US History exam--passed!

In November, I registered for the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) program.  This is an alternative certification program that the State of Missouri (and about 7 others) allow candidates to complete to get their teacher certification.   They offer certification in many areas and I enrolled, naturally, in the History program.

The History program consists of three exams.  Two content area exams--US History and World History, and one education based exam or Principles of Teaching and Knowledge (PTK).  Because there are three tests I have 18 months to complete the program. However, I don't plan on taking that long.

I registered to take the US History exam the last Friday of my winter break (January 4).  Though most participants take the PTK exam  first, I felt that US History was my strong suit and would give me the advantage of experiencing the ABCTE exam style with familiar material.

First let me say that I like the process and experience so much better on these exams than I did the PRAXIS.  The registration process on the day of the test was smooth, you started as soon as you were ready and were able to leave as soon as you are finished. The most important difference was that you find out your score immediately!!

Not that I didn't spoil it in the title of this post, but I passed.  And with flying colors--or the "distinguished" designation that ABCTE gives.

Yay me! Not resting on my laurels, I am registered to take the World History exam on the last Friday of Spring Break (3/22).

My PRAXIS Experience

First, let me say that these are expensive tests to take.  My test cost $160.  This  included a “last minute” sign-up fee even though I registered for my test in late August and the test would not be held until September 22.

But this isn't the only place the ding you for money.  The test was taken on Saturday September 22—a Scan-tron multiple choice test that could easily be graded in 2 weeks.   However, grades were not available online until Tuesday, October 16.  BUT….you could get your grades by phone on Friday, October 12 for an additional $30 fee. Really?!  If you are able to access scores by phone surely the same system can be tied to your online account/score reports!  I was anxious to get my scores and a wee bit tempted, but felt like this was an exercise in patience as well as money I didn't need to spend. 

The good news is that they were available right away on October 16.  When I woke up to go to the bathroom around 4:30, I checked the site (because I am obsessive-compulsive that way) and they were posted.   So, kudos to PRAXIS on that.

Now, for the test taking experience.  I opted for the 8:00 AM test time at University of Missouri-St Louis.  The PRAXIS information sheet said to arrive at 7:30.  I arrived at the building at 7:20 and was immediately redirected from the room I was assigned on PRAXIS to Clark 100.  Room 100 in Clark Hall on the UMSL campus has all the ambiance of a church basement.  It is dimly lit.  The chairs are uncomfortable.   This last point will be important.

The proctors were supposed to start checking us in at 7:30.  They didn't begin until after 8:00.  By the time they got us all checked in, instructions read and tests  handed out we didn't begin the test until 8:35.   

I got to work on the test of 120 questions.  The test was a typical multiple choice test.  One can use strategies to help answer questions where they are unsure of the correct answer.   I finished at 9:50.   I was ready to go run my errands, it was a Saturday after all.  But nooooooooo….

PRAXIS rules on the paper tests is that you can’t leave until after the 2 hours allotted for the test.  So you just have to sit there.  And do nothing.  In very uncomfortable chairs.  It was an excruciating 45 minutes. 

My advice is that if you have to take a PRAXIS test to do the following:

·         Register early  (to avoid additional fees)

·         Take the computer-based test (because you can leave once you are finished)

·         If you are in St Louis and have to take the test, try to avoid the very unorganized proctors assigned to UMSL.  (From what I understand of other test takers, these guys are the “usual crew”.)

Library Media Specialist Praxis

On September 22, I took the Library Media Specialist PRAXIS exam.  The PRAXIS tests are a series of tests that educators take to become certified in many states, including Missouri.    Today the scores came out and I passed with a score of 176 (160 is the minimum passing score in Missouri)!  Yay!

I have a lot of issues with the PRAXIS but wanted to wait to see if I passed before posting.    I will do that on another post.  In the meantime, one hurdle overcome.

Do you need a sub?

Well, I did manage to hold off until Monday (10/8) to follow-up with DESE (the state's department for education).   But, I did email over my lunch hour to see if it indeed was a glitch in saying my transcripts were pending (when they also showed received).   I heard back today that everything is OK and I could print out my substitute certificicate.

I am now officially certified to substitute in the State of Missouri.  So...do you need a sub?

Substitute Certification

So, one of the first things I decided to go for is the easiest.  My certification to be a substitute in Missouri Public Schools through the state's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).   In the past, as long as you had 60 college credit hours a district could hire you as a sub.  Now, it is a more formal process not that unsimilar to applying for teacher certification (less requirements, but the process is the same).

I checked the status of my application yesterday and it said "Pending Background Check".  I was told those take 7-10 days so didn't think much of it.  My application showed my transcripts (from both St Charles Community College and Washington University)  were received and verified on September 28.

Today I checked the status again (being the least patient person when it comes to this kind of stuff).  Now it says pending transcripts.  What?!  I looked at the details of the application and it still shows my transcripts received and verified on September 29.  It shows my background check was cleared yesterday (October 3).  I wonder why it now shows a transcript message.

I have resolved to be a good girl and wait until Monday.  If it still shows "waiting for transcripts," I will contact them.

Not that it is a big deal or that I am just turning down substitute jobs based on lack of certification. I just want to at least feel like I accomplished the first certification and it will inspire me toward the others.

Amazon Certification Central

Amazon is really after this girl's heart. While looking for resources for various technical certification exams, I came across this page. It is like a one-stop page for all things tech certification including books, CDs, and flashcards.

Amazon Certification Central

A Sort of New Year's Resolution

Almost everyone makes resolutions to change or improve on January 1. I tend to do so on my birthday. Then again, since I was born on the Jewish New Year maybe that is understandable.

The one thing I decided to do this year is to become certified. Certified in what, you ask? Well anything I can get certified.

I am breaking this down into two categories: educational and technology.

As far as technology goes, there are tons of certifications I should pursue. Currently I plan to start with A+ (computer repair/troubleshooting) and some software certifications, including Adobe and Microsoft.

Education gets a littel trickier. I work in a school, but not as certified staff. So, my plan is to get librarian certified and possibly business or technical education. This is on top of my initial certification in History/Social Studies.

So, this is my blog to write about my experiences. Read it now before I publish it into a book (available on Amazon, of course).