CSET Mathematics

by Porter, Kathryn, Ph.D.

• ISBN13: 9780738610313
• ISBN10: 0738610313
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2012-07-16
• Publisher: Research & Education Assn

Summary

Study for the California CSET and Get Certified to Teach! REA's CSET Mathematics (Subtests I, II, III)Test Prep with Practice Tests on CD Gets You Certified and in the Classroom! Nationwide, more than 5 million teachers will be needed over the next decade, and all must take appropriate tests to be licensed. REA gets you ready for your teaching career with our outstanding library of Teacher Certification test preps. REA's new edition of our popular CSET Mathematics (Subtests I, II, III) test prep shows you how to score high on the exam and get certified. Designed for teacher candidates, students, out-of-state teachers, and career-changing professionals who are seeking certification as a math teacher in California, our study package contains an in-depth review of all the subjects tested on the CSET. Completely up-to-date and fully aligned with the latest test specifications, our review chapters cover all the skills tested on the CSET Mathematics exam: algebra, number theory, geometry, probability, statistics, calculus, and more. Questions at the end of each section let you test your knowledge and practice what you've learned. The book includes two full-length practice exams based on actual CSET math questions. Both practice tests are also offered on CD in a timed format with instant scoring, diagnostic feedback, and detailed explanations of answers. Automatic scoring and instant reports help you zero in on the topics and types of questions that give you trouble now, so you will succeed when it counts. Every practice exam includes detailed feedback on every question. We don't just say which answers are right-we explain why the other answer choices are wrong-so you'll be prepared on test day. The test prep comes complete with a customized study schedule and REA's test-taking strategies and tips. This book is a must for anyone seeking certification as a math teacher in California! REA books and software have proven to be the extra support teacher candidates need to pass their challenging test for state licensure. Our comprehensive test preps are teacher-recommended and written by experts in the field.

Excerpts

About This Book and TestWare®

If you’re looking to secure certification as a mathematics teacher in California, think of this book as your toolkit to pass your exam.Deciding to pursue a teaching career already speaks volumes about you. You would not have gotten to this point without being highly motivated and able to synthesize considerable amounts of information.But, of course, it’s a different matter when you have to show what you know on a test. That’s where we come in. We’re here to help take the mystery and anxiety out of the process. We’re here to equip you not only with the nuts and bolts, but, ultimately, with the confidence to succeed alongside your peers across California.We’ve put a lot of thought into this, and the result is a book that pulls together all the critical information you need to know to pass the CSET: Mathematics test, which spans the following:• Mathematics Subtest I (110): Algebra and Number Theory• Mathematics Subtest II (111): Geometry; Probability and Statistics• Mathematics Subtest III (112): Calculus; History of MathematicsIn this test prep, REA offers in-depth, up-to-date, objective coverage, with test-specific modules devoted to targeted review and true-to-format practice exams. We strongly recommend that you begin your preparation with the TestWare® practice tests on CD. The software provides the added benefits of timed testing conditions and instantaneous, accurate scoring, which makes it easier to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses.About the CSET Series
CSET is one among a battery of teacher-certification examinations offered by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing in partnership with Pearson Education, Inc. CSET is shorthand for California Subject Examinations for Teachers. These tests satisfy the subject matter competence requirement by assessing abilities required of entry-level teachers seeking a teaching credential or authorization.Who Takes the Test?
Candidates are typically nearing completion of, or have completed, their undergraduate work when they take CSET tests. The CSET: Mathematics test is designed to test the knowledge of candidates interested in teaching mathematics from Kindergarten to Grade 12 in California.When and Where Can I Take the Test?
Pearson and CTC offer these exams six times a year at a number of locations in California and at five out-of-state locations. The usual testing day is Saturday, but examinees may request an administration on an alternate day if a conflict—such as a religious obligation—exists.How Do I Get More Information on the CSET Exams?
To receive information on upcoming administrations of the CSET: Mathematics test, consult the CSET registration bulletin or website atwww.cset.nesinc.com,where you will find a CSET test date chart. You can also contact Pearson at:CSET Program
Evaluation Systems
Pearson
P.O. Box 340880
Sacramento, CA 95834-0880
Phone (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. PST, Mon.-Fri.): [phone]
Automated Information System: [phone] or [phone] (available 24 hours daily)
E-mail: visit www.cset.nesinc.comSpecial accommodations are available for candidates who are visually impaired, hearing impaired, physically disabled, or specific learning disabled. The registration bulletin and website include directions for those requesting such accommodations are available atwww.cset.nesinc.com.Is There a Registration Fee?
To take any CSET test there is a fee which is structured per subtest. A complete summary of the registration fees is included in the CSET Registration Bulletin at the website above.How Do I Register?
You may register online or by U.S. Mail during the regular registration period. For more information visit:www.cset.nesinc.com.

Can I Retake the Test?
The CSET can be taken as many times as needed to achieve a passing score. Note: Once you pass a subtest, you do not have to take that subtest again, as long as you use the score toward certification within five years of the test date.When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the CSET. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate!A six-week study schedule is provided at the end of this section to assist you in preparing for the CSET: Mathematics Test. This schedule can be adjusted to meet your unique needs. If your test date is only four weeks away, you can halve the time allotted to each section, but keep in mind that this is not the most effective way to study. If you have several months before your test date, you may wish to extend the time allotted to each section. Remember, the more time you spend studying, the better your chances of achieving your goal of a passing score.Format of the Test
The CSET: Mathematics test is only available as a paper-based test and is given six times a year. Examinations are administered in a morning test session that is five hours in length. The session has a reporting time of 7:30 a.m. and ends at approximately 1:15 p.m. CSET: Mathematics consists of three subtests, each scored separately and composed of multiple-choice and constructed-response questions. The multiple-choice section of the exam is worth 70% of your total score and the constructed-response section is, therefore, worth 30% of your total score. The following chart details the subtests and their domains and approximate number of questions. The mathematics test represents the combined expertise of California educators, subject area specialists, and district-level educators who worked to develop and validate the test.Multiple-Choice Question Formats
The multiple-choice questions assess a beginning teacher’s knowledge of certain job-related skills and knowledge. Four choices are available on each multiple-choice question; the options bear the letters A through D.How the Test is scored

How are the Multiple-Choice Questions Scored?
The number of raw points awarded on the exams is based on the number of correct answers you tally up. To pass a CSET examination you must earn a passing score on each of the examination’s required subtests, which are listed in the CSET registration bulletin. Each CSET subtest is scored separately.The minimum passing score for each subtest is established by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing based on recommendations from California teachers and teacher educators. Passing status is determined on the basis of total subtest performance. Test results are reported as scaled scores. A scaled score is based on the number of raw score points earned on each section (multiple-choice section and/or constructed-response section) and the weighting of each section. Raw scores are converted to a scale of 100 to 300, with the scaled score of 220 representing the minimum passing score.A passing subtest score must be achieved at a single CSET administration; performance on sections of subtests cannot be combined across administrations. Once you pass a subtest, you do not have to take that subtest again as long as you use the score toward certification within five years of the test date.

Before the Test
On the day of the test, make sure to dress comfortably so that you are not distracted by being too hot or too cold while taking the test. Plan to arrive at the test center early. This will allow you to collect your thoughts and relax before the test, and will also spare you the anguish that comes with being late. You should check your CSET Registration Bulletin and other registration information to find out what time to arrive at the testing center.Before you leave for the test center, make sure that you have your admission ticket, calculator, and the following identification:• One piece of current, government-issued identification, in the name in which you registered, bearing your photograph and signature• One clear and legible photocopy of your original government-issued identification for each test session in which you are testing (i.e., one copy for the morning and/or one copy for the afternoon session)• One additional piece of identification (with or without a photograph)Note: If you do not have the required identification, you will be required to complete additional
paperwork and have your photograph taken. This additional step will result in a reduction of your
available testing time.Bring at least four sharpened No. 2 pencils and a good eraser, as none will be provided at the test center.If you would like, you may wear a watch to the test center. However, you may not wear one that has a calculator, or one that makes noise. Dictionaries, textbooks, notebooks, briefcases, laptop computers, packages, and cell phones will not be permitted. Drinking, smoking, and eating are prohibited.During the Test
You are given five hours to complete the CSET. Restroom breaks are allowed, but they count as testing time. Procedures will be followed to maintain test security. Once you enter the test center, follow all of the rules and instructions given by the test supervisor. If you do not, you risk being dismissed from the test and having your scores cancelled.When all of the materials have been distributed, the test instructor will give you directions for filling out your answer sheet. Fill out this sheet carefully since this information will be printed on your score report. Once the test begins, mark only one answer per question, completely erase unwanted answers and marks, and fill in answers darkly and neatly.After the Test
When you finish your test, hand in your materials and you will be dismissed. Then, go home and relax— you deserve it!Take the test and do your best! Afterward, make notes about the multiple-choice questions you remember. You may not share this information with others, but you may find that the information proves useful on other exams that you take. Go home and relax!