Test Preparation Overview
CBEST Test Prep Description
CBEST Test Prep Study Information
CSET Test Prep Description
CSET Writing Skills Test Prep Description
CSET Test Prep Study Information
CSET Writing Skills Test Prep Study Information
RICA Test Prep Description
RICA Test Prep Study Information
US Constitution Test Prep Description
US Constitution Test Prep Study Information

North Coast Beginning Teacher Program

CSET TEST PREPARATION
STUDY INFORMATION

CSET WEB SITE

California Subject Examination for Teachers web site is located at:

http://www.cset.nesinc.com/

At this site is all of the information you will need to take the tests. The site also includes Test Specifications for each of the specific tests, and a practice test.

WEBSITES TO LOVE

edHelper – this is the best website for any teacher. You might want to check it out to create worksheets on areas you need to study.

edHelper offers two packages:

• edHelper.com - Subscription for Grades K-8 - $19.99 per year
• edHelper.com (K-12) - Complete access to everything on edHelper.com including additional web tools and ClassBuilder - $39.98 per year

http://www.edhelper.com

eThemes Resources – from eMINTS – The eMINTS philosophy is based on transforming teaching using inquiry-based methods and strategies powered by technology. The eMINTS program seeks to help teachers use technology in ways that change student engagement and student products through high-quality professional development and in-classroom support.

http://www.emints.org/
(click on eThemes, for a great list of subjects)

Education World – Billed as the Educator’s Best Friend, this site has many unique lesson plans. In addition, subscribing (free) to one or more of their newsletters gives you reviews of curriculum connected web sites, lesson plans, professional development, administration information, and much more.

http://www.educationworld.com/

Lesson Plans Page – They now have over 3,500 free lessons! To find lesson plans that match your criteria, begin by selecting a subject, or search for specific topics. They also have a newsletter and teacher discussions and forums.

http://www.lessonplanspage.com/

Teachers.net – This site is not necessarily one of my favorites. But, they have some great resources for the first year teacher and for classroom management.

http://www.teachers.net/

The Lesson Planet - Lesson Planet provides fast and convenient access to over 65,000 teacher reviewed online lesson plans. Your first 7 days of full access to Lesson Planet are FREE. You won't be charged until after the 7 day trial period has ended. Sign up now and receive the first year for only $19.95 (limited time offer). Lesson Planet memberships renew one year after the sign up date for the standard price of $24.95/year.

http://www.lessonplanet.com/

Get Bytten - Grammar Bytes – This site bills itself as “Grammar Instruction with Attitude.” This is the best grammar site I have ever seen. Use it to learn or do the exercises (on computer or off) to master the knowledge you need to know.

http://www.chompchomp.com/

Big Dog’s Grammar – A Bare Bones Guide to English – Here you will find a list of the bare essentials of grammar. These are the things that English teachers love to comment on your writing. They really are important. If getting your point across in writing or making someone think you know what you're talking about is ever important to you, you have to get a handle on these things! Try out the new "Self-Tests." These are short interactive exercises are designed to test your understanding of the grammar points you are studying.

http://aliscot.com/bigdog/

Scholastic – Interactive Skill Builders – This site includes many interactive and printable activities by grade level and many subject areas. Click on the 6-8 grade activities and on the writing button to find specific writing activities.

http://teacher.scholastic.com/activities/

Vocabulary University – This site has great collections of vocabulary lists and games for 3-12 grades in many subjects and area. Separated into 3 levels of difficulty, these free interactive vocabulary puzzle and activity sessions use Latin and Greek "roots and cells" to help decode words.

http://www.vocabulary.com/

American Speech – Language – Hearing Institute – Speech and Language Development – This site has some great links to articles on language development and acquisition. “Language is a code made up of rules that include what words mean, how to make words, how to put them together, and what word combinations are best in what situations. Speech is the oral form of language.”

http://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/

Visual Math Learning – While this site is not the prettiest, it is nevertheless wonderful to use. Both the lessons and the exercises/games will help you understand and visualize math concepts and computational skills.

http://www.visualmathlearning.com/

Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles - This site is for teachers, parents and students who seek engaging mathematics. This site can be utilized if you have an area of math that you just do not get, and need a complete explanation.

http://www.cut-the-knot.org/index.shtml

California History Online - This site has in interactive timeline that you can click through and see all of the information that you will need for this exam.

http://www.californiahistory.net/

Welcome to California - This site was developed by the state of California and has many useful connections and links. Click on “History and Culture of California” (left side bar) and then click on any of the links in the center (History of California is best).

http://www.ca.gov/state/portal/myca_homepage.jsp

Digital History Online – This site uses new technology to enhance teaching and research. There are interactive timelines, textbooks, online exhibits, resource guides, and much more. This is a wonderful visual representation of United States history.

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/

History Matters – The U.S. Survey Course Online – Designed for high school and college teachers and students, this site serves as a gateway to web resources and offers other useful materials for teaching U.S. history. Primary documents and annotated web sites make this a great source.

http://historymatters.gmu.edu/

Hyper History Online – This site is a collection of over 2,000 files containing over 3,000 years of history. The timelines can be accessed through people, history, events, and maps. Each category has many timelines, all of which have clickable links to articles, etc.

http://www.hyperhistory.com/online_n2/History_n2/a.html

Macro History – Prehistory to the 21st Century – This site is World history presented systematically with help from scholars and non-scholars interested in the spirit of inquiry and science. There are many timelines and maps to help visualize history.

http://www.fsmitha.com/

School of Champions – Succeed in Physical Science - The purpose of these free online lessons is to give you a start at improving your scientific knowledge. The material combines physics and chemistry fundamentals in a way that will allow you to excel in future science studies and even become a scientific champion.

http://www.school-for-champions.com/science.htm

Frank Potter’s Science Gems – Life Science I and Life Science II - This web site has been created for students, parents, teachers, scientists, engineers and mathematicians. It contains more than 14,000 Science Resources sorted by category, subcategory, and grade level.

http://www.sciencegems.com/life.html

Earth Science Lessons – This site contains Earth Science lessons intended for middle school science classes. These lessons are geared toward and tested by 5-8 grade students. The include the general information that you will need to develop a clear understanding of the basics of earth science.

http://www.middleschoolscience.com/index.html

Flash Cards - These are sites that have already created sets of flashcards that you can use. These sites are helpful for other parts of the exam. You will need to register on the first site, but it is free. On the second site you can use them free (limited areas, register first), or get all games and areas for $19.95 fee for life. The third site is free and you do not have to register but, there are many ads.

http://www.flashcardmachine.com/

http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

http://www.studystack.com/

Visual Arts – This site was developed to explore the four components of visual art and prepare students for the CSET exam. I use this site for my students also. It is a uniquely well designed site for both uses.

http://www.vcss.k12.ca.us/Portals/VcssoPortals/tss/visarts/index.htm

ArtsEdge – This is a great site from the Kennedy Center for the Arts. This site has lesson plans and information on various aspects of performing art.

http://artsedge.kennedy-center.org/

PE Central – This site bills itself as the premier Web site for health and physical education teachers, parents, and students. Their goal is to provide the latest information about developmentally appropriate physical education programs for children and youth.

http://www.pecentral.org/index.html

CSET Test Prep flier

CSET State Website