PRE+Test

You must have a passing score on the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification Professional Readiness Examination #96 (PRE) before being admitted to the upper professional level in any Western Michigan University program that leads to initial teacher certification. The PRE includes three subtests: mathematics, reading and writing. You may take one or all three subtests at one test appointment.

WMU College of Education has a great page with [|information on the PRE Test].

A few thoughts:
 * 1) Success on this test is more about knowing how to take the test than truly measuring whether or not you will be a good teacher.
 * 2) There is no research that supports the idea that scoring well on this test indicates anything about you as a teacher.
 * 3) The test was not designed by teachers or even experts in the field of teaching.
 * 4) The state legislature requires the test and you pay for it. That's how they try to improve education. Pearson, the company that makes the test profits from it. That's "[|education reform]" in the era of Neoliberalism. [Pearson will sell you a practice test for $29. You need to learn about the difference between taking the test online or on site.). You have less time on the on-line. Both paper based and online tests must be taken only in certain places.]
 * 5) There is substantial research to show that direct instruction in grammar and learning the names of parts of speech does not transfer to becoming a good writer.

Students generally do OK on the reading section, but most students have a hard time with the writing and math section.


 * //You need to study for this test.//** If you don't pass it the first time, and most people do not pass it the first time, you take it again until you pass.

A resource created by Michigan professors of English education for students and professors to learn about and find resources to pass the PRE test is [|PREPreps.org].

WMU has created an important page to to support students on the PRE Test, [|WMU page.]

As part of the Lunch and Learn Program, Tracy Demars conducts a mentoring tutoring program in 4140 Sangren 12-1:00. Check with Tracy to confirm times.

WMU has created 1 credit courses you can take to help prepare for each section of the test.

The math section goes up to and includes trigonometry. The Math Department recommends that their students take Math 1500 before taking the test. The [|WMU page on the test] has a link to the (free, online) Kahn Academy math course units correlated with each of the math skills required on the test. That may be a good study resource.

The [|WMU Writing Center] will work closely with you to help prepare for the writing test. The have created practice questions and will coach you through working on this. Plan to meet with them at least several times.