Thursday, February 21, 2008

Taking a Test - OH NO

I swore to myself, swore, that when I got my masters degree I would never take another test. Ever.

Fast forward 10 years. This week I am going to our regional service center with 3 other teachers from my campus to take prep classes for the TExES test for ESL. The English as a Second Language Supplemental (ESL) (154) . On Saturday morning at 7:30 I will present myself to the testing center. At 8:00 the test will start. The test, I'm told will take about 2 1/2 hours to complete.

When (if???) I pass it I will get my ESL certification. Next year we are looking at quite a few ESL students coming to 2ND grade, more than our one ESL teacher can accommodate. There are 7 second grade teachers. After this test 3 of us will be ESL certified in second, two in first and 2 in K.

So far in this training it seems to be not much more than good teaching practices, modifications and accommodations similar to those in inclusion plus a few more rules. I am already an inclusion teacher and use good, research based teaching practices in my class. I'm hoping that the test won't throw me any curves.

I'd appreciate any prayers you can say for me on Sat. morning around 8:00 central time.
Thanks!

5 comments:

Jackie said...

Taking a Test? OH NO!!

Oh, Sharon, I don't envy you but then you are much younger than I! I believe if I had to take any kind of test right now I would absolutely BARF! ESL had not come into our school at the time I retired BUT! I am bilingually certified (or was) Certified is definitely NOT qualified! Oh my gosh, I could write a book on the subject. Anyway, dear girl...I'm sure you will do fine and my thoughts will be with you...

dot said...

Good luck Sharon! I will pray for you. It may not be at that exact time tho because I'm so forgetful but I have a list going and you are on it.

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

Good thoughts to you.

I'm in a credential program right now, and I think you're dead-on that it is simply good teaching practices. In which case, you should do great!

Paulie said...

Good luck!

Anonymous said...

Oh my--how scary. That is great you know a second language. That's one thing i would love to learn. Hope the test went ok.