Product Description
Adrienne Mack-Kirschner's work with the National Board program makes her the ideal person to advise certification candidates. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good place to start
I am only just beginning the NBPTS process.this book has provided several ideas for getting started.I was hoping to see more examples of exemplary writing.So far it has been helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes 17 competencies/skills found on the GACE Middle Grades Social Sciencetest and 126 sample-test questions. This guide, aligned specifically to standards prescribed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, covers the sub-areas of U.S. History; World Regions; Georgia Studies and Social Science Skills; U.S. History to 1914;U.S. History 1914 to the Present; and Georgia History. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Not so great
While the book covered each standard, there were quite a few errors and omissions.In fact, Brazil was not mentioned in the countries of South America.There were typos and repeated questions and answers.It provided me with a general overview of middle grades social sciences but the GACE exam was much more in-depth than this book.

I want to pass this exam
Being new to the teaching profession, I am interested in learning as much as I can and then teaching it.This book is very good and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to be teaching Social Studies in middle grades. Kate

Worst study guide ever!
This was one of the worst study guides I have ever purchased. This book was filled with incorrect punctuation, incomplete and run-on sentences, and unnecessary repetition of topics. The answer key for the sample test was incorrect too. This book tried to tell me that the government has 4 branches of the government, instead of 3. Also, that to impeach the President meant to re-elect him! Don't waste your money on this study guide. You would be better off getting an old middle school social studies book, and studying that!

Worst study guide I have ever read!
I bought this study guide a while ago.I tried my best to ignore the dozens of misspellings and poor grammar used throughout the book.Then I took the sample test in the back.The test duplicated questions and often the questions were worded so badly it was hard to figure out what they wanted you to answer.Flipping to the back to check my answers I found that the answers didn't even match up with the questions.The amount of time and money I have WASTED on this book is insane.Their motto- "Higher quality study guides, Higher quality teachers" makes me furious when I think of what garbage XAM is knowingly putting out. DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!!

Great
Great Book! I haven't read the whole thing but I'm sure it will help me pass my GACE! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Disappointed in Organization and Editing Quality
Before purchasing this book, I read the reviews and, while they weren't great, I decided to get the book anyway. I also read the responses from the Editors claiming to have "cleaned up" the errors, which I can't imagine were worse than what I saw!

The two biggest complaints I have regard organization and errors. The outline of the study guide patterns the Florida Test Information Guide, but is so confusing in its organization that, advanced information on a topic is given well before the basic information you need to effectively understand and process the topic. It's often repetitive, with MANY errors, not only in spelling but also in facts. It's a POORLY edited piece and contains too much ancillary material, which I'm sure will be of no use when taking the test. Having not been a teacher before, I felt it necessary to get a "refresher guide" on elementary education before taking the exam and in that sense, the book helps somewhat. I really wouldn't recommend it for anything other than that.

Did the trick!
While I agree that this book was riddled with errors, I was able to pass the test on the first try.I only used this text to study from and I found the questions on my test were in line with what I studied.

Errors!
This book was fairly decent as a test guide, however, I was appalled by the number of spelling and grammatical errors.Also, there were typing mistakes where information was repeated.One would think a guide which is designed to prepare us for an exam on writing (amongst other things) would do a better job on proofreading!

Good Study Guide with some minor problems
This book is a great way to review for the exam.It has a lot of information, 400+ pages, to help you prepare for the test.It also has a lengthy practice test to help you as well.There are some things in here I would have never thought an elementary student would be learning so it helped me review the areas I needed help in, mainly math and science.My only main problem with this book is the spelling errors.I am not sure who edited or proofread this book but I would have thought that they would have used spell check at the very least.I have found spelling errors on 50% of the pages.I would recommend this book for anyone taking this test though.

X XAM FTCE ELEMENTARY
This book did help me pass the FTCE Elementary exam.However, it was not the best review book I've used.There were many typos.Also, it repeated information in different sections, some of it word for word.Additionally, it droned on and on, without the breaks and quick reviews that the Cliff reviews provide. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Printing errors
I am in disbelief at how many errors I found in this 2008 edition!I can only hope that other editions are better. I have spent several agonizing hours trying to figure out several Math problems,only to find out that the book had misprints!Unfortunately, not only did I find errors in the Math section, but the English section as well!

I have never written a review before, but I simply felt that I needed to warn potential students about how confusing this book can be!

Study guide makes you work, but not enough sample tests
I used the study guide in the math section to give me an idea of what will be on the test. Granted I had to use the internet to help understand the several missing steps in many of the examples, but overall the point was to re-educate myself on math concepts. I believe I did that successfully.

FTCE Study guide
Good seller - very prompt delivery.Book is excellent - thorough prep for the exam.

FTCE Elem K-6 Study Guide
For the most part, I agree with A. Walker's review. I did pass the exam the first time using this guide in addition to an online review site. There were questions on the exam that I was able to answer only because I have some teaching experience, not because the information was in the guide, so there is some critical thinking required over and above the study guide material. I am still very glad I used this guide. SN

Good with minor issues
This is the 3rd XAM book I've purchased to study for FTCE exams, and overall they seem to be consistent with the material actually seen on the test.I took and passed the General Knowledge test in March 2008.

XAM books tend to have a significant number of typos.Some of them are frustrating because their math problems will leave out parts of the problem that you need in order to solve the problem.You'll recognize the issue only when you look through their solution and see that they left something out.For the most part, it doesn't affect the overall product, but it can be frustrating.

The only other thing I really look for in a test-prep book is that the practice exams are similar in content and difficulty with the actual test.

For the math section, this book's practice exam are mostly representative of what you will expect on the day of your test.

For the English section, the practice test was less in line with the actual test.Part of the practice exam was similar, but it doesn't include some of the types of questions (and there are study books that do).

The reading section is a bit more in line with the test than the English, but the question-writing seems sloppy and not quite the way that the actual test will be done.Definitely similar enough that it is useful, though.

Overall, XAM books tend to have tests that are better than other books, but the errors are numerous.The 'learning' portion of XAM books is pathetically lacking, in my opinion.If you are trying to actually learn the information to pass the test, XAM books are probably not the way to go.But, if you need a book with decent practice exams to assess your ability before the test, this is a good product for that purpose.

Personally, I bought about 2 books for each test I was preparing to take, and if I were asked, I would recommend this be one of multiple books you are going to buy, but if you are only going to purchase one study book, find a better one. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

Don't waste your money
Deserves "zero stars".This study guide is worthless for studying for the Prinipal TExES exam.It gives you a whole bunch of terminology that will not be on the test.Studying from this guide is a giant waste of time and money.Buy Elaine Wilmore's guide instead: Passing the Principal TExES Exam - Keys to Certification & School Leadership.The only 2 study guides you need are Dr. Wilmore's book and the free online guide from sbec. ... Read more

Product Description

A preparation guide for the Texas Elementary Comprehensive ExCET exam, this concise manual offers an organized view of all content areas tested, extensive content coverage, practice questions, ideas for teaching, and study skills and hints.

Customer Reviews (18)

Fast shipping
The book was arrived fast but the middle part seemed falling apart. After a little glue push, it works just fine now.

Worth it
This book explained everything on the test in detail and was easy to understand. I recommend getting the Cliff's Test Prep too because of the practice tests (this one did not have any but was definetly worth the money). Passed the test my first try.

Great Resource for Success

I would just let anyone that is intrested know that this book is an excellent resource to succeed on the Certification Exam. My only negative would be the need for more practice questions. One suggestion would be to acompany the above book with a workbook comprised of just practice questions.

Great study guide!
I do not have a degree in education and it has been 14 years since graduating college. This book was fantastic for getting reaquainted with the elementary curriculum and material long since forgotten.The sample questions are great.I also highly recommend getting the CliffsTestPrep for the Generalist Ec-4.It has 2 full length practice tests and is also GREAT! I passed my test the first time with a 280!!

Preparing for the Texas PreK-4
This is a very good book for reviewing for the EC-4 Generalist exam. I graduated with a B.S. in Elementary Ed. 15 years ago and am Lifetime certified 1-8. I have taught K in private and 1st in public and am seeking early childhood certification so that I can teach K again in public. I feel confident that this book will be all that I need in order to study for the EC-4 Generalist exam. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

A must read while preparing for this test!
This book provides the reader a chapter by chapter review of the topics to be covered on the test. Many of the basic theories are covered by the authors of this guide. The practice tests are very useful and allows the individual to emphasize the weak points from the pretest.

While certainly not providing a solution for all items to be covered, this brings many major areas to the forefront. A simple read of this book will probably not help. A highlighter, notes and index cards for perusing the chapters will be most beneficial while preparing for this state test.

Not helpful at all
I read the book more than twice and I did not pass the test successfuly. Fortunately, I found another book with more information. I did pass the test.

Very Helpful!
This book does an excellent job of explaining the competencies and the two tests at the end of the book were right on!I liked the fact that there were explanations of the correct practice exam answers so that the reader could understand why the answer was correct. I also liked that the book applies the behavioral theories to actual classroom scenarios so the reader could see the theories in action.Other teachers who took this same exam without using this study guide failed (a few times) but I passed on the first try and I believe this book was the reason.I would definitely recommend this book!!

Book does not reflectchanges made in the summer of 2003
Please note that the changes to the FTCE made in the summer of 2003 are not reflected in book. It is also available as an e-book.

You'll need this book...
This book is a valuable tool for those taking the FTCE.It reviews every competency you'll need to know for this exam, including a neat summary of the basic psychological theories at the beginning of the book. I took this exam in 1998 without any prep book like this available and I did pass the exam.This book tells you the pass score needed. At the outset I was thrown by the questions, but the strategy I adapted apparently payed off.Going in, all I had to prepare me was the skimpy test booklet provided by the State of Florida certification division. But if you're really serious about getting through this exam at the first go, then this book is a must. I am now using this book as a tutoring aid when I coach others for this rather quirky exam.One quick hint for test-takers: this particular exam's questions are best answered by the process of elimination.Good luck! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

Decent
I haven't taken the test yet, so I can't say if it made me pass or not. Either way, its really poorly made and not worth retail price.I bought it used for about 1/3 the price and so I dont feel ripped off, but I would have otherwise.

GACE XAM for English 020/021
Like all of the previous GACE XAM books by Sharron Wynne that I have used, this one is poorly written, poorly edited and contains numerous unnecessary opinions rather than just presenting facts. While sad for an English review guide to be so lame, still it seems to provide a decent summary of large quantity of information and is the only GACE study guide I have found that contains the extent of its subject area. If you can disregard all the garbage in it, already have a decent foundation of knowledge and are merely looking for review this is ok. Good Luck!

Review of GACE English book
I found the book somehwat helpful. It indicated what areas the test would cover and gave an overview, but, for an book on English literature and writing, it was replete with errors.

Badly put together
The previous review is absolutely correct. It is rather funny that there are so many spelling, grammar, and punctuation mistakes in a study guide created for future English teachers. However, if you understand everything in the guide, you will pass the test.

Should it be a concern that a book on English contains grammatical errors?
Although the book addresses each competency and skill outlined in GACE's Test Design and Framework, it appears to have been published in haste and is in desperate need of editing and proofreading. Some areas were covered better than others; the right ones did not always receive the most attention (recognizing that tests and people vary). The included practice test suffices as a review; however, the phrasing of questions is dissimilar to those that appear on the actual exam. It would also be helpful if the book contained an index. Overall, I answered more questions correctly on the test with the book than I would have without it. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes 24 competencies/skills found on the GACE Early Childhood Education test and 124 sample-test questions. This guide, aligned specifically to standards prescribed by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission, covers the sub-areas of Reading and English Language Arts; Social Studies; Mathematics; Science; and Helath, Physical Education, and the Arts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (21)

It works
I have read the reviews, both good and bad, but this book is in alignment with the material on the GACE.What I would say is purchase the book and if the informaton on a specific topic is not enough (and I found that to be the case for a few subjects), just supplement the information with your own research.Overall, it is a good enough book. I took the GACE a month ago and I did pass it.

Hah...
Readers beware, the book has several major errors, especially on the tests.

Although some of the information is good, there are parts where they refer the reader to a website. Add a few more pages "editors" and you could avoid future broken links.

Also, given the size of the book, I think you (the editors) can afford to put the information in the book, since most people buy books because they don't want to use the Internet or they don't have access to it, so either increase or decrease your caffeine intake, cause something is definitely messing your reasoning skills.

Helpful Book for GACE ECE
I have read all of the reviews on this book and contemplated very long on whether this book would be helpful. I bought the book and think that this book is very helpful for studying for 001 and 002. I am mainly using this book to help me pass 002 and know it will be helpful. I have taken this test previously and can guarantee you that some of the information in this book WAS on my test. So, I know that it is a good resource to have.

I will say that some of the practice test questions in the back are too simple and won't be on your test. But some are really good and will be!!

Great Book!
I read reviews before purchasing the book some were good and some were not so good. I decided to order the book anyway, and I am glad that I did. The book has a lot of information, which helped me tremendously. I wish I had ordered it earlier. I did find a few typos, but I have found typos in text books that I've paid more than I paid for this one. Besides, the typos are not so bad that it detracts from the meaning. I recommend this book.

Passed the GACE!
I passed the GACE the first time around with this book! The book is an incredible teaching resource that I will continue to use when I begin my teaching career. ... Read more

Product Description
Now fully updated to cover the latest changes in state-by-state testing procedures and practices, this trusted guide offers exclusive coverage of the state-developed tests used in 19 states, plus coverage of the Praxis I/PPST test required in Arkansas, Maine, Oklahoma, Tennessee, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Recommend ASAP Publishing
I also found that ASAP Publishing's Teacher Certification Exam Book was the best study guide book.I passed my subject exam after reviewingtheir book.

Found better
I worked for ETS and this book is weak.Try Delray Beach publisher ASAP Abstracts. Found individual study guides for my area in Special Ed and Elementary and PLT.

Incorrect information.
The subject tests are not valid for the Florida Teacher Certification Exam.I am perhaps the only person in America that knows every test, every question, and content debth. My name is Sharon A. Wynne and I produce the Florida Teacher Certification Exam study guides.They are found at all the State Universities in Florida and nationally.ARCO is selling it's name. The teacher candidate will find ARCO book has 25 sample questions in numerous fields.Our books have 125.They have no content to review.Different states require you know different state knowledge such as how many credits do you need in "whatever state" to graduate, or what is the most significant battle in "whatever state".Some subject areas have literature that must be refered to.It is a huge task to produce study guides that truely meet a teachers need.ARCO is my lastpick. Start with ETS TAG series found in teacher certification offices.They are free.You will want more. Visit http://mypage.ihost.com/asap and I will show you more ... Read more

Product Description
With a brand new layout that includes additional vocabulary call out boxes and embedded test questions with full answer rationales, this study guide is the key to certification success. It covers the major categories of English Language Arts; Mathematics; Science and Technology; Social Studies; The Fine Arts; Health and Fitness; and Family and Consumer Science and Career Development. Aligned to current New York standards, this comprehensive guide provides an in-depth yet concise review of everything from phonemic awareness to the properties of geometric figures.

Take your study session to the next level with XAMonline's enhanced online study product, IntelliGuide, which is FREE with the NYSTCE Multiple Subjects 002 2010 print edition and provides superior study tools. IntelliGuide enables you to highlight text, take and print notes, search for specific content, and study pre-made eFlashcards or create your own. This interactive study guide also offers three full-length timed and scored practice tests with the ability to pause the test and quickly review relevant content using the skill reference hyperlink. With comprehensive, aligned content and innovative study tools, XAMonline helps you confidently pass your exam the first time. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (16)

typos detract from meaning
I purchased this book when I was transferring licenses from another state to Texas. I was astounded by the number and types of errors. I even used one paragraph with a student as an example of a flawed paragraph. Sentences just stop, paragraphs merge, and incorrect word forms are used ("aid" for "aide" for example). I couldn't make heads nor tails of one practice test question.

I thought I had bought a draft copy by mistake, but now it seems this was the form they released. I see this same brand's guides for other subjects in the book store, and I"m shocked that people apparently trust it. Maybe the other subject books are better, but I'll make sure not to buy another one from Xam. Just stunning.

Run the other way!
I purchased this book to help me prepare for the exam! I knew everything in the entire book inside out! During the test...maybe only 25% of what was in the book was actually on the test! (I think that I am being very generous with this percentage!) I would say to anyone who is going to depend on this book for preparation....don't even bother taking the test!

Content fair to good but example test not like the real one
The content of the book is fine. Most of my test was in the book. But my test was very different to the one in the book.

Somewhat helpful, overpriced, under-delivers
Unfortunately there aren't many study guides out there for this exam.This is one of the only products on the market; therefore, people use it.The study guide is very sloppily done and can't be taken seriously.It provides some helpful, relevant information, but it contains so many grammar errors, context ambiguities, and cross reference mistakes that it is very frustrating for the reader and makes the reader wonder whether they are actually getting bad information.

TExES SPECIAL EDUCATION EC-12 (161)
Okay...for starters we all know we need some form of preparation materials to study for the TExES exam Special Education EC-12 (161). With that being said, this book is by no means the best readable and understandable book, BUT if you read it through front to back once, you will pass your exam. Yes, it has several typos and yes its lay out is poor. There are several other complaints that one can find in this book, but if you are in need of study material, this book will do the trick. There are practice tests in the back and the book repeats a lot of the information throughout, creating a concrete understanding as you progress through it. I would recommend that one read this book front to back taking occasional notes and study the TExES Special Ed practice test on the website. If you are able to use common sense and read these materials to become more knowledgeable over Special Ed, you'll do fine! ... Read more

Product Description
Filled with activities, checklists, and other practical tools, this comprehensive resource leads teachers through each stage of the certification process. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Not worth it.
I bought this book while going through the process of getting nationally certified. It's cumbersome to used and it really is not help at all. Save your money and used it toward the hefty fee you have to pay for your certification.

Navigating NBC Process
Easy to understand; useful support to sometime overwhelming NBPTS instructions.This was a nice addition to my library of resources.

MOST Helpful Book for me for NBCT!!!!
This was THE MOST helpful book to help me pull together all of the questions I had about creating my portfolios. The author has personally led over 100 teachers successfully through the NBCT process. It is also my understanding that she offers an online course, she is a professor at the University of Central Florida. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR NBCT CANDIDATES!! REBECCA ROSE LUTONSKY, NBCT 2007

"Not as current as some, but valuable in its own right..."
As previously noted, this book desperately needs a current revision. Having said that, know that there is some very helpful information contained within these pages.

The sample questions and activities guide the candidate through the process, and organization is a strong point of the work. Sample worksheets will be found helpful, as will the FAQs, so long as the candidate checks for changes which may have taken place since the publication of Hopkins' book.

Two other much shorter, less expensive, and no frills handbooks that are helpful are "So, You Want to Become a National Board Certified Teacher?", and "Mentoring the NBPTS Candidate" (yes candidates can sneak a peek and learn). These don't hold your hand as much, but they are cut-to-the-chase relevant--especially on 'speaking the language' of the NBPTS as you write.

Navigating the National Board Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Workbook for Teachers
This was a big waste of money.It is out dated.The book gives five entries and the new instructions only have four.I am afraid to trust the things it says because It hasn't been updated to match the 2006 standards.I guess I should have checked the publication date, but amazon recommened it as a companion and I trusted that recomendation. ... Read more

Product Description
This study guide targets teacher competencies and skills for Spanish. You read four years worth of material between the covers of one study guide. Regardless if your test is multiple choice or essay format you will have ample material to reflect upon to do well on these formats. The majority of XAM study guides have 125 question multiple choice sample tests. The questions are medium to hard in difficulty but reasonable for a trained teacher candidate to answer. Since the questions do highly resemble the real test we are frequently asked if they are former tests. They are not. If any question from our book appears on the test it would be a coincidence. XAM Publishing, Inc. has e-mail support at winwin1111@aol.com. XAM staff welcomes your updates and values your input. Each year a new version of the study guide is released so you may have the best in educational research. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

DONT TRUST THIS BOOK!
I am extremely dissapointed by the quality of this book. I purchased the online download because I needed to study quickly. Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to see the book before purchasing or I would have never purchased it! The book contained numerous mistakes, to the point that it is impossible to trust the content of the book. For example,on page 65 it gives the wrong explanation for accentuation. If it were just typo's, I could live withit (but I would just consider it very unprofessional), but it has numerous content mistakes, unforgivable in a reference book. The information on the book is misleading and can lead to incorrect answers on the test, effectively lowering your score instead of raising it!!! There are also many mistakes on the key to the practice test, so your score on the practice test is incorrect!!! There is also material missing (dialogue and reading passages questions 21-23)that make portions of the test useless. This book can not be trusted! This is the most recent 2008 edition directly from their website.

poorly prepared, aprovechoso
Seconding VP teacher and adding a little detail - in the history and culture section, the book asserts on one page that Mexico has the seventh-largest oil reserve in the world. A few pages later, the book then says that Venezuela has the seventh-largest oil reserve in the world.

There is a typo, grammar error, syntax error or usage error on almost every page. In one of the sections on Spain, there is a reference to a "tipsy" village (gipsy, obviously); another sentence refers to a town's proximity to the "dessert." There are multiple failures in parallel construction, subject-verb number agreement and misuse of homophones of the there-their-they're/to-two-too variety.

For a book whose purpose it to test the reader's knowledge and use of a foreign language, there is little to give the user confidence that the authors themselves actually have such skills.

I have not even bothered to add my critique of the content of the cultural sections, but that is also grounds for despair. Here's a freebie: in a list of 15-20 important Latin American artists, Frida Kahlo is not even mentioned, although her husband, the much less well-known Diego Rivera, is. In a culture section that mentions perhaps 200 writers, artists and musicians, fewer than five women are represented.

This book is very bad; unfortunately, it's the only game in town for the FTCE K12 Spanish subject test. Try to borrow one; don't pay money for this.

Poorly Written and Not Proofread
I am upset that I paid so much for this study guide. It is riddled with errors, typos and incorrect answers.

great but could be better
I am a non native speaker of Spanish. I bought this book to prepare for the FTCE test. I took it and I did not pass, but that is not the fault of the book. It is the reason that I give it only 4 stars though.

I did swimmingly on the written and multiple choice portions thanks to this guide. It was invaluable in helping brush up on my literature, my cultural events, and my geography. There is ample information about each country as well as some information about the different language acquisition theories and important events in the Spanish speaking world. The practice exam was true to the real exam, I even had a couple of questions from the guide on my test! Having this guide made me feel very prepared for the multiple choice part of the test. What it lacked was a great oral/audio section.

As a non-native speaker who has not studied the language for very long, having an actual listening and speaking portion in the study guide would have been excellent. This way you would get practice in hearing prompts and getting the allotted 15-30 seconds to reply. Likewise, with the listening prompts. It does no good to tell me that neither the questions or the prompts will be written and then have them written in the guide so I can "practice". How does that help me prepare to listen to something and answer questions about it?

If XAM would start including a CD with sample prompts for the speaking and listening portions of the test this resource would be well worth the 60 bucks. Right now, I'd say it's overpriced, but very helpful indeed if you want to put your best foot forward the day of the test.

Excellent Preparation Guide
This is an excellent guide to prepare teachers to take the Florida certification exam for Spanish grades K-12. It covers all the main areas that will appear on the test including, speaking, listening and reading, knowledge of Hispanic cultures, knowledge of language structure, and knowledge of second language acquisition.

The book could be a bit better organized, but the table of contents is helpful. Those preparing for the test might want to scan the contents of the book first to see what is in it and then decide where they want to start and where they want to spend the most time.

About the only thing really lacking is that there are no audio materials included. Since part of the exam tests a teacher's ability to listen to spoken Spanish and answer questions based on what they heard, the examples in this section should have been recorded on a CD.

Despite being only a 109 pages long, this is an excellent way to prepare for the certification exam. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (6)

They're running a real sham
As one of the few companies on the market putting out a review for the Students with Disabilities test, XAM is running quite a racket. I didn't buy the book here but I'm so incensed with it I felt compelled to share.

First of all, I was skeptical that there would be the amount of errors people in other reviews claimed. The book is fine in that regard for the first 2/3, but then it's really sloppy. Inexcusable, as far as I'm concerned.

Next, the questions are ridiculously unclear. I consider myself an intelligent individual and a good test taker, but I was so frustrated going through the questions that I stopped myself after about 80. I can't explain what makes the questions so horrendous, but take my word and others': they are.

I can't speak to whether the questions reflect the test because I'm taking it tomorrow. All I can say is, if they do, I'm screwed.

I'd say the book is fine for content, but I would hesitate to recommend it.

Great review, Great price!
I originally bought this book for double the price at Barnes and Noble and then saw it at such a great price on amazon.com.Without taking any classes I was able to teach myself the material from the book alone and practice from the exams in the book.I didn't need more to pass the CST exam.

Waste of Time
So I just took the test this weekend and found that this book was useless in preparing me for the test.The questions in the book are not even close to what
I saw on the test.There was a lot of information that was wrong and there were a lot of typos.I cant tell you how much information I memorized that was not on the test.The questions in this book are so specific and detailed but the question on the test are much more general.I wish there was a another prep book for the CST but it does not look like there is one.
Sharon Wayne you suck thanks for wasting my time and by the way I do feel confident I passed the test without your help

Be sure to study!
This book was very helpful in preparing for the CST!The format of the book was easy to follow.The questions were very similiar to those that appeared on the test.The test is hard so be sure that you give yourself enough time to prepare.This book is expensive but worth the cost.

Terrible
This book was just awful.I used this book with great frustration trying to prep for the CST.The questions are extraordinarily difficult and ARE NOT reflective of the actual test.This book did not help me prepare whatsoever. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

good
I did not finish reading it but so far it is good there a few mistakes in it though. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical book presents a comprehensive blueprintfor preparing teachers to achieve National Board for ProfessionalTeaching Standards (NBPTS) certification. An outgrowth of the authors'more than five years of experience working with teacher candidates,the approach described here enlists the collaboration of bothuniversity educators and professional staff development personnel. Thebook includes a detailed outline of a seminar to introduce teachers tothe NBPTS process, complete with written samples and reproducibleoverhead transparency masters. Also featured are chapters contributedby Board Certified Teachers, who share portfolio samples andactivities in four certification areas. Supported by research-provenbest practices in professional education, the book includes extensivereference lists and helpful hints for facilitators. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

No longer useful
The required entries changed after this book was written.The reader has no way of knowing what information in this book is still reliable. ... Read more

Product Description
Includes 15 competencies/skills found on the NYSTCE ATAS Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills test and 100 sample-test questions. This guide, aligned specifically to standards prescribed by the New York Department of Education, covers the sub-areas of Reading; Writing; Mathematics; and Instructional Support. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Can I give this book negative 5 stars?
This book was awful!I got it from the library and actually put a post it note in it warning others not to use it.There are errors thoughout the book, including the practice test and answers.I was feeling pretty confident about the test but thought I would study just to be on the safe side.I am feeling a little nervous about the test now because the study guide was so awful. There is a section in the back with the explaination of the test answers and they actually explain some grammar incorrectly.This book will show you what to expect as far as the test format is concerned but do not expect it to teach you math skills or proper grammar.

not worth for the money
Couple of things :

1- The book has only 1 prep test.
2- The book has a lot of typos.
3- Some of the questions has 2 right answers and some of the answers are debatable.
4- However, it gives a good general idea of what to expect from the test.

Definitely not worth the money!

Don't waste your money!
The positive reviews for this book appear to have been written by staffers for the publishing company.No where in the book does it actually explain the reasoning behind the math concepts.Additionally, unless you learned the newer methods for math that have been taught in the schools in the past 10 yrs or so, then you are in trouble.I concur with others who noted that entire passages were missing, references to sections were incorrect, even the answer key is out of sync with the practice exam!This book is fraught with errors and inconsistencies.I have not yet taken the test, but using this as the prep guide, I am not feeling very confident about my ability to do well.This book is supposed to help prepare one for a test that will assess one's competency for working with students in the field of education, yet I found myself proofreading it with highlighter in hand, noting error after error.The people responsible for writing and publishing this worthless piece of junk ought to be ashamed.

NYSTCE ATAS Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills 095: teacher certification exam (XAMonline Teacher Certification Study Guide
This book is totally inadequate.In doing the reading comprehension test, one whole reading passage was missing.The book referred the reader to sections which had nothing to do with the questions they were attached to.There was a large section about teaching which was just filler, and had nothing to do with the test.One of the answers in the Math section was defintiely wrong.Many of the questions in the English part were based on grammar, spelling and writing rules which were nowhere to be found in the book.Doing the sample test was the only useful part-- except for the comprehension questions based on the missing passage.
I'm only sorry I didn't do more research about this book before I bought it.

many mistakes
Many mistakes in the answer key and even wrong answers in general. Can learn from this book, But need to figure out what is wrong. ... Read more