NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

Amor2009 Posted: Dec 07, 2008 10:25 PM

NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

Hey Teachers.

I am taking two CSTs on Saturday. Multi-subject and special ed. How much did you study for these tests?

If you took either of them, do you remember what your essays were?

I am really stressed out about all of this. :( I really want to pass on the first try.

Thanks for listening!!

ttdiff11 Posted: Dec 07, 2008 10:28 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

i took both of them, but about 4.5 yrs ago. to be honest, i really did not study but they have practice tests online. im sure u will do great!!!!

Amor2009 Posted: Dec 07, 2008 10:32 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

Thanks! I am looking at the practice tests on line. To bad they won't ask the same questions! I am probably stressing over nothing but I get so nervous before a test.

galgirl Posted: Dec 07, 2008 10:35 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

I also took both of them, the multi I remember to be pretty easy, and I passed sp ed by only a few points, but the essay was to write an IEP, but I can't remember what disability it was for. Overall, they were pretty good and I didn't study at all.

Good Luck!!

GT143EA Posted: Dec 07, 2008 10:52 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

I took both of those tests. The Multi subject CST I got a book out of the library and did the practice test in that and online. The special ed. one I just did the practice test online. I passed both on the first try.

The essay for multi subject was just like the one online. The special ed. was on MS and I had a heart attack when I saw because I didnt know anything about it! They wanted me to pick a grade, a subject area, another proffesional (speech teacher, general ed teacher etc.,) and a technological device and tell how our collaboration using the technological device chosen would help the student. Dont ask how I passed!!! Hope this helps!

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do fine

so_in_love630 Posted: Dec 07, 2008 11:01 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

To be honest I didnt study for these tests, although I should have. But, I was lucky enough to pass both on the first try.
Anyway I just took the CST for special ed in october, The essay was about having a child with mild cognitive delay. You had to name one professional that can help you to work with this child and how you can work to help their specific problems. In my essay I wrote that I was a teacher in a CTT classroom and the other professional was the general ed teacher (I was the special ed teacher). Other professionals could have been speech therapist, ot, pt ....etc. Anyway the test overall was a lil tough but I guess I got through it ok. Lots of questions about what you would do if you had a kid with ___________ and had these problems. Or what professional would help the child if they had ____________ problems. Or these are the child's assessment scores... what is his area of difficulty or problems.

The essay for the CST that I took last year was about a child that had reading learning disabilities and similar to the other one you had to say some strategies that you would use to help this child.

Hope that was helpful, and GOOD LUCK!!!

xosweetiexo Posted: Dec 07, 2008 11:08 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

I passed all of those tests on the 1st try... Thank God!!! I am not the smartest person out there either lol!!! But, I did buy a study book for each test and studied for about a week hard-core for the test. I would take practice exams, looked up a lot of information for Special Ed. because I didnt know enough background information (eventhough I am getting my masters in). Special Ed essay had something to do with picking either a teacher, special ed teacher, PT, OT, etc. and write an issue that a child is having and how to help that child using some sort of the services- something along those lines. Def. have background knowledge in autism, PT, OT, and various terms. I had to look them up online and research. Can I just ask why you decided to take 2 of the exams on the same day?? After taking a 4 hr exam (which I normally take about 3 hrs with) my brain is SHOT! I couldnt imagine taking another test and doing my best.... not to discourage you- b/c I know plenty of people that do it AND pass... but I was just wondering...

Teach24 Posted: Dec 07, 2008 11:22 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

I took the Gifted CST two years ago. I bought the rec. book and read it, took notes, and made flash cards. By the time I was ready for the test FH was ready to take it as well. You can buy a study guide through Borders/B & N. Just Google the CST study guide you need. GOOD LUCK!

JoesFutureWife Posted: Dec 07, 2008 11:37 PM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

I took them both about 2 years ago and you really cant study. I bought the guides but i found the practice tests online to be much more useful. HTH! GL!

Amor2009 Posted: Dec 08, 2008 07:25 AM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

Thank you so much everyone!! I am feeling a little better. I'll just keep doing the practice tests.

SB7308 Posted: Dec 08, 2008 09:13 AM

Re: NWR- stressed over CST... any teachers give words of wisdom?

You are not alone. Dh has been tyring to pass the F'N test for so long. He takes in Phys Ed. He thinks its rigged They fail you so they get more money from you to take it over and over.

He's taking is this sat. too