are setup to assist you
along the way. This is a must do site,
if you need to review math concepts.
History
US History
: An excellent chapter
by chapter summary of the major events in
World History: this site is designed for “kids” so it gives
you the basics and that is what you need.
Make sure you check the histories of:
California History: An outstanding site to learn a general
history of our state. Click on
“Annotated Timeline” and enjoy!!
Science
ScienceMaster: an excellent teaching and learning site. You can look under “Topic Index” and select:
Earth, Life, Physical or Space science.
Music
MusicTheory: A great site with 43 lessons on basic music
theory and history.
Art
Art History: The Metropolitan Museum of Art: timeline of
Art History (simply outstanding). This
covers all major periods of art history in the world.
Practice Questions
(Supplemental Website)
Regent’s Test Prep (
The multiple choice and constructed response questions match well with the California Standards tests. Answers are given immediately online. Excellent site for: History; science, math.
CSET Syllabus Information
If
you have signed up for the CSET course at Simpson, the information below is for
you. The courses match the Subtest
categories set out by CSET. You may
enroll in:
Subtest
1: History, Language Arts
Subtest
2: Math, Science
Subtest
3: Physical Education, Human
Development, Arts
You
may enroll in any of the three subtest classes, or any combination of
classes. No matter which classes you are
enrolled in, do the following first:
Step
1: Get the CSET prep book noted above
(make sure it is the Red Cover issue that contains the CD) and load the CD into
your computer. You are to take Practice
Test 1. Notice that when you open the
Practice Test 1 you can select “Change Section” (at the bottom of the
screen). This will allow you to select
the Subtest that you want to take. Once
you start the exam (it is timed) you may pause or “stop” and take a break. This means you can do some of the work on one
day and “Resume” on another day. Finish
the test(s) and then review your scores by clicking “View Scores” back at the
main screen. Go to the “Score Analysis”
tab and check the “percent correct”.
Write those numbers down. All
students should have completed Practice Test 1 within 2 weeks of the beginning
of the semester.
Step
2: Make an appointment to see me (Dr. Al
Rocca) and bring your scores from Practice Test 1 with you. I will review your scores and help you put
together a custom study plan including the following:
CSET Contract Agreement
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