Advice and info seeking-

wendybeth · 08-24-2005, 12:13 PM

In Washington, we have what's known as the WASL test, and it's killing our schools. Right now, it's only administered in a few grades, but eventually it will be in every grade. The grades it is being used in now are notorious for spending virtually the entire school year to teach the subjects and concept of this test, which is math as a language and essay driven. Actually, most teachers say it really tests you on your ability to follow directions more than anything. At any rate, things are a mess here and only getting worse. Kindergarten teachers are not exempt from the stress, as they are responsible for preparing their kids for the first grade testing. I'm not sure how things are in Colorado, but the NCLB Act is having similar repercussions throughout the country. Many states are choosing to forego funding or filing suit against the Feds, so perhaps this may be a moot point by the time you graduate.

Having said that, I always thought that were I to teach, it would have to be Kindergarten or college. In kindergarten, the kids are largely excited to be there, and in college they have to assume more personal responsibility, so less babysitting on your part.

lizziebith · 08-24-2005, 12:18 PM

Yes, and it's funny that I was able to teach at a University with NO TRAINING whatsoever -- just my MA! Although, I'll admit that was a pretty scary experience at first...

Matterhorn Fan · 08-28-2005, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lizziebith

Yes, and it's funny that I was able to teach at a University with NO TRAINING whatsoever -- just my MA! Although, I'll admit that was a pretty scary experience at first...

Grad students can be TA's, which at least in English, means they're teaching with only a BA. Some community colleges hire people with only BA's.

Nephythys, be sure that teaching is what you really want to do. It doesn't pay much and it's a thankless job. You have to really, really, really love what you're doing. And with NCLB and other standardized tests, I'm suprised that anyone has the patience to teach K-12. Better teachers are badly needed, though.

08-24-2005, 12:13 PM	#1
wendybeth Nevermind Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 7,847	In Washington, we have what's known as the WASL test, and it's killing our schools. Right now, it's only administered in a few grades, but eventually it will be in every grade. The grades it is being used in now are notorious for spending virtually the entire school year to teach the subjects and concept of this test, which is math as a language and essay driven. Actually, most teachers say it really tests you on your ability to follow directions more than anything. At any rate, things are a mess here and only getting worse. Kindergarten teachers are not exempt from the stress, as they are responsible for preparing their kids for the first grade testing. I'm not sure how things are in Colorado, but the NCLB Act is having similar repercussions throughout the country. Many states are choosing to forego funding or filing suit against the Feds, so perhaps this may be a moot point by the time you graduate. Having said that, I always thought that were I to teach, it would have to be Kindergarten or college. In kindergarten, the kids are largely excited to be there, and in college they have to assume more personal responsibility, so less babysitting on your part. __________________
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08-24-2005, 12:18 PM	#2
lizziebith Wishing these titles could be longe Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Pearblossom CA Posts: 984	Yes, and it's funny that I was able to teach at a University with NO TRAINING whatsoever -- just my MA! Although, I'll admit that was a pretty scary experience at first... __________________ $ DO \|\| !$ DO ; TRY TRY: COMMAND NOT FOUND
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