Praxis Middle School Math 0069..... - Page 8

jenuine56 · #71 01-19-2009, 03:54 PM

Oh and by the way. I have a Major in Elementary Educatoin with a Minor in Middle Level Math and Science. I have passed the K-8 elementary Praxis test but my School district says they only recognize is as a K-6. I am teaching in the Junior high as a 7-8th grade Math teacher. They say I must pass the Math/Science in order to keep teaching in the junior high so my minor in Middle Level Math and Science is not enough. This is my first year teaching since graduating college and I am learning all about this as I go. It all depends on the district policies and they can override what the state requirements are concerning the testing and qualifications for getting into a contract.

TeacherGroupie · #72 01-19-2009, 06:28 PM

Middle schools in many places are sort of hybrid affairs: part of the operation involves self-contained classes and part doesn't.

Since Oregon still uses Praxis II exams for single subjects, you might see if you can arrange to take the test in Portland, if that's not hideously far. I think there might be a test date coming up fairly soon.

I've never heard even of Praxis giving NO credit for a response unless it was just wildly off-target. This, to quote the King of Siam, "is a puzzlement."

jenuine56 · #73 01-20-2009, 12:14 AM

TeacherGroupie, Thanks for the response. Yes, this is all a puzzlement to me and even my coach and mentor/tutor as well. I feel I can pass this thing if I can get points in the constructed response section. So, back to the drawing board for me. I will be checking to see where I can take the test again. I am very hesitant to take it at the same place again since I am now suspicious that my constructed responses may not have been handled properly somewhere along the line - starting with the testing center and praxis can't tell me if they ever really received them at all. I think I need to try another testing center. I may wait until May to take it if I can be given that luxury by my School district unless it all becomes a mute point after I tell them tomorrow the results of my appeal. Thanks for your responses. They have been helpful. Like I said, I am learning everything as I go and so far everything that I thought to be true has not been so. I was also surprised that a nation wide K-8 test would not be recognized as such. So far these last few months have been a real eye opener as to policies, certifications, endorsements, and now the tests themselves. I am looking foward to putting this all behind me and possibly being able to help another new teacher through a tough time if I am ever given the opportunity to do so. I just hope I don't have to keep retaking this test over and over and not really know what the problem is. I see there is no sense in questioning the praxis people. I guess they were correct when they told me I wasn't thinking clearly in wanting to do an appeal. Another lesson learned, it is not worth it to question them. Boy am I learning a lot about the process of becoming a teacher. I thought that once I got my degrees that things would would fall into place. So far, NOT. This is getting me down but I'm trying to remain positive and keep moving forward. It is just real aggravating right now. If it keeps up, I will see about becoming an elemtary teacher instead of Middle School.

TeacherGroupie · #74 01-20-2009, 01:06 AM

In many states it's pretty easy to add a secondary endorsement to an elementary license or vice versa.

But I'm sorry you're having to put up with this.

jenuine56 · #75 01-20-2009, 08:01 PM

Well, I wouldn't mind getting a seconday endorsement but I've been told I can only get a highly qualification and not an endorsement without going back to school and within the next 3 years you will have to be highly qualified and endorsed because it is all changing. I just finished school in August and was hoping to get started in my career. Another problem is since I am not in a contract I can't work on professional development either. I tried to get a job/contract in the elementary school but they would not let me interview for the positions because I am a middle school/junior high school teacher. I did my student teaching in 6th and 7th and completed the middle level math and science program. I would like to teach in elementary but have not had any luck because the school districts see that I have completed the middle level program and student taught in middle school. So, I am caught in a catch 22. Can't get in a contract in the Middle Level without passing the praxis, can't get into the elemetary because they all see me as a Middle level Teacher. Can't get a contract until I pass the Math and Science Praxis, getting a 0 on the constructed response section - don't really know why.

TeacherGroupie · #76 01-20-2009, 11:50 PM

How "highly qualified" will take shape from here remains to be seen, of course.

math happy · #77 05-29-2009, 02:33 PM

I took the MS Math Praxis in April after being out of education for 10 years while I had my 3 kids. It was a tough test, and I am really glad I prepared. If you are looking for study resources, there is a great study guide by REA - lots of review, not just practice tests. I also used the praxismiddleschoolmath website and the practice tests were very helpful.
Anyhow, I scored a 198 and am very happy! Now the tricky part is finding a job.....
Good Luck test takers!

TeacherGroupie · #78 05-29-2009, 02:55 PM

198? I should think you would be happy, yes, math happy! Congratulations!

Groovy · #79 05-29-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jenuine56

TeacherGroupie, I feel I can pass this thing if I can get points in the constructed response section. So, back to the drawing board for me. I will be checking to see where I can take the test again. I am very hesitant to take it at the same place again since I am now suspicious that my constructed responses may not have been handled properly somewhere along the line - starting with the testing center and praxis can't tell me if they ever really received them at all.

So, Jenuine, what's the "rest of the story?" Did you retake? How'd you do? What happened next in The Mystery of the Missing Test Scores ?

mollydoll · #80 06-02-2009, 01:24 PM

I think I am going to take this on the 13th. I haven't registered yet, and having to pay the $75 emergency fee galls me, but I am thinking it could be useful. Many of the earth science positions I am about to apply for are .8 and they want you to teach something else too. My degree allows me to do middle school physical/general science without another Praxis.

Is this test as easy as I think it should be for someone who has a decent math background (I am 3 credits short of a math minor)? I got the Cliffs guide and nothing in there looks to be challenging.