West-E Research

Detailed Description:

For my questions, When should I test? Should I take my major or minor first?, I couldn't find a lot of information about them on the website. For these questions, I would say you should consult your university's Education advisor. 

Every school has different education programs and requirements within the program. I don't think the website can tell you exactly when to take it and what to take first, so it could depend on what your school recommends. 

As for whether you should take your major content area test first or your minor, that also depends on your personal preference and what the school advises you do to, as well as taking into consideration the cost of the test.

Experience and Observations:

In my sequence, we were advised to take the West-E in the summer before we student teach in the fall, that way we have time to retake the test if we were to fail. 

I am currently in EDUC 420 and before we are done student teaching, they are wanting our scores for our West-E for our major content area. That is not to say that I cannot take both of them, but they are requiring us to have our scores for our major content area before we are done student teaching in the fall.

Application to Teaching:

In order to become certified, we must have taken and passed the West-E. My questions weren't pressing on the issue of taking the test. Regardless, if we are majoring and minoring in a subject, we have to take the tests related to that content area to be able to teach it.

Application to Students:

I don't think anyone was too concerned about which test to take first, but more so the question of when to take it. I would recommend talking to an advisor at your university for more guidance. The website offers test dates and I would take the test on the dates that work for you and around the appropriate time you are advised. There wasn't too much research on the topics, but it is always helpful to talk with an advisor and have them guide you in the correct path.