Admission to Woodring
WEST-B Entrance Exam
REQUIREMENT
All teacher education applicants must take and pass all three subtests of the Washington Educator Skills Test - Basic (WEST-B) as required by the State of Washington. Passing scores must be submitted to the Woodring College of Education Admissions Office within the application timeline. Make sure you register for the exam that will provide scores to Woodring either prior to or at the same time your teacher education application is due.
TEST ADMINISTRATION
The WEST-B is administered by Evaluation Systems Pearson and offered several times a year at various locations locally and statewide. You must formally register and pay for the exam. If you live out of state, you are still required to take and pass the WEST-B. If you are planning on visiting the WWU campus and Bellingham area, you will want to consider registering for the exam so you may take it during your visit.
TEST COMPONENTS
The WEST-B consists of three subtests in Reading, Mathematics, and Writing. The Reading and Mathematics subtests each consist of 60 multiple-choice questions. The Writing subtest consists of 50 multiple-choice questions and two writing prompts. The results for each subtest are calculated on a scale ranging from 100 to 300 with the passing score equal to a scaled score of 240.
TEST OBJECTIVES & STUDY GUIDE
See the below links for additional information about the WEST-B including exam objectives and a study guide.
WEST-B Objectives: http://www.west.nesinc.com/WA_SG_Opener.asp
WEST-B Study Guide: http://www.west.nesinc.com/WA_SG_Opener.asp
TEST TAKING & TEST ANXIETY
An ETS publication, Reducing Test Anxiety, provides practical help for individuals who suffer from test anxiety. Learn how to recognize test anxiety, how to cope, and what you need to succeed. NOTE: Although this booklet is designed for a different exam, the tips are relevant. In addition, if you are a student at WWU, the Counseling Center has workshops to maximize performance and minimize stress. Visit their Workshop website for dates and times.
TEST VOUCHERS
Each year, the Woodring College of Education is provided a limited number of vouchers to cover the cost of the West-B. Since we only have a limited supply, the below award guidelines have been implemented so that we may provide an equitable opportunity for award of such vouchers to our education applicants. Please review these procedures carefully
- Must be applying to a WWU-Woodring College of Education teacher education program (Secondary, Special Education, Elementary or Early Childhood).
- Must submit your program application within a timeframe aligned to the West-B exam.
- Must qualify for financial aid.
- May only receive one voucher per year.
- Must recognize that with a limited number of vouchers, we may not have vouchers available for all testing dates. The supply is limited.
- Must understand that when using a voucher, registration is only by mail and must be received by the testing center by the regular registration deadline (see below). Vouchers may not be used after the regular registration date for late or emergency registration.
- Must apply for a voucher by the below timeline.
| Voucher Award Application Deadline | Regular Registration Deadline | Test Date (Saturday Morning) |
| September 25, 2009 | Oct. 9, 2009 | Nov. 14, 2009 |
| November 10, 2009 | Dec. 4, 2009 | Jan. 9, 2010 |
| January 8, 2010 | Jan. 22, 2010 | Feb. 27, 2010 |
| February 26, 2010 | March 12, 2010 | April 17, 2010 |
| April 16, 2010 | April 20, 1010 | June 5, 2010 |
| June 4, 2010 | June 18, 2010 | June 24, 2010 |
Directions for applying for a voucher:
Send an email to Dr. Jennifer McCleery (Jennifer.mccleery@wwu.edu) stating that you are applying for a West-B voucher. Please include the following information:
The program and term you are applying for (example: Elementary, Winter 2010).
The date you will be taking the exam.
Statement declaring you qualify for financial aid.
Submit request by the Voucher Award Application Deadline (see above chart).
TEST WEBSITE, EXAM DATES & REGISTRATION
Please see the website for the WEST-B at: http://www.west.nesinc.com/index.asp
EXAM SCORE CODE FOR WWU
When registering for the exam, make sure you request that a score report be sent directly to WWU. This request requires that you put in the correct code for WWU-Woodring College of Education. That code # is: 248.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
For additional information, please contact Teacher Education Admissions at:
360.650.3310
teachereducationadmissions@wwu.edu
Miller Hall 250
