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Section 2: WEST–E Test-Taking Strategies

The Washington Educator Skills Tests–Endorsements (WEST–E) measure the subject-area content knowledge required of candidates seeking an endorsement to a Washington teaching certificate and are one component of the Washington Educator Skills Tests (WEST) program.

The information in this document is designed to help candidates taking a WEST–E test:

For information regarding who must take a WEST test and which test(s) you need to take, visit the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) website at www.pesb.wa.gov opens in a new window.

Understanding the Structure and Content of the Test

The content knowledge assessed by each WEST–E test is described in the test summary and framework that is available in Section 3 of this study guide. The sections below describe how to use the test summary and framework to understand both the design and content of a WEST–E test.

Test Summary

Study the Test Objectives

Read the test summary to familiarize yourself with the structure of the test. The test summary outlines the following components for each test:

The WEST–E Social Studies test summary information below is provided for illustrative purposes.

Test Format Computer-based test
Number of Questions Approximately 110 multiple-choice questions
Test Session 2 hours and 45 minutes (does not include 15-minute CBT tutorial)
Passing Score 240 (scores are calculated in a range from 100 to 300)
Test Code 028
Pie chart of approximate test weighting, detailed in the table below.
Table outlining sample test content and subject weighting by content domain and objective
Key Approximate
Percentage of Test
Content Domain Range of Objectives
I 16% Civics 0001 to 0004
II 12% Economics 0005 to 0007
III 16% Geography 0008 to 0011
IV 20% U.S. History 0012 to 0016
V 20% World History 0017 to 0021
VI 16% Social Studies Concepts and Skills 0022 to 0025

Test Framework

The test framework consists of objectives that are aligned with Washington standards for teacher preparation (the endorsement competencies) and, where applicable, the Washington State K–12 Learning Standards. The objectives are organized into major groupings of subject-area knowledge called content domains. Each objective is defined by a number of descriptive statements. These components are described below.

Test questions (multiple-choice questions or constructed-response assignments) are designed to measure specific content defined by one or more test objectives within each specific content domain. Content domains that consist of more objectives will receive more emphasis on the test through a greater number of test questions than those with fewer objectives.

The following example illustrates the relationship of a multiple-choice test question to the content domain, objective, and descriptive statement in the test framework to which it corresponds. This same direct relationship between multiple-choice test questions and their corresponding objectives applies to all WEST–E tests.

Diagram of test framework structure.

(Test): Mathematics
(Subarea): Subarea I—Processes and Applications.
(Objective): 003 Understand how to select, integrate, and use appropriate technologies.
(Descriptive Statement): Demonstrate an understanding of how to select and integrate appropriate technology for mathematics instruction.
(Test Question): Software that allows students to create regular tessellations of plane figures would be most appropriate for helping students learn about:

  1. dilations.
  2. inversions.
  3. isometries.
  4. projections.

Planning Your Course of Study

Step 1: To assess your content knowledge, read the test framework.

The test framework is the only source that specifies the information covered by a WEST–E test.

Step 2: To improve your test-taking skills, answer the sample questions.

After you have become familiar with the test objectives, try to answer the sample test questions. The sample multiple-choice questions were developed in conjunction with the questions that appear on the actual test and are the best examples of the types of questions used on the test. Thus, answering these questions will give you valuable practice in answering questions like the ones you will see on the actual test.

After answering sample questions, check your answers against the correct answers provided. If you answered a question incorrectly, you may need to do some additional studying of the content covered by that objective.

If possible, take the sample test questions in a quiet room to simulate the testing environment. Time yourself as you complete the sample test questions to estimate the amount of time you will need to allow for questions on the actual test.

Step 3: Develop a study plan to focus your studies.

Strategies for Success on the Day of the Test

Review the following strategies to help you do your best when taking the WEST–E.

Follow directions Listen to and follow all test directions.
Pace your work The test session is designed to allow sufficient time for you to complete the subtests/tests for which you register. You may wish to review the test items for a subtest/test before you answer any test items to help you gauge how to pace yourself. If your test contains constructed-response assignments, remember to leave enough time to respond to the assignments.
Read carefully Do not try to save time by skimming directions or by reading the test questions quickly. You may miss important information and instructions.
Determine the "best answer" Your response to each multiple-choice question should be the best answer of the alternatives provided. Read and evaluate all four answer choices before deciding which one is best.
Guess wisely Your multiple-choice results will be based on the number of questions you answer correctly. You will not be penalized for guessing. If you are unsure about a question, use your knowledge of the content area to eliminate as many of the alternatives as you can. Then select among the remaining choices.
Respond to constructed-response assignments fully and clearly If the test you are taking includes constructed-response assignments, be sure to read and respond to each part of the assignment. It is important for scorers to be able to understand your responses. Also, make sure that you have recorded your responses to the constructed-response assignments as instructed.