Test Taking Strategies for the
Multi-Subject CST
@CUNYTeacherEd
Student Webinar Series
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The Multi-Subject CST measures knowledge in
three different fields: literacy and English
language arts, mathematics, and arts and
sciences.
From the Multi-Subject CST Framework:
◦ “This assessment consists of three parts, administered
as three separate tests.”
◦ “Parts One and Two each consist of selectedresponse items and one extended constructedresponse item. Part Three consists of selectedresponse items only.”
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4 versions of the Multi-Subject CST
◦ Teachers of Early Childhood (Birth-Grade 2)
◦ Teachers of Childhood (Grade 1-Grade 6)
◦ Teachers of Middle Childhood (Grade 5Grade 9)
◦ Secondary Teachers (Grade 7-Grade 12)
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Candidates must pass each sub-part separately
Students now must take and pass the CST specific
to their certification area.
◦ Early childhood/childhood dual certification
students will need to pass 2 CSTs
◦ Part 3 is consistent across all exams and only
needs to be passed once
Secondary Special Education Generalist
candidates must pass the 7-12 CST to become
certified
www.cuny.edu/teachered
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Copyright © 2014 by the New York State Education Department
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Copyright © 2014 by the New York State Education Department
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◦ Exam Fee:
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Part One: $75
Part Two: $75
Part Three: $49
All Parts: $179
◦ Registration:
 http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/
◦ Computer based testing sites:
 www.pearsonvue.com/es/locate/
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From the exam framework:
Copyright © 2014 by the New York State Education Department
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Review the exam framework
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Identify unfamiliar terms/concepts
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Create a study guide: define unfamiliar terms,
review unfamiliar concepts
Complete practice items (state regents
exams, previous NYSTCE review materials,
etc.)
www.cuny.edu/teachered
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Multi-subject 1-6 CST
Framework:
◦ Performance
Indicator 2.1d:
represents
proportional
relationships by
equations
◦ Performance
Indicator 2.2b:
analyzes and applies
properties of integer
exponents
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From CC Math
Standards:
◦ Standard 7.RP.2c:
represent
proportional
relationships by
equations
◦ Standard 8.EE.1: know
and apply the
properties of integer
exponents to
generate equivalent
numerical expressions
www.cuny.edu/teachered
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The Multi-Subject CST is only offered through
computer-based testing, which may be a
new format for many candidates.
◦ Computer-based testing tutorial
 http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY_CBTTutorial.asp
◦ Sample Practice Test
 https://www.starttest.com/ITDVersions/5.0.0.0/ITDStart.a
spx?SVC=9f571e8a-adc2-47bf-a5e9-4b37f1deeaac
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Note taking
◦ “Whiteboard” to take notes
Navigating the System
◦ Move to different parts of the test using the
“navigator” feature
Flagging Questions for Review
◦ Allows you to identify questions you skipped
or want to come back to
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CUNY Teacher Education Blackboard
group
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJO5DokaFR0
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NYSTCE Website
◦ Preparation Guides:
http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY_viewSG_opener.asp
◦ Frameworks:
http://www.nystce.nesinc.com/NY_viewobjs_opener.asp
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Engage NY (Common Core Standards)
◦ Common Core Toolkit:
https://www.engageny.org/resource/common-core-toolkit
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