Getting Ready for the CBEST

[mrmanager]

Hello Everyone

I am going to be taking the CBEST soon and just wanted to get your opinions on what you found to be the best method(s) of study. I am slightly concerned with the math section, as I haven't done such math for a few years now, so if there is a book or something that focuses on the types of problems you need to know in addition to explaining how to do them. Anything helps. Thanks!!

[TeacherGroupie]

The math in question is mostly pretty basic: adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing with integers, fractions, decimals, and percents, estimating, working with units of customary measure (e.g., inches/feet, cups/quarts, ounces/pounds, minutes/hours, degrees F), very basic algebra, and very, very basic geometry. The major area of exception is test score interpretation: quartiles, percentiles, stanines, grade-equivalent scores - this looks scary but can be explained in ten minutes.

If you're shopping for a CBEST preparation book, don't buy one without examining it: you want to look for the book that meets YOUR needs in dealing with the content. I don't recommend a particular brand, because the book that's just right for one test taker may be just wrong for another (and because i generally recommend skill review resources that are not specific to teacher tests, but that's not a universal practice).

[mrmanager]

Wonderful, thank you so much for your response and help, TeacherGroupie!

[Jen84]

I found the practice test on the CBEST website to be pretty helpful. After taking the practice test, I created a study guide based on the math problems I did not solve correctly. I watched videos online and looked at websites to refresh my memory of the concepts I was having trouble with.

[Rebel1]

I used the CBEST prep book, back in the dinosaur days, before they came out with all the computer programs and google. It did the job. I did not go through the whole book. It helped refresh the brain cells; and the info came to light. I really enjoyed the writing part. The subject I picked was how I felt about the education system. I heard that what they are really looking for in the writing part are; grammar, your paragraphs, your trains of thought, your commas, periods, etc.
I did not like the reading part. I still don't like to read.
Anyway, I hope you pass it with flying colors.
Study and do the practice tests. Say a prayer for God's help, so you'll remember what you are studying.
Prayers coming your way too.
Rebel1

[ArtistLyfe]

whatever book you choose, take time to see how the questions are supposed to be answered.
get a tutor for the math, it is not that hard but if you are not strong in math, it will help.
for the writing, make sure that what you write makes sense and that you know your grammar, spelling and punctuation. i worked with a tutor for three months and then took the math separately after trying it on the entire test to see what it was like. i used all of the alloted time to take the math on the second try. i passed. you can too.
all the best...

[elateacher4life]

I passed it the first time by using the practice book.

[vivalavida]

I just took it a couple of weeks ago!
I also used a test prep book, borrowed from my local library! I find that it's extremely helpful to understand the format and types of questions that will be asked. Being more familiar with the exam format leaves you without any surprises on exam day. I, too, was a little concerned about the math section since it had been a few years.... go through the practice problems or read the math review section if the book has one. I just did the diagnostic test for the entire exam (aside from writing) and, based on my scores, felt as though I was fine. I passed the first time! Best of luck :-)

[rickardbriggs]

I discovered the practice test on the CBEST website to be fairly beneficial. After taking the exercise check, I designed a research information based on the numbers issues I did not fix properly.