Got a TEACHING job, but I have to pass the CAT4-8 (Austin: elementary schools)

[nmartinez12443]

I just got a teaching job in Austin TX but before I can accept I have to pass the CAT 4-8. Is it hard and is there anyway to prepare for it.

HELP and thank you.

[llkltk]

It seems that you would have passed this exam prior to accepting a teaching job. I'm surprised that someone would hire someone without that certification. Not sure how to prepare for it, don't they give you that info when you graduate?

[CPTXJim]

You should not have to prepare for it now. You should already know the information to pass it. If you don't for some reason then please don't teach those children.

[HappyTexan]

well CAT stands for Computer Administered Test but there are a number of 4-8 tests you can take so you need to know which one you want. Grades 4-8 have generalist and content tests.

I was under the impression that you had to have taken and passed that test to get a job under the NCLB guidelines.

[buffy888]

Are you in state or out of state? If in state, check your local library - search for books with TExES in the title. You might find some test prep books (much like an SAT or GRE test prep book) for the PPR test. I don't know how helpful they are; I have not used one myself, but have a few colleagues who did and their thoughts on the prep guides were somewhat mixed. You will also probably be taking either the Generalist 4-8 test or a content area 4-8 test. I don't think there are any prep books for those tests, but I am not 100% sure. However, there is basic info (plus some sample questions) at the main TExES site. These are VERY lengthy guides, so I would not suggest just clicking on "print" as soon as you pull it up - take a look at the guide, see if there is anything helpful for you, and print only what you need. These will give you a general idea of what type of stuff is on the tests and the format of the questions.

For the PPR test, you should have no problem if you have taught before and/or if you had a very strong degree program. When answering the questions, there will often be 2 answer choices that are reasonable. Keep in mind that they want the answer that you would choose if you were in a perfect world and also the answer that would take the most work/effort on your part. It really is not a difficult test.

If you are taking the Generalist 4-8 test rather than one content area test, you might have some problems on Texas history questions if you are out of state. (The generalist test will have questions on every possible subject area one might teach for grades 4-8.) Two options: 1) Look at the prep guides on the TExES/ETS site for any content area for grades 4-8 in which you think you might be weaker or 2) Look on the TEA website at released TAKS tests in those subject areas to see the questions students would have to answer - this might give you a better idea of what you would be expected to teach.

Good luck!

HappyTexan, you can get hired at the middle and secondary levels w/o a certificate if you have a major or enough college coursework in the content area (this is true at Title I schools - not sure if it is true at others). For all levels, if the teacher is experienced (so usually from out of state or possibly moving from teaching private to public), there is that HOUSSE way of qualifying without having a Texas certificate, but I don't know the requirements for that. Also, if you have an out of state certificate, some schools will hire you as well (they generally will want you to get your one year certificate).

[mego65]

If you look at other posts you will see that the person is bilingual. That changes a lot on a school willing to hire you without the test. But, they usually require that you take it before school starts.

[nmartinez12443]

Well thank you for the replies this site and members always give such good information.

I am a bilingual 5th grade teacher but my spanish is pretty rough I barely passed the illinois spanish test and I plan to get my foot in the door and go for another position next year in AISD (regular or ESL) especially with 2 new elementary schools opening up.

I interviewed for a job prior to the job freeze got the job, but they claimed that I wasn't highly qualified since I didn't teach prior to 05-06. SO they are holding the bilingual 5th grade job on the condition that I pass the 4-8 exam in San Marcos on Tuesday.


HAS ANYONE TAKEN THIS TEST.

[nmartinez12443]

Oh and I am taking the generalist 4-8 exam, it stinks that each test costs 120 bucks each, but whatever I will look at the TAKS test but thanks everyone especially BUFFY.