I have a quick question. I am in Massachusetts, when do I take the state teacher's tests? Before I begin my teacher certification or just before the end? Some background: Im getting my BS in Physics this december
I had to take the communication and literacy test before I was even admitted to the professional ed. program at my college. Then, I had to take the subject matter test and foundations of reading (which you won't have to take) before student teaching.
The pass rate is 98% and considering my academic record (3.5 GPA in Physics, etc), perhaps they will accept me even if I just do the licenser tests before my student teaching?
Pass rate for the test is 98%? Where did you get that statistic? If it's from the school, it's probably because 98% of the people they admit to the program have passed the test, meaning that only 2% of the people they admit have not passed it. I think the failure rate state wide is much more than 2%. As far as being admitted without it, you may not need to pass the test to be admitted. That was just what my school required. You should take the tests asap, though because once you take them you don't get the results for at least 6 weeks and you can't even apply for your license without the results.
Well, I know I need these tests to apply for my license. Im not contesting that. Just that seeing as my licenser is more than a year away, Im positing I dont exactly need these tests now.
I'm just saying that even if it's over a year away, you should take the tests soon. It takes a while to get your results after the tests and it takes a while to actually get your license once you apply. The more you can do ahead of time, the easier and faster it will be later. Also, you need to keep in mind that there is a possibility that you may not pass on the first try. I went to school with quite a few people who waited until the last minute to take the tests and then were not able to student teach/graduate on time because they didn't pass. I'm not saying you won't pass, but keep in mind that it is a possibility, so you should leave yourself time to re-take the tests if necessary.
Indeed. I will take the tests as soon as I can. Though given the failure rate, Im not too worried. Even if the failure rate were 20% or even 30%
You need to check with your school. At UMass you need to pass the subject matter exam before you start your practicum. I think this is pretty much the rule everywhere (although it seems it is sometimes negotiable). I believe there is also another literacy exam you have to pass. My advice is get as much out of the way before you start your program as possible. As a recent graduate in physics, I don't think you will have trouble with the physics subject matter exam.
take the tests soon. I waited til the last minute (and I was LUCKY I passed) ... it is not THAT hard but it does require studying - it'd be better to do it now while you have some time on your hands. study using the practice tests on the nesinc site?
