COUNTDOWN: till the Jan. 10th, 2009 CSET!
How to get Started for CSET Preparation?
Once the laudable decision to become a Middle School / High School Math teacher has been made and one realizes that passing the CSET Single Subject Math Subtests - especially Subtests I and II - are prerequisites for most Credential Programs, one may find the entire process more than a trifle overwhelming and befuddling! The most oft-asked question is "Where do I begin?!"
In general, the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing [or CCTC] website is a capital place to start one's quest for illumination!
A source of considerable discombobulation is the difference between Single Subject and Multiple Subject credentials! Click here for general Credential Information.
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Quick links: Articles Index, TESTIMONIALS & FEEDBACK and CONTACT ME!
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According to the CCTC, "Single Subject Teaching Credentials authorize the holder to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as those in most middle schools and high schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may also be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized field at any grade level -- preschool, grades K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults".
To decipher that gobbledygook, Single Subject Teaching Credentials are mandatory for Hish School settings and increasingly so for Middle Schools too, as teachers receive "specialized" assignments [Math, English, etc.] vs. teaching a spectrum of subjects. This link on the CCTC website has information about the myriad routes one might take to secure a Single Subject teaching credential.
Whereas, Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials "authorize the holder to teach in self-contained classrooms such as classroom settings in most elementary schools. However, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, K-12, or in classes organized primarily for adults). In addition, the holder of a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential may serve in a core or team teaching setting."
This link proffers avenues to obtain a Multiple Subject teaching credential.
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Quick links: Articles Index, TESTIMONIALS & FEEDBACK and CONTACT ME!
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Returning to the Single Subject Credential, click here for a list of Approved Professional Preparation Programs at different universities in California.
From the CCTC's perspective, the "rationale" for the CSET is offered here.
Next, an overview of the California Subject Examination for Teachers [or CSET] can be had at the official website.
Specific information about the Single Subject Math subtests in addition to Math Subject Matter requirements, and Sample Test Materials in the form of Study Guides with Sample Questions and Solutions can be found here.
These documents, however, while offering an overview are inadequate: candidates routinely grumble about the Test Guide Qs bearing only a marginal resemblance to the ones on the actual test. And justifiably so: after all, these Qs only serve as an exemplar of sorts, a mere guide if you will, and do not - and cannot! - reflect the breadth or depth of the diversity of concepts / skills assessed on the actual exams. Not surprisingly, the pass rate for the Math Subtests is about 15-20%!
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Quick links: Articles Index, TESTIMONIALS & FEEDBACK and CONTACT ME!
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For a better sense of the CSET Qs, you can view Sample Questions by using the following links:
SUBTEST I: Algebra Practice Questions
SUBTEST II: Geometry Practice Questions
SUBTEST II: Statistics Practice Questions
SUBTEST III: Calculus & Trigonometry Practice Questions
If you need Practice Qs that are very much like the actual CSET questions - over and above the Sample Qs on this site - well, from my experience as a
* Test taker (Read About Me and My Site! )
* a CSET Single Subject Math Instructor at Cal State, San Bernardino, a couple of years ago, and
* a very successful Tutor for the CSET
I have compiled a vast database of terrific Qs for Subtests I, II and III.
There are 600-800 Qs for each Subtest Q Bank to help evaluate your preparedness.
There are those that base their preparation on the basis of my Question Banks - from which the above Sample Qs were drawn - since chaps that have use them diligently and extensively have enjoyed unqualified and exceptional success on the CSET! Period
If you believe you're ready for Subtest I OR you simply want to find out how hard the bloody test really is (!), a smashing idea is to take the Subtest I Practice Test I've prepared that very closely mimics the actual test! One for Subtest II is in the works...
I would strongly recommend that you procure the textbooks that I suggest. Subtest I resources can be found here while those for Subtest II can be sourced here and here.
It is a VERY GOOD idea to procure MORE THAN one book for reference purposes and to obtain a perspective on concepts! And on sites like half.com and amazon.com, editions one or two before the current one, can be purchased for $5-10!
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Quick links: Articles Index, TESTIMONIALS & FEEDBACK and CONTACT ME!
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Hankering for more CSET Math Qs? Click on Need More Practice Questions? To purchase a vast database of Qs that I've compiled from my experience as a test taker and CSET Single Subject Math instructor at Cal State, San Bernardino, email me at innovationguy@yahoo.com. The CSET Qs on this site are taken from that collection of questions!
If you found this site useful, be an evangelist and please spread the word to other CSET Single Subject Math examinees, and support this site with a contribution via Paypal!
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