You can do this at home on your computer at your leisure.
1) see what the tests for NCLB and highly qualified teachers are like!
California requires teachers in elementary school to have a multiple subject credential and/or pass this test if you have a single subject credential like special ed, math, social sciences, etc.
2)You have to take and pass this test or you will be fired,if you are a recently hired teacher, even if you teach kids who are handicapped, retarded, cannot read, write, or talk, no matter what.
3)And the best thing is this test is NOT tied to state standards, does not accurately reflect your ability to be a good teacher, and generates millions of dollars for faceless bureaucrats who have no clue how to be a good teacher.
OK, actually I have fibbed a tad. This test you can download is just a practice test, but it will give you an idea of what kind of exams the NCLB is requiring.
Here is how to take this practice test (3 parts, about 160 questions, including multiple guess and short essay). You can go back and change answers BEFORE you score your exam, but not after you score.
Go this website:
http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS_viewPT_opener.aspdownload the free JRE viewer from Sun Microsystems, which is required to run the practice test program.
Then download the test from the brown graphic link at page bottom.
Install everything, then read the directions on how to take the test in the instruction booklet. The test taking process is simple. Each section will take about an hour. You can see your score and find out what are correct answers for those you missed.
Remember kids, you CANNOT use a calculator, slide rule, or any other information assistance or source while taking this practice test. And the real test must be taken in pencil on paper, with all your math worth done on scratch paper by hand.
Actually many will find the test not too difficult, especially if you just graduated from college recently and have read ALL the latest research on every topic in the test. And pay no attention to the correct answers which are in fact entirely debatable as to whether they are in fact correct. That's just the way the statistical cookies crumble.
Just a tip so you can enter and share the world of teachers and NCLB.
Figure out your percent of correct answers (multiple choice only) and see if you PASS. Oh, sorry, I have no idear what percent is actually passing. Shhh, it is a state secret :-) But I figure above 80% ought to get you a job.
Msongs
www.msongs.com