NLCB and 2008

I am wondering how the election cycle will affect the No Child Left Behind act. As it is up for a reauthroization. Each canidate will be afraid of it, just becasue of the name. Those who oppose it may look like a hair transplant Florida on TV.

NCLB is not the end all and be all of elections please keep in the overall issues.

Questions

Remember there is usually one answer that does not fit with the question. If the answer is Massachusetts bed and breakfast you want to make sure of the question. Know what is being asked and do not become confused.

Always sort out the question before giving the answer

PPLT

When one sallies forth to the testing facility for the Praxis you need a pencil. You can use a black gel pens for the writing ones, like the Principles of Learning and Teaching.

Just remember when your arm will be sore when you are finished with the writing type tests. I had to ice my arm afterwards as I never write and only type.


Have a most happy day.

Two Praxis

I know not to complain. However, if you have to take two Praxis tests in one day, after the first one your brain will feel like used IBM memory that needs an upgrade.

Remember, to take a break, smoke a cig if you do, get a coffee, run around or whatever you do for relaxing.

If you do not, that 2nd test is a killer and you will be killed by it.

Have a great day.

Types of Certs

One of the odd things about South Dakota is how many of the certifications are dividied up. IT seems like that maybe there would be such a speciality as fixed asset accounting, I know I am getting several types. Whereas in most states I would receive one certification.


have a most happy day.

Words

When looking at any test one must know the technical vocabulary, or Jargon, of any field.

So if I say Condo Hotels you may one thing in mind. However, I have technical meaning in mind.

This goes for any field and most importantly education, which has a language barrier all its own. I often think that Jargon, or technical vocabulary, is ususally meant to keep people out. Educators must let others in.

Quick Test

One of the problem with Praxis type tests is the transfer tank issues. We study and get ready for tests and then forget the data. Of course this is a capstone test. Yes, so many people seem to use it as a pass or fail test. Yet we need to know the material.


In any case, know the material and you will need to know the info.

More on Questions

One bad thing about the Praxis tests is that there are not three throw away answers.

Example:

Who signed the Declaration of Independence?

A. Thomas Jefferson
B. William Jefferson Clinton
c. stethoscopes
D. Flash Floods.

This would I have to confess make the test to easy. And with the low level of skills for the test needed. Would make it way to easy. I am still amazed that some people fail.

Well in any case have a most happy day.

more changes

When looking at the tests if you are taking say the social studies content test 081, then you need not worry about questions on telecom audit or other such things.

Why do I say this. Well I am looking at taking the Jr High Math and Science tests. Since I live in a state that allows me to take and pass a test to be qualified. It only makes sense to take the test.

This will allow me to be more marketable as a teacher. OF course my big fear is that I would have to teach only those classes.

Have a happy day

More On Testts

Like I was saying in the last post. One must attempt to understand what is being asked.

Such as:

Where does Mickey Mouse live?

A. The beach
B. Orlando vacation rental
C. Disney World
D. None of the above


We can quickly nix A out of the batch. Since Mickey does not take rentals the answer B is removed. Then comes Disney World. In this case Mickey does live there. Therefore D is removed as a potential answer and leaved only C as the correct answer.

Jargon

When taking the PRAXIS test or any other multiple guess test is to answer the question. I know this is obvious and you are saying, duh. At least on the Praxis content test, you normally have more then enough time. You need to work quickly and efficently.

So if you test asks about Funeral Insurance you need to make sure you know what that is.


Make sure you knix out answers that have nothing to do with the topic.

Be sure you understand the technical language of your field.

Do all this and you should be fine.

Thoughts on Reviews

I would like to think that Praxis guides are a bit like market research for the tests.

Your results is only as good as the researh. So how do you find out what works well? Talk with your classmates and see what they have done. Ask your profs. Ask your host teacher.

The internet has lots of stuff for sale and lots of self-reviews. Remember sometimes a money back guarentee is not always the same thing as you think it is.

Have a happy day

Paying the Test

I know the praxis is expensive. What bothers me is not the charge for the test of $30 or $35 or so. It is the required cash advance that is needed for the sitting fee.

Last year one poor girl had to take three tests in one day. She was fried by the time it was over. I felt so bad. However as a single mom that was the only way she could afford to take the tests. She aslo had to pay for babysitting during the tests.

I wonder how many of these tests are nixing people from the profession.

Well have a happy day

Taking more

Since I live in state, there are a few of these, that allow a teacher to add certifications by taking a test I am thinking of adding a few. My priorities would be in math and science at the Jr High level. I guess I will not mess those kids up to bad.

Science is always fun becasue you get cool toy like microscope, plasma cutter, and dead frogs.

Math is just needed. And I have taught jr high math. The odd part is both require an essay. I would not look forward to taking the essay.

Counting

I have learned how to count cards in black jack. To be honest it is not to hard. So I would like to go walk up and down some Las Vegas Real Estate and see how well I do.

In reality it is easier then the PRAXIS test. And I can do it really well at home. However, home and noise of the casino floor are two differing items. Not to mention the speed of the way things happen at vegas, which is fast fast fast.

Maybe I should just do this one in my head. Has to be easier.

Sales Tax Coming

Now that I am free of school I can get some def leppard concert tickets. Of course this poses a problem. If I buy for out of state how can the state tax me.

The fury for an internet sales tax is back. The governors of many states want to form a lobbying group to remove the restrictions.

Why do they want to remove the restrictions? To kill the internet? No. It is for MONEY! and gobs of green money. One of the things I have noticed is that buying things on the internet with shipping is sometimes a wash when you add in sales tax. Meaning I save little money.

So what will the unintended effect be? The death of many small internt stores. I am wondering how ebay will work. For the most part it is just people selling back and forth.

And Now

Now that I am done with everything and placed the Energy Drink away. I am not to sure what to do. I have worked for nearly the past 10 years on going to school. I have earned two BA degrees. Earned a teaching certificate. And almost enough to earn a Masters Degree. Over the past 10 years I have taken one year off from school. Like I said . . . I am not to sure what to do now.