Don't kick the couch

Based on my last post I received some communication from a fellow student. When they read the rates of passing they were ready to go and kick some of their home furniture.

First, I hope you do not feel bad about reading my prior article on the passing rates. I did not write that to make people feel bad.

I wrote the article so people would question the state of education. I cannot decide if it is a bad thing or good thing that 66% of students would fail based on the highest state requirement. I am glad that many people cannot pass the requirements. However, should 66% pass. I see that there is balance where many teachers need to be replaced.

Well second, do not destroy your couch . . . you may not be able to replace it.

Praxis Tests and the State of PA

Warning: This contains some statistical information which many people find boring. If you did not pass the praxis this could be discouraging.

I have taken and passed all the Praxis tests that have been required by WGU. I wondered how well did I really do. Some of the tests I thought were easy and some were hard.

So I was spelunking around the web and found some interesting data from the state of PA.

http://www.teaching.state.pa.us/teaching/cwp/view.asp?a=302&q=122566&teachingNav=|93|87|&teachingNav=|1904|

The bottom line is really interesting for PA and for all students.

All of these passing rates are for the state of Pennsylvania only.

Reading PPST - 91% of students received a 172 or greater
Writing PPST - 84% of students received a 173 or greater
Math PPST - 82% of students received a 173 or higher


Now we compare those numbers in PA to the state of VA which has the highest requirements for passing. (Note: CT also requires a 176 in writing)

Reading PPST - 67.3% of students received a 178 or greater
Writing PPST - 52.5% of students received a 176 or greater
Math PPST - 63% of students received a 178 or higher

To me these numbers are staggering. I thought the PPST was an easy test and the only one I really did not worry about passing.

The really odd numbers are that of the Praxis 81 which is Social Studies Content Test which is required by 32 states with an average required score of 153.6.

For Pennsylvania students over the past three years 82% of students passed the test with a score of 157.

The states with the highest required score are CT, VT, WV with a score of 162 and 161 for VA. In the state of PA only 66% of the 3,853 students reached the 162 level.

Taking the test - Hints

Taking the praxis is not very difficult. What makes it hard however is the stress and the high stakes that comes with the test.

You really need to relax when taking the test. I suggest that you use a house marker on the test. Remember that you can mark on the test. Use this advantage and mark up the test. I mean mark it up.

Cross out every wrong answer. Half the test is sometime eliminating the wrong answers. When you have the correct one you can circle the answer. This way you may return to the answers later.

There is usually enough time to go back through the test several times. Just make sure you leave enough time and use all the time you have available. There are no rewards for finishing early.

To many exams

I amazed at how many things states and schools want when applying for jobs. First of all . . . I have to be fingerprinted by the state. This way they can run a background check on me.

At most schools they want their own background check. Their own credit check. A check on history. A check on places lived. A check on past workers. A check on dna test for immigration. A temperate test. A getting along test. A personality check. Is there an end to the testing?

I do not think so.

For those of you who think I am going overboard on this . . . I am not.

Jack Frost is a Wimp

I will be blunt. . . it is COLD! I mean really cold? Got to run out to the mailbox to grab your professional business cards? I hope you have more then a little hoodie on. I mean you have to get on the parkas the hats the gloves.

The kids took home letters today telling the parents to make sure they wear warm clothes. We had one student wear a hoodie today and walked to school? With the windchills in the -30F range or lower frostbite comes quickly.

Maybe it is time to support global warming?