Competency Test

Apparently as part of "No Child Left Behind" Washington OSPI decided that, along with the content area competency test, prospective teachers need to take a basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics to decide if they know enough to be "good teachers." The reading and math portions of the test consists of approximatly 60 multiple choice questions, the writing portion is approximatly 50 multiple choice questions and 2 writing prompts. The test is over a period of about four and one-half hours and the test-taker is allowed to do the test in any order and pace themself.

This is the last step in being certified to teach in Washington. I don't know if I am going to teach here soon but I have come this far and it gives me more options in the future. I have needed to take this test since May and have been putting it off and putting it off for two reasons: first, I haven't been in a school setting for nearly three years and I am not sure about my test-taking skills, knowledge, etc. and secondly, it feels awfly like another blasted hoop to jump through.

I finally stopped dragging my feet and registered for the test last night; I'll be taking it January 9th. My guess is most prospective teachers worry about brushing up on their math skills, I am sure this won't be a problem for me, I am more worried about the writing prompts. Even though I have plenty of time before the test, I decided to check the online study guide (ten questions per sub-section) to see if I needed to worry for the next two months about my ability to pass.

Ironically the only section I got anything wrong on was the math section, and that was because I misread the question. I guess I don't need to worry about being competent enough to be a teacher and I can enjoy my Christmas/Thanksgiving holiday.