In case anyone missed the email sent out by WGU Indiana or you're just getting into the teaching program somewhere else, I thought I'd make it a point to post and let you know that some of the Praxis requirements have changed this year.
In the past, the elementary education Praxis II test requirements included Praxis II 0011/5011 and Praxis II 0300. These exams will still be accepted as long as they are passed by September 1, 2012. Now, you can meet these same requirements by completing the Praxis II 5031.
What does this mean for future educators? Well, if you've already taken at least 2 of the Praxis 0011/5011 and/or Praxis II 0300, then you may as well continue along this course and complete the last one. The simplicity of taking the Praxis II 5031 (which combines the content of the other tests) means you can save time and money, but does not discount the validity of the other tests. The goal of the Indiana Department of Education is to simplify the process, which will save them money as well as those of us pursuing a license in Elementary Education.
Showing posts with label Praxis. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Praxis. Show all posts
Friday, October 21, 2011
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Purdue and Praxis: FAIL
Last Saturday I went to take my Special Ed Praxis exams at Purdue University-Calumet. I was stressed to the point of feeling ill because, well these exams are not about classes. They're about professional licensing. And, to be honest, tests just stress me out. Going to Purdue to take them didn't help either just because of the reputation of the school. I'm not sure what I was expecting but if a high level of professionalism was one of the things I thought I would find, I was sadly mistaken.
No, I won't talk about the tests themselves because, well I would actually like to work in the profession that I'm studying in and sharing info about the details of a Praxis exam is a big no-no. What I will talk about is the fact that the very method for handling the Praxis will no doubt lead to many students failing the test out of sheer test center induced anxiety at Purdue University-Calumet.
The Praxis ticket states that you need to be checked in by specific time. Assuming we're all adults working toward a profession, showing up on time for a test you actually had to pay for seems like a simple thing. Wrong again. As we all waited for the test to start, we were informed that we would wait an extra 15 minutes to make sure any late comers could get in. Lose one point for professionalism right there.
The fact that the person administering the test made everyone clean off any study materials while we were waiting for the these late arrivals seemed a bit redundant as well. Of course, the best part of the process was waiting for her to read through the post test materials which instructed us to get forms from her...that she didn't even have. Nice. And this was just the first test of the day. Was this supposed to be a living example of how not to be a professional? If so, great job Purdue!
Fast forward to test 2.
Picture, if you will a hall full of student who rushed back from a snack, break or bathroom time to adhere to the "be here on time or forfeit your fee and test" mindset that the Praxis ticket indicates, all anxiously awaiting the start of the second test.
Wait for it....wait for it....and...continue to wait for it for no less than 45 minutes!
Of course, since we weren't already anxious enough, a student from one testing room over assures us that this hour long test will turn into an episode of Gilligan's Island as we all take a 3 hour tour of the inside of this classroom. She continues to spew her negativity (apparently the anxiety level wasn't already high enough for her) until I mention that we should just think positive because submerging ourselves in mass hysteria isn't going to do a damned thing to raise our test scores.
Of course, to those of us who love psychology and sociology, this created an opportune moment to explore the possibility that this was really just some sick sociology test about group anxiety about waiting in line. We were waiting for a "Lord of the Flies" incident, which thankfully didn't happen.
Let's get to the point. The way the testing center handles the testing process is every but as influential and important as your study habits prior to the actual test. Take that to heart. Avoid Purdue University-Calumet for your Praxis test at all costs. I sincerely think I would have had less anxiety had I taken the test centered in the middle of an over-populated daycare.
Note: This is no reflection on WGU or WGU Indiana itself as they have nothing to do with these details and I continue to experience good things from this institute of higher learning.
No, I won't talk about the tests themselves because, well I would actually like to work in the profession that I'm studying in and sharing info about the details of a Praxis exam is a big no-no. What I will talk about is the fact that the very method for handling the Praxis will no doubt lead to many students failing the test out of sheer test center induced anxiety at Purdue University-Calumet.
The Praxis ticket states that you need to be checked in by specific time. Assuming we're all adults working toward a profession, showing up on time for a test you actually had to pay for seems like a simple thing. Wrong again. As we all waited for the test to start, we were informed that we would wait an extra 15 minutes to make sure any late comers could get in. Lose one point for professionalism right there.
The fact that the person administering the test made everyone clean off any study materials while we were waiting for the these late arrivals seemed a bit redundant as well. Of course, the best part of the process was waiting for her to read through the post test materials which instructed us to get forms from her...that she didn't even have. Nice. And this was just the first test of the day. Was this supposed to be a living example of how not to be a professional? If so, great job Purdue!
Fast forward to test 2.
Picture, if you will a hall full of student who rushed back from a snack, break or bathroom time to adhere to the "be here on time or forfeit your fee and test" mindset that the Praxis ticket indicates, all anxiously awaiting the start of the second test.
Wait for it....wait for it....and...continue to wait for it for no less than 45 minutes!
Of course, since we weren't already anxious enough, a student from one testing room over assures us that this hour long test will turn into an episode of Gilligan's Island as we all take a 3 hour tour of the inside of this classroom. She continues to spew her negativity (apparently the anxiety level wasn't already high enough for her) until I mention that we should just think positive because submerging ourselves in mass hysteria isn't going to do a damned thing to raise our test scores.
Of course, to those of us who love psychology and sociology, this created an opportune moment to explore the possibility that this was really just some sick sociology test about group anxiety about waiting in line. We were waiting for a "Lord of the Flies" incident, which thankfully didn't happen.
Let's get to the point. The way the testing center handles the testing process is every but as influential and important as your study habits prior to the actual test. Take that to heart. Avoid Purdue University-Calumet for your Praxis test at all costs. I sincerely think I would have had less anxiety had I taken the test centered in the middle of an over-populated daycare.
Note: This is no reflection on WGU or WGU Indiana itself as they have nothing to do with these details and I continue to experience good things from this institute of higher learning.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Applying for Supervised Teaching in Indiana
This month I'm wrapping up all the requirements to be met to submit my application to do my supervised teaching. I love it that student teaching is the only portion of the online education degree from WGU Indiana that I have to leave the house for. But, for me it's a grueling experience simply because I want to get through it a little faster than the original plan calls for.
I think that many people are under the impression that an online education degree or getting a license to teach online is an easy thing to do. Let me clear that up right now. If anything, getting a degree to teach online is more difficult than it would be if I actually attended a school. That's because there is no teacher to tell me when an assignment due or anything like that. It's a trial of self motivation. With that being said, know that WGU Indiana does a fantastic job of guiding students through the process. I don't talk to automated systems. I don't wait days for a call back, if I even have to leave a message. I get my answers the same day every time.
Just so you know basically what has to be done to apply to do the supervised teaching in Indiana, let me give you a general breakdown. Note that this is just to apply and does not include what you have to get done before you actually do the supervised teaching through WGU Indiana in an Indiana school.
Complete Praxis I and Praxis II, as well as having any other Praxis exams scheduled by the date set: For instance, I'm doubling up and becoming licensed for Special Ed. as well as Elementary Ed., so I have to take content exams for both of those. If I want to do supervised teaching in January, I have to have those exams scheduled to be taken by July 31.
Meet Basic education requirements: Basically this means that you have to have all the general ed classes done. These are classes that pretty much every student has to take, regardless of their major.
Professional documents turned in: You'll need to have submitted a resume, professional photo, thumbnail photo and your teaching philosophy. Note that the photo you submit to be approved is not necessarily the one you have to use when you apply to schools.
Specific Exams: These are exams that assess your general knowledge of the legalities and responsibilities of the education system.
Submit background check: You'll have to get a background check done and submit it to WGU Indiana. You can get your Indiana background check online for less than $20.
Pass at least one specific task: Once you get into the program, you'll be dealing with a program that lists tasks for you to do. Once you get beyond the general studies, there are specific tasks that need to be done to how your understanding not o subjects, but how to teach subjects. One of those tasks need to be done to be able to apply for the supervised teaching.
Submit application for supervised teaching: Once all of the requirements have been met, you submit your application for student teaching by the date specified. For me, it has to be done by May 31 if I want to do supervised teaching in January.
So there you have it. An education degree online isn't easy, but Indiana needs good teachers if we're going to move forward.
I think that many people are under the impression that an online education degree or getting a license to teach online is an easy thing to do. Let me clear that up right now. If anything, getting a degree to teach online is more difficult than it would be if I actually attended a school. That's because there is no teacher to tell me when an assignment due or anything like that. It's a trial of self motivation. With that being said, know that WGU Indiana does a fantastic job of guiding students through the process. I don't talk to automated systems. I don't wait days for a call back, if I even have to leave a message. I get my answers the same day every time.
Just so you know basically what has to be done to apply to do the supervised teaching in Indiana, let me give you a general breakdown. Note that this is just to apply and does not include what you have to get done before you actually do the supervised teaching through WGU Indiana in an Indiana school.
Complete Praxis I and Praxis II, as well as having any other Praxis exams scheduled by the date set: For instance, I'm doubling up and becoming licensed for Special Ed. as well as Elementary Ed., so I have to take content exams for both of those. If I want to do supervised teaching in January, I have to have those exams scheduled to be taken by July 31.
Meet Basic education requirements: Basically this means that you have to have all the general ed classes done. These are classes that pretty much every student has to take, regardless of their major.
Professional documents turned in: You'll need to have submitted a resume, professional photo, thumbnail photo and your teaching philosophy. Note that the photo you submit to be approved is not necessarily the one you have to use when you apply to schools.
Specific Exams: These are exams that assess your general knowledge of the legalities and responsibilities of the education system.
Submit background check: You'll have to get a background check done and submit it to WGU Indiana. You can get your Indiana background check online for less than $20.
Pass at least one specific task: Once you get into the program, you'll be dealing with a program that lists tasks for you to do. Once you get beyond the general studies, there are specific tasks that need to be done to how your understanding not o subjects, but how to teach subjects. One of those tasks need to be done to be able to apply for the supervised teaching.
Submit application for supervised teaching: Once all of the requirements have been met, you submit your application for student teaching by the date specified. For me, it has to be done by May 31 if I want to do supervised teaching in January.
So there you have it. An education degree online isn't easy, but Indiana needs good teachers if we're going to move forward.
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Crunch Time
This month is crunch time for me. So far I had to get a new laptop, new router, reconfigure everything and hung out with a friend n ICU. These things do not go well with making serious progress toward my online teaching degree at WGU Indiana.
Deadlines hover over me this month. In fact, if I want to meet the early application deadline, I have to finish an unholy amount of tasks. Yesterday I tested out of one of my core classes and today I hope to complete 2 more classes; one by test and one by task.
I'm here to tell you that people seriously underestimate the amount of education that elementary teachers work through, not to mention the special education portion of my particular degree. Of course, it makes sense because elementary teachers teach in every subject.
If you think it's any easier to earn an online elementary education degree just because the classes are online, you're sadly mistaken. It takes a certain level self motivation that I don't always have. WGU Indiana does make the process go smoother by offering tons of things in the way of motivational tools and the tasks to be completed are organized in such a way as to make the process easy to navigate.
BUT...yea, you knew that was coming...
But, it's hard work and you have to be careful not to fall into your own personal pitfalls. After all, if you go to a traditional school, you know you have to be in class at a certain time and so forth. Earning your elementary education degree online means that you determine when you go to class. In turn, that means you have to put personal distractions out of the way and at the same time convince people that there are certain times when you simply can't be bothered because you have schoolwork to do.
I have every intention of meeting my educational goal in the time limit I've set for myself. Failure is not an option. I've also got to say that my mentor, Melissa is fabulous. She's done her best to encourage me and keep me on task, even when that means dealing with me 8 cups of coffee into a personal crisis!
Deadlines hover over me this month. In fact, if I want to meet the early application deadline, I have to finish an unholy amount of tasks. Yesterday I tested out of one of my core classes and today I hope to complete 2 more classes; one by test and one by task.
I'm here to tell you that people seriously underestimate the amount of education that elementary teachers work through, not to mention the special education portion of my particular degree. Of course, it makes sense because elementary teachers teach in every subject.
If you think it's any easier to earn an online elementary education degree just because the classes are online, you're sadly mistaken. It takes a certain level self motivation that I don't always have. WGU Indiana does make the process go smoother by offering tons of things in the way of motivational tools and the tasks to be completed are organized in such a way as to make the process easy to navigate.
BUT...yea, you knew that was coming...
But, it's hard work and you have to be careful not to fall into your own personal pitfalls. After all, if you go to a traditional school, you know you have to be in class at a certain time and so forth. Earning your elementary education degree online means that you determine when you go to class. In turn, that means you have to put personal distractions out of the way and at the same time convince people that there are certain times when you simply can't be bothered because you have schoolwork to do.
I have every intention of meeting my educational goal in the time limit I've set for myself. Failure is not an option. I've also got to say that my mentor, Melissa is fabulous. She's done her best to encourage me and keep me on task, even when that means dealing with me 8 cups of coffee into a personal crisis!
Monday, January 24, 2011
Help Paying for Praxis
If you're working toward a degree in education, there are a couple of things you can count on.
The Praxis actually offers a fee waiver for those who qualify. This does take some advance planning since you have to apply for the fee waiver months before you actually take the test, but consider that your bonus study time. Keep in mind that you need to meet income qualifications and the request must come with a university seal to verify that you're even actually in classes. The waivers are offered on a first come, first serve basis so the faster you get it in there, the faster you can get approved!
Sadly, my other 2 schools never told me about this. I'm pretty good about doing my own research, so I might have found it sooner or later, but once again WGU Indiana proves their commitment to their students by passing along information like this.
- You will do in class observations.
- You will student teach.
- You will take at least one Praxis exam.
- You will need to have a background check done.
- You will at times need the patience of a saint to understand why you must jump through so many hoops when all you really want to do is spend your days hanging out with small children while teaching them basic skills.
The Praxis actually offers a fee waiver for those who qualify. This does take some advance planning since you have to apply for the fee waiver months before you actually take the test, but consider that your bonus study time. Keep in mind that you need to meet income qualifications and the request must come with a university seal to verify that you're even actually in classes. The waivers are offered on a first come, first serve basis so the faster you get it in there, the faster you can get approved!
Sadly, my other 2 schools never told me about this. I'm pretty good about doing my own research, so I might have found it sooner or later, but once again WGU Indiana proves their commitment to their students by passing along information like this.
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