Program at WHC Lemoore to prepare prospective teachers for CBEST

West Hills College Lemoore’s Community Education program will offer two courses to prepare prospective teachers for the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), with the first beginning on Nov. 14.

The two, five-hour courses will cover tips and strategies for taking the test and familiarize students with the test itself. The first course, which will cover the reading and writing portion of the test, is on Nov. 14 while the second course—covering math—will be on Nov. 21.

“They will be given ample information and background on the CBEST and we will work through sample problems together,” said Shannon Turmon, who will be teaching the course. “This allows them to gain understanding and build their confidence going in to test day. We will spend time working on test taking strategies and best practices to give them optimal preparation.”

The courses are open to the public and participants will receive a free test prep book. Cost for the course itself is $25 per session or $40 total if both courses are taken. They will both be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Room 209 on the WHCL campus.

According to Dean of Educational Services James Preston, teaching is one of the most in-demand career fields in the Central Valley.

“There is a large need right now for substitute teachers in the valley,” he said. “If you pass the CBEST, complete 90 units and attend a four-year university, you are eligible to apply with Fresno and Kings County for a substitute teaching credential.”

To register for a course, visit http://bit.ly/1WgMXVj. For more information, contact Debbie Rose at 559-925-3203 or debbierose@whccd.edu.