NYSTCE Content Specialty Test Mathematics (004) (NYSTCE Teacher Certification Test Prep) - Softcover

Brice, J.; Friedman, Mel

9780738602431: NYSTCE Content Specialty Test Mathematics (004) (NYSTCE Teacher Certification Test Prep)

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0738602434 ISBN 13: 9780738602431

Publisher: Research & Education Association, 2006

REA ... Real review, Real practice, Real results.

Take your teaching career to the head of the class.

NYSTCE MATHEMATICS CST (004)
For New York State Licensure

Are you prepared to excel on the NYSTCE?
* Get to know the test, how it is scored, and much more.
* Set up a study schedule by following our flexible, results-driven timeline
* Take the diagnostic self-assessment test to discover what you know and what you should know
* Use REA's advice to ready yourself for proper study and success

Sharpen your knowledge and skills
* The book's comprehensive review features coverage of all required subareas: Mathematical Reasoning and Communication; Algebra; Trigonometry and Calculus; Measurement and Geometry; Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics; and Algebra Constructed-Response Assignment
* Lessons reinforce necessary skills
* Key tutorials enhance specific abilities needed on the test
* Targeted drills increase comprehension and help organize study

Practice for real
* Create the closest experience to test-day conditions with the full-length practice test
* Chart your progress with full and detailed explanations of all answers
* Boost your confidence with test-taking strategies and experienced advice

Get to the head of the class! Get certified!

REA books and software have proven to be the extra support teacher candidates need to pass their challenging test for state licensure. Our comprehensive study guides are teacher-recommended and written by educators who have mastered the test and the related program of study.

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From the Back Cover:

ARE YOU READY TO TEACH IN NEW YORK?
THEN USE THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE ON THE MARKET TODAY.

NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Mathematics (004)

The Most Complete Subject Review
Everything you need to know for the NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Mathematics (004) exam, prepared by leading specialists in teacher education. Comprehensive review chapters cover all the subjects and skills tested on the NYSTCE Mathematics exam. Examples in each chapter reinforce knowledge as you study.

The Best Practice Exams Available
A diagnostic exam and a full-length practice exam based on the official NYSTCE Mathematics (004) test – balanced to include every topic and type of question you can expect on the actual NYSTCE.

Total Explanations of Questions & Answers
Our NYSTCE Mathematics practice exams come with detailed feedback on every question. We don’t just say which answers are right – but explain why the others are wrong, so you’ll be prepared on test day!

Proven Test-Prep Methods
REA’s focused NYSTCE content and practical advice have helped millions succeed on their exams. With our step-by-step plan, you can score high on the NYSTCE and get certified to teach in New York!

Federal Guidelines for NCLB Compliance
You can expect that candidates with NCLB-compliant credentials will enjoy preferential status in hiring. In New York, this means you need to pass the NYSTCE. Maximize your exam performance and master the NYSTCE with the unrivaled certification expertise that only REA can offer.

About This Book
REA’s The Best Teachers’ Preparation for the NYSTCE (New York State Teacher Certification Examinations) Mathematics CST is a comprehensive guide designed to assist you in preparing to take the NYSTCE required for teaching mathematics in New York State. To enhance your chances of success in this important step toward your career as a teacher in New York schools, this test guide:
� presents an accurate and complete overview of the NYSTCE Mathematics
� identifies all of the important information and its representation on the exam
� provides a comprehensive review of every Subarea and objective
� presents sample questions in the actual test format
� suggests tips and strategies for successfully completing standardized tests
� provides a half-length diagnostic test to help pinpoint strengths and weaknesses
� provides a full-length practice test based on the most recently administered NYSTCE
� replicates the format of the official exam, including levels of difficulty
� supplies the correct answer and detailed explanations for each question on the diagnostic and practice tests, which enables you to identify correct answers and understand why they are correct and, just as important, why the other answers are incorrect.

This guide is the result of studying many resources. The editors considered the most recent test administrations and professional standards. They also researched information from the New York State Education Department, professional journals, textbooks, and educators. This guide includes the best test preparation materials
based on the latest information available.

About the Test
Below are the subareas used as the basis for the NYSTCE Mathematics CST, as well as the approximate percentage of the total test that each subarea occupies. These subareas represent the knowledge that teams of teachers, subject area specialists, and district-level educators have determined to be important for beginning teachers. This book contains a thorough review of these subareas, as well as the specific skills that demonstrate each area.

Who Administers the Test?
All the NYSTCE tests are administered by the New York State Education Department.

Can I Retake the Test?
Candidates who do not pass a test may retake it as often as necessary until a passing score is achieved. Candidates must reregister each time they retake a test. Candidates who have passed a NYSTCE test have met that part of the testing requirement for certification and, therefore, are not eligible to retake the test.
When Should the NYSTCE Be Taken?
The NYSTCE CST can be taken in either your junior or senior year. This recommended schedule will allow you to prepare for one test at a time and will give you an opportunity to retake any of the tests, if needed, before completing your teacher preparation program. The New York teacher certification exams are given throughout the year. A current schedule of dates can be found on the Internet at http://www.nystce.nesinc.com.
Click on “Before You Register” for information about test dates, test sites, and all the information you need.

Candidates may register by Internet, postal mail, or telephone for most tests:
NYSTCE
National Evaluation Systems, Inc.
300 Venture Way
Hadley, MA 01035
(413) 256-2882
http://www.nystce.nesinc.com

Is There a Registration Fee?
To take the NYSTCE Mathematics CST there is a fee. A complete summary of the registration fees can be found at the website above, or by calling the number above.

How to Use This Book
How Do I Begin Studying?
Review the organization of this test preparation guide.
1. To best utilize your study time, follow our NYSTCE Independent Study Schedule. The schedule is based on a seven-week program, but can be condensed to four weeks if necessary.
2. Take the diagnostic test, and score it according to directions.
3. Review the format of the NYSTCE.
4. Review the test-taking advice and suggestions presented later in this chapter.
5. Pay attention to the information about subareas and objectives on the test.
6. Spend time reviewing topics that stand out as needing more study.
7. Take the Practice Test, review the explanations to your answers carefully, study the subareas that your scores indicate need further review.
8. Follow the suggestions at the end of this chapter for the day before and the day of the test.

When Should I Start Studying?
It is never too early to start studying for the NYSTCE. The earlier you begin, the more time you will have to sharpen your skills. Do not procrastinate!

Subarea Percentage
I. Mathematical Reasoning and Communication 13%
II. Algebra 26%
III. Trigonometry and Calculus 17%
IV. Measurement and Geometry 17%
V. Data Analysis, Probability, Statistics, and Discrete Mathematics 17%
VI. Algebra: Constructed-Response Assignment 10%

Cramming is not an effective way to study, since it does not allow you the time to think about the content, review the content and the practice test. It is important, however, to review the material one last time the night before the test administration.

Studying for the NYSTCE Mathematics CST
It is very important for you to choose the time and place for studying that works best for you. Some individuals may set aside a certain number of hours every morning to study, while others may choose to study at night before going to sleep. Other people may study
during the day, while waiting in line, or even while eating lunch. Only you can determine when and where your study time will be most effective. Be consistent and use your time wisely. Work out a study routine and stick to it.

When you take the practice tests, simulate the conditions of the actual test as closely as possible. Turn your television and radio off, and sit down at a quiet table free from distraction. As you complete each practice test, score your test and thoroughly review the explanations to the questions you answered incorrectly; however, do not review too much at any one time.

Concentrate on one problem area at a time by reviewing the question and explanation, and by studying our review until you are confident that you have mastered the material.
Keep track of your scores. By doing so, you will be able to gauge your progress and discover general weaknesses in particular sections. Give extra attention to the reviews that cover your areas of difficulty, as this will build your skills in those areas.

Format of the NYSTCE
The NYSTCE Mathematics CST addresses 6 main content areas, or subareas, deemed by the New York State Education Department to be foundational to effective teaching. Divided between the 6 subareas are 21 objectives that provide information about the
knowledge and skills assessed by the Mathematics test. Individual test questions require a variety of different thinking levels, ranging from simple recall to evaluation and problem solving.

All 90 questions in the first five subareas on the NYSTCE are in multiple-choice format. Each question will have four options, lettered A through D, from which to choose. You should have plenty of time in which to complete the NYSTCE, but be aware of the amount of time you are spending on each question so that you allow yourself time to complete the test. Although speed is not very important, a steady pace should be maintained when answering the questions. Using the practice tests will help you prepare for this task.

The final subarea is a constructed-response (written) assignment. This section requires that you prepare a written response of about one to two pages on the assigned topic. You should plan, write, review, and edit your response in the time allotted. Your response will not be judged on writing ability, but must be communicated clearly and will be scored on a scale of 1 to 4. Your response is evaluated on the basis of the following
criteria:

Purpose: Fulfill the charge of the assignment
Application of Content: Accurately and effectively apply the relevant knowledge and skills
Support: Support the response with appropriate examples and/or sound reasoning reflecting an understanding of the relevant knowledge and skills.

About the Review Sections
The reviews in this book are designed to help you sharpen the basic skills needed to approach the NYSTCE, as well as provide strategies for attacking the questions.

Each teaching subarea is examined in a separate chapter. The skills required for all six subareas are extensively discussed to optimize your understanding of what the NYSTCE covers.

Your schooling has taught you most of what you need to answer the questions on the test. The education classes you took should have provided you with the know-how to make important decisions about situations you will face as a teacher. Our review is designed to help you fit the information you have acquired into specific subarea components. Reviewing your class notes and textbooks together with our subarea reviews will give you an excellent springboard for passing the NYSTCE.

Scoring the NYSTCE Mathematics CST
The approximate percentage of the test corresponding to each subarea is listed near the beginning of this Introduction.

An examinee’s performance on a test is evaluated against an established standard. The passing requirement for each test is established by the New York State Commissioner of Education based on the professional judgments and recommendations of New York State educators.

The following characteristics guide the scoring of responses to the constructed-response (written) assignment:
(1) Purpose—fulfill the charge of the assignment
(2) Application of Content—accurately and effectively apply the relevant knowledge and skills
(3) Support—support the response with appropriate examples and/or reasoning reflecting an understanding of the relevant knowledge and skills.

The NYSTCE Mathematics CST scores are reported using a 1-through-4 scale, 4 being the best score. The total test score is reported in a range from 100 to 300 and is based on performance on all sections of the test. An examinee’s multiple-choice score and scores on any constructed-response assignments are combined to obtain the total test score. A score of 220 represents the minimum passing score. An examinee with a total test score of 220 or above passes the test. An examinee with a total test score below 220 does not pass the test.

Candidates who do not pass a test may retake it as often as necessary until a passing score is achieved. Candidates must reregister each time they retake a test. For more
information about score reporting, visit the NYSTCE Web site at http://www.nystce.nesinc.com.

Score Results
Your test scores will be reported to you, the NYSED (and are automatically added to your certification application file), and, if applicable, the institution that you indicated when you registered. Your score report will be mailed on the score report date published in the Test Dates section of the NYSTCE Web site at http://www.nystce.nesinc.com.

Test-Taking Tips
Although you may not be familiar with tests like the NYSTCE, this book will help acquaint you with this type of exam and help alleviate your test-taking anxieties.

Listed below are ways to help you become accustomed to the NYSTCE, some of which may be applied to other tests as well.

Tip 1. Become comfortable with the format of the NYSTCE. When you are practicing, stay calm and pace yourself. After simulating the test only once, you will boost your chances of doing well, and you will be able to sit down for the actual NYSTCE with much more confidence.

Tip 2. Read all of the possible answers. Just because you think you have found the correct response, do not automatically assume that it is the best answer. Read through each choice to be sure that you are not making mistake by jumping to conclusions.

Tip 3. Use the process of elimination. Go through each answer to a question and eliminate as many of the answer choices as possible. By eliminating two answer
choices, you have given yourself a better chance of getting the item correct since there will only be two choices left from which to make your guess. Do not leave an answer blank; it is better to guess than to not answer a question on the NYSTCE test.

Tip 4. Place a question mark in your answer booklet next to answers you guessed, then recheck them later if you have time.

Tip 5. Work quickly and steadily. You will have two and one-half hours to complete the test, so work quickly and steadily to avoid focusing on any one problem too long. Taking the practice tests in this book will help you learn to budget your precious time.

Tip 6. Learn the directions and format of the test. Familiarizing yourself with the directions and format of the test will not only save time, but will also help you avoid anxiety (and the mistakes caused by getting anxious).

Tip 7. Be sure that the answer circle you are marking corresponds to the number of the question in the test booklet. Since the test is multiple-choice, it is graded by machine, and marking one wrong answer can throw off your answer key and your score. Be extremely careful.

The Day of the Test
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 NYSTCE Registration Bulletin 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 and two forms of identification, one of which must contain a recent photograph, your name, and signature (i.e., driver’s license). You will not be admitted to the test center if you do not have proper identification.

You must bring several sharpened No. 2 pencils with erasers and an approved graphic calculator (see above) 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 makes
noise, because it may disturb the other test takers. Dictionaries, textbooks, notebooks, briefcases, or packages will not be permitted. Drinking, smoking, and eating are prohibited.

During the Test
The NYSTCE is given in one sitting with no breaks. 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!

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