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This digital document is an article from Phi Delta Kappan, published by Phi Delta Kappa, Inc. on June 1, 2000. The length of the article is 2033 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Courtside - Tests on Trial.(basic skills test required for teacher certification in California)
Author: Perry A. Zirkel
Publication: Phi Delta Kappan (Refereed)
Date: June 1, 2000
Publisher: Phi Delta Kappa, Inc.
Volume: 81Issue: 10Page: 793

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description

***Includes Practice Test Questions***

CTEL Exam Secrets helps you ace the California Teacher of English Learners Examination, without weeks and months of endless studying. Our comprehensive CTEL Exam Secrets study guide is written by our exam experts, who painstakingly researched every topic and concept that you need to know to ace your test. Our original research reveals specific weaknesses that you can exploit to increase your exam score more than you've ever imagined. CTEL Exam Secrets includes: The 5 Secret Keys to CTEL Exam Success: Time is Your Greatest Enemy, Guessing is Not Guesswork, Practice Smarter, Not Harder, Prepare, Don't Procrastinate, Test Yourself; A comprehensive General Strategy review including: Make Predictions, Answer the Question, Benchmark, Valid Information, Avoid Fact Traps, Milk the Question, The Trap of Familiarity, Eliminate Answers, Tough Questions, Brainstorm, Read Carefully, Face Value, Prefixes, Hedge Phrases, Switchback Words, New Information, Time Management, Contextual Clues, Don't Panic, Pace Yourself, Answer Selection, Check Your Work, Beware of Directly Quoted Answers, Slang, Extreme Statements, Answer Choice Families; Comprehensive sections including: CTEL 1: Language and Language Development, CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction, CTEL 3: Culture and Inclusion, and much more... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great Reference Material
I bought this book as study material for the CA. Spanish CSET exam.Looking at the material and my level of Spanish..I am now convinced that I need to head down to a Mexico or Costa Rica for emersion spanish!I would NOT be able to pass this test otherwise.

Awful
La única cosa que vale en esta basura de un libro es el repaso de la gramática.

Unfortunately, the things I was really hoping for--the linguistics and literary guides are missing.As the previous reviewer says, this really contributes nothing that couldn't be easily found with a single Google Search.XAM is a terrible company.

Don't buy it!
Don't buy it. It doesn't help in any way, it doesn't add anything you don't know. It contains some errors. ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Social Science Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CSET Social Science Exam Flashcard Study System covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day. ... Read more

Product Description

Because passing the CSET Multiple Subjects test is now required for an elementary credential in California, this new text has been designed to address the essential time-management methods, essay and multiple-choice strategies, and content that test takers must master in order to pass Subtests One through Three of the exam. Beating the CSET! focuses on the reading, language, and literature section of CSET Multiple Subjects-Subtest One. It has been specifically written so that the content aligns with each domain and content area of the exam. Unlike other CSET preparation books, this text does not simply offer a copy of obsolete MSAT materials. Instead, the content, constructed-response and multiple-choice strategies, and special time-management models for the subtest are all research based. The goal is to provide test takers with the best information possible to help them understand what to know and do before taking the exam.

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent test prep guide!
I read this Elementary Language Arts manual prior to taking the CSET when it first came out in 2005.I was able to pass all sections of the CSET in one setting due to the excellent advice in this manual regarding timing for each subtest.This book provided an excellent overview on linguistics and literacy instruction.

subtest 3 was harder than this book leads you to believe!!
The mutltiple choice questions were easy on the test after reviewing with this book...the written selections were very difficult...and this book did not prepare the student enough.

Excellent Study Aid for the CSET
This is a well-written, informative book on preparing for the CSET Multiple Subjects.The only reason I'm not giving it 5 stars is that it has a couple of sections on the entire test and then focuses entirely on the Language Arts subtest.I really wish they would finish the book and cover ALL the subtests!But, for the Language Arts stuff -- it's great! ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Art Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CSET Art Exam Flashcard Study System covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day. ... Read more

Product Description

***Includes Practice Test Questions***

CSET Chemistry Exam Secrets helps you ace the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, without weeks and months of endless studying. Our comprehensive CSET Chemistry Exam Secrets study guide is written by our exam experts, who painstakingly researched every topic and concept that you need to know to ace your test. Our original research reveals specific weaknesses that you can exploit to increase your exam score more than you've ever imagined. CSET Chemistry Exam Secrets includes: The 5 Secret Keys to CSET Success: Time is Your Greatest Enemy, Guessing is Not Guesswork, Practice Smarter, Not Harder, Prepare, Don't Procrastinate, Test Yourself; Introduction to the CSET Series including: CSET Assessment Explanation, Two Kinds of CSET Assessments; A comprehensive General Strategy review including: Make Predictions, Answer the Question, Benchmark, Valid Information, Avoid Fact Traps, Milk the Question, The Trap of Familiarity, Eliminate Answers, Tough Questions, Brainstorm, Read Carefully, Face Value, Prefixes, Hedge Phrases, Switchback Words, New Information, Time Management, Contextual Clues, Don't Panic, Pace Yourself, Answer Selection, Check Your Work, Beware of Directly Quoted Answers, Slang, Extreme Statements, Answer Choice Families; Along with a complete, in-depth study guide for your specific CSET exam, and much more... ... Read more

Product Description
CTEL Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Teacher of English Learners Examination. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CTEL Exam Flashcard Study System covers: CTEL 1: Language and Language Development, CTEL 2: Assessment and Instruction, CTEL 3: Culture and Inclusion, and much more... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Quick Study
Used the cards to study one - week before the exam.Passed all 3 sections!

They didn't help with the exam at all!!!!!!!!
I was very disappointed with the flash cards that I purchased to help me with the CTEL Exam.Nothing on the notecards was on the test. Very disappointing and a BIG waste of money.

These really help!
I moved to CA about 7 months ago and needed to pass the CTEL exam to get my CLAD, coming from a state that doesn't require a test like this I was nervous and felt like I knew very little about the material. I had heard the exam was very difficult but wanted to give it a shot. I bought the flashcards and a book that is used with prep classes. The flashcards presented all of the information needed for the test. I studied them religiously for weeks and they helped a ton! I did also get a book that helped and I did a one day test prep course through my county education office, however the flash cards are mainly what I studied. My advice is to get the flashcards but also look for anything else you can to help you study as well. The flash cards present the information in a very complete way. I highly recommend them!

Good as a resource but not enough
I took the Ctel last month and to my relief passed all three sections. I decided to bypass the lengthy and costly classes and decided to study and pass this test on my own.I taught sixth grade for many years, and after a 10+ year hiatus from teaching to raise my kids, I knew I needed this certificate to go back to teaching.
To begin, I have a hard time believing someone can pass this entire test using only these flashcards and studying for a week or two.There is much more info on the test that you need to know about teaching english learners that is not covered in these flashcards.Once you begin studying and take the test, you'll see what I mean.This is by far the most difficult and frustrating test I've ever had to take. So, this is what worked for me . . .
My plan to study for 4 months went down to 3 months. I don't work, so I had a good portion of the day to study and during that last four weeks, I studied around the clock.
I read and reviewed the text, The Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development Handbook: A Complete K-12 Reference Guide (4th Edition).
I studied the CTEL Exam Flashcard Secrets. These have good information and give answers that are written in a way that I found helpful when practicing for the writing sections of the test.The flashcards are good to have, but I feel are just one of several resources that should be used in preparing for this test.
Lastly, I read online about teaching english learners.Mainly, supporting what I was learning from the textbook and flashcards. A great website is, everythingesl.net.This way I truly learned and retained what I was studying, not just cramming.Cramming won't work for this type of test.
So, if you're taking the test in June you have time but begin planning now.Oh and do one better than me . . . remember earplugs (there was a lot of sighing and yawning in the testing room) and reading glasses (even if you don't wear reading glasses, after six hours and bright classroom lights you may wish you had them.)Hope this review has helped. Good luck!

Very helpful!
I took the CTEL in December and I just received my score report today! I passed all three tests! I am so glad that I purchased the note cards! They were a lifesaver. Cannot honestly say I would have passed without them! ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Health Science Exam Secrets helps you ace the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, without weeks and months of endless studying. Our comprehensive CSET Health Science Exam Secrets study guide is written by our exam experts, who painstakingly researched every topic and concept that you need to know to ace your test. Our original research reveals specific weaknesses that you can exploit to increase your exam score more than you've ever imagined. CSET Health Science Exam Secrets includes: The 5 Secret Keys to CSET Success: Time is Your Greatest Enemy, Guessing is Not Guesswork, Practice Smarter, Not Harder, Prepare, Don't Procrastinate, Test Yourself; Introduction to the CSET Series including: CSET Assessment Explanation, Two Kinds of CSET Assessments; A comprehensive General Strategy review including: Make Predictions, Answer the Question, Benchmark, Valid Information, Avoid Fact Traps, Milk the Question, The Trap of Familiarity, Eliminate Answers, Tough Questions, Brainstorm, Read Carefully, Face Value, Prefixes, Hedge Phrases, Switchback Words, New Information, Time Management, Contextual Clues, Don't Panic, Pace Yourself, Answer Selection, Check Your Work, Beware of Directly Quoted Answers, Slang, Extreme Statements, Answer Choice Families; Along with a complete, in-depth study guide for your specific CSET exam, and much more... ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

useless
There was nothing in this book that was on the test. It was a complete waste of money.

DOES NOT PREPARE YOU...
I just got back from the 120 subtest for Biology/Life Science and I was very disappointed with this book.The book and practice test was not even close to preparing me for the test.Luckily I had already studied the biology portion when I took the PCAT not too long ago.This book was way too basic compared to the kinds of questions that were asked.They seem to be more conceptual, as can you interpret the information you just learned into the answer.You're pretty much better off learning from an AP Biology study book. ... Read more

Product Description

/*0205458092, Boosalis, Beating the CSET!, 1e*/Beating the CSET! will help both pre-service and practicing teachers in California pass the CSET Multiple Subjects Subtests I - III.Because passing the CSET Multiple Subjects test is now required for an elementary credential in California, this new text has been designed to address the essential time-management methods, essay and multiple-choice strategies, and content that test takers must master in order to passSubtests One through Three of the exam. Unlike other preparation books, this text does not simply offer a copy of MSAT materials. Instead, the content, constructed-response and multiple-choice strategies, and special time-management models for the tests are all research based and tailored to CSET Multiple Subject content in great detail.

Customer Reviews (26)

Worth the Time and Money
After perusing several reader's reviews of the various CSET test preparation books, I settled on Beating the CSET! and was not disappointed. By the time I received the book, I only had a little over 3 weeks to prepare for the exam. I spent that time poring over this book, reviewing the sample questions, and highlighting and tabbing the content. I also took a CSET test prep course over two Friday evenings plus two full Saturdays. I was concerned about the math/science portion of the exam, since I sort of blanked out on the geometry section (especially the geometry constructed-response questions).However, I took all 3 CSET exams in one sitting and passed them all.I highly recommend this book. I still have it in my library to review any content that is unclear to me.So, well worth the time and money!

Bare minimum
While the book helped me brush up on some basics, practically the entire California history section was a copy-paste from earlier history parts. Speaking only to the Social Sciences section, it did not prepare me at all for the real test. I'd suggest this book as a starting point only.

DO NOT RECOMMEND!!!
This is not a good book to study with. IT has waaaaayy too much unneccessary information that you will never remember. The math section goes beyond what you need to know for the cset. The only part I found helpful was the test taking strategies and time management charts. The Cliff's notes CSET book isA LOT better. There is an outline for each section and two practice tests. There are practice math problems as well. Much easier book to understand.

Very indepth
This book had a lot of info and I am still studying the language section.This book has no sample tests, which I don't really mind because it is easy to find sample CSET tests online.The first few sections are tips and stratagies for test taking and then it gets into content.I haven't taken the test yet but I am hopeful that this book will help me pass.

A good book
It's a very good book, covering the content completely and providing necessary Beating the CSET! Methods, Strategies, and Multiple Subjects Content for Beating the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (Subtests I-III) (Boosalis Series)definitions and formulas. ... Read more

Product Description
CSET English Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CSET English Exam Flashcard Study System covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day. ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Biology/Life Science Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CSET Biology/Life Science Exam Flashcard Study System covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day. ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Earth and Planetary Science Exam Secrets helps you ace the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, without weeks and months of endless studying. Our comprehensive CSET Earth and Planetary Science Exam Secrets study guide is written by our exam experts, who painstakingly researched every topic and concept that you need to know to ace your test. Our original research reveals specific weaknesses that you can exploit to increase your exam score more than you've ever imagined. CSET Earth and Planetary Science Exam Secrets includes: The 5 Secret Keys to CSET Success: Time is Your Greatest Enemy, Guessing is Not Guesswork, Practice Smarter, Not Harder, Prepare, Don't Procrastinate, Test Yourself; Introduction to the CSET Series including: CSET Assessment Explanation, Two Kinds of CSET Assessments; A comprehensive General Strategy review including: Make Predictions, Answer the Question, Benchmark, Valid Information, Avoid Fact Traps, Milk the Question, The Trap of Familiarity, Eliminate Answers, Tough Questions, Brainstorm, Read Carefully, Face Value, Prefixes, Hedge Phrases, Switchback Words, New Information, Time Management, Contextual Clues, Don't Panic, Pace Yourself, Answer Selection, Check Your Work, Beware of Directly Quoted Answers, Slang, Extreme Statements, Answer Choice Families; Along with a complete, in-depth study guide for your specific CSET exam, and much more... ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Business Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CSET Business Exam Flashcard Study System covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day. ... Read more

Product Description
CSET Home Economics Exam Flashcard Study System uses repetitive methods of study to teach you how to break apart and quickly solve difficult test questions on the California Subject Examinations for Teachers. Study after study has shown that spaced repetition is the most effective form of learning, and nothing beats flashcards when it comes to making repetitive learning fun and fast. Our flashcards enable you to study small, digestible bits of information that are easy to learn and give you exposure to the different question types and concepts. CSET Home Economics Exam Flashcard Study System covers all of the most important topics that you'll need to know to be successful on test day. ... Read more