Over the past eight months I have been trying to prepare, study, and cram all of the information possible into my brain just to successfully pass the English Content Praxis test. Some may think I should be ashamed to speak so openly about my failures with passing this exam, but through failures come lessons, and through this lesson I have learned the ability to empathize and understand the frustrations my peers and students have with being required to test when our abilities are all different. Frustrations and adversities certainly get the best of us -- especially myself. I have struggled with passing my test, I have taken it a few times and have missed passing within the score margin of five to two points. Frustration, anger, fear, sadness, confusion ... I question, what is wrong with me? I've read the literature, I've even taught it! Then there's the books that I've never heard of, or the secondary character from Shakespeare's plays that I'm supposed to know the exact play they're from!? I don't teach or expect my students to learn on the basis of rote memory -- so why should teachers be required to do this? Constantly I have questioned myself, my ability, my thoughts. Am I really supposed to be doing this? I passed the PLT just fine; I had to take the ESL Praxis test twice (I finally broke down and took the summer test prep course, which was what I needed to succeed.) There's so much pressure looming over my head to pass this test. Now, I looked back at my testing records and have found that I passed my PLT and second ESL Praxis' when I took them in the summer time. Maybe there is some strange psychology behind this?
I think I can "tame the test" when I don't have the stress of school, or the KPTP, or any other influences. I plan on taking this English Praxis in June, and, I am confident that I will pass it this time. Getting away from the craziness of the school year, and life will give me time to clear my mind, and focus strictly on this test. I'm so thankful that I've been engaged for three years - our wedding is planned, and I feel no stress in that aspect of my life. I have faith that I can take this test and pass it. If you find yourself struggling with studying or passing these tests just remember - we will be able to help our students when they feel the looming pressure of taking assessments. I hope that none of you have to struggle with the testing anxiety/frustrations that I have. Anxiety causes so many issues. The one thing that keeps me going is knowing that I haven't
gotten this far in my teaching career for a silly test to get in my way. I will overcome this! I know that it is pertinent to test teachers and their abilities, and I do not want my comments to sound like excuses, there are many factors that can affect an individual when under extreme amounts of pressure (I'm sure you all know what I mean).
If you need some additional resources I found an amazing website that not only has great information, but also resources that may help you pass the English Praxis.
Also, I know I posted this site on our class wiki, but procon.org has some interesting information about standardized testing for students - it's interesting to apply some of the ideas to the teachers' need for "standardized" Praxis tests:
ProCon.org: Standardized Tests
Live long and prosper, friends.
Best of luck on your current or future testing endeavors and job hunts!
I'm sending good thoughts your way. :)
Ms. A
I think I can "tame the test" when I don't have the stress of school, or the KPTP, or any other influences. I plan on taking this English Praxis in June, and, I am confident that I will pass it this time. Getting away from the craziness of the school year, and life will give me time to clear my mind, and focus strictly on this test. I'm so thankful that I've been engaged for three years - our wedding is planned, and I feel no stress in that aspect of my life. I have faith that I can take this test and pass it. If you find yourself struggling with studying or passing these tests just remember - we will be able to help our students when they feel the looming pressure of taking assessments. I hope that none of you have to struggle with the testing anxiety/frustrations that I have. Anxiety causes so many issues. The one thing that keeps me going is knowing that I haven't
I know exactly how you feel. I have no qualms about saying I only got a 19 on my ACT. I don't test well, I never have. I just don't have the attention span. They expect us to sit for 2-4 hours and be able to not get antsy.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand we expect our students to do the same thing. I have never liked these exams they don't tell us anything, except which students are good test takers. It doesn't tell us what the students know. It's like my father always said students/we learn the information long enough to regurgitate on a test, we then promptly forget it. But the one thing I do point out to my students at least they don't have to pay over $100 to take a test they need to get a license.
I wish you the best of luck! I know you can do it!!!!
Thanks for sharing the helpful Edublogs site, Amber! I've bookmarked it for sharing with future students. :-)
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the ridiculousness of these tests and I'm a person who really does test well! I was so nervous going into both of those exams...what if I failed? As a full-time student with a full-time job and many bills to pay, who could really afford to fork over another $100+ for license exams? Add that to the fact that we had to write the KPTP and now have to jump through all the hoops to even apply for a license...It's sooooooooooooooo overwhelming at times. I was happy I passed my first test only to get even more nervous about my second only to get even more nervous about my KPTP...Now, I'm waiting on that score and trying to bring myself to begin on my licensing application all while trying to keep my chin up as I interview for jobs in a district that prefers to hire within its own ranks. So, don't worry, Amber...I totally understand where you're coming from. However, I am glad that we're down to 37 days before graduation :)
ReplyDeleteWell Amber, I could not agree more with you. I had to take the PLT two times before passing and I never thought of myself as a great test taker. However, I chalk this up as a learning experience that will ultimately benefit my students. I know it’s not easy for a lot of kids because I was one of them. This was the reason I did not want to go to college after high school. It was even the reason I was apprehensive about coming back to school. I did it though and while I still have one test to go, I know I will make it. You will also make it through this. We will be better teachers in the end.
ReplyDelete