CA Teachers - Have you taken the CSET?

I'm scheduled to take all three sections of the CSET on July 21. I'd appreciate any information you might share with me about it.

Generally I've done ok on the big tests I've taken, passing the first time. This one has me a bit concerned, partly because it has been four years since I took such a test (CBEST for CA, since the PLACE tests from CO were not enough), and also, even though essays are no problem for me, 5 hours of writing may be near physically impossible for my hand.

Thank you for your comments.
:-)
Laura

The writing parts are fairly small. I have carpel tunnel, and I was ok.

The multiple choise portion is like Jeopardy - they can ask anything, and either you know it or you don't.

It's not all that bad, as far as big tests go. Relax, and you'll do better.

Oh good - thanks rosewynd. I imagine I've got the CT going on too, but never have had it checked.

I have my test-taking "kit" - ear plugs, sharp pencils, big eraser, pencil sharpener, water and tissues. Since it's more than an hour away, I've rented a room the night before so I can be there bright and fresh at 7:30, without the long drive.

Will I need to have the various formulas in my head for the math section? Seems that in other tests, the formulas were provided.

I know a lot - but don't always know which file in my brain I've got it stored in for rapid access. :-) Or, the file cabinet drawers are slightly rusted and jammed.

I don't remember the math section, particularly. So, I guess I didn't find it too difficult. There can't have been any need to remember formulas, because I didn't have any time at all to study for the test and I passed.

If you come across something you don't remember, just skip it and move on. It's like any other test - often they accidently give you the information you need in asking another question.

There are even PE questions. Just use your common sense.

Good-that's how I usually approach such tests. I also take all my intelligent friends with me. :-) If I run into something I don't know, when I go back to it, I think about who I know who would know the answer and some of our conversations. Amazingly, I've been able to figure stuff out that way. Unfortunately, we never get to see what our mistakes are, which I would like because mistakes are a step of learning.

Thank you for replying, rosewynd.

Well, somehow or other I passed with about a week of reviewing the sample tests. It was hard, compared to CBEST or PLACE and I was a zhombie when I left, sure that I failed.

The PE section was my lowest score in the third subtest, but I Human Development and whatever the other section was of the subtest pulled that out of the toilet. :-)

However, now I'm looking at living in another state - and that test means nothing. Now to look at PRAXIS.... :-)

LOL, you must LIKE tests!

Maybe a little.:-) I like knowing where I am in memory function and what I've lost from disuse or even practice in accessing the information.

Actually, the PRAXIS II is for licensing elsewhere. I'm registered for two sections on Nov. 17 to meet requirements for North Carolina.

I don't like paying for tests - they were $115 each plus $50 registration and I sprung for a $23 ebook.

I don't know about the teacher tests, but typically CA has tougher testing and licensing requirements in other professions that do most states.

You should be fine, especially since you've got an idea of what's on the test.

I think so. :-)
Thanks!

Congratulations 4paws. That is great news!

Thank you, Kell. When I found out, I literally danced around the room. I thought it was a hard test.

You must be so proud!

Pleased that my brain could still access information, or at least guess correctly most of the time.

So much more than what I could do these days. Sadly, my brain has left for the duration of my stay.

:-(
Why do you say that?