I know within 1 year, the hired teacher must pass the General Knowledge Test. Has anybody here from Fl unable to pass the test within a year? Did you lose your job as a teacher?
I had to pass the GKT before being accepted into the college of education at my university. If you could not pass, you were not accepted into the program.
I had to pass it to finish my program but I do know of some teachers that were unable to pass the math portion initially. One yes was fired because they could not pass it within that year.
I'm surprised they would hire a teacher that hasn't finished testing. In the grand scheme of things, anyone who is truly capable of teaching the content covered within one of these tests should be able to pass such a test. If the teacher couldn't pass, I wouldn't want them teaching students who deserve the best.
Yes, a former coworker couldn't pass the essay section. English was her second language... she tried so hard, had a tutor, etc... she just kept freezing up, trying to make her English perfect, and wouldn't finish the essay in time. Brilliant science teacher. She did finally pass it after her year was up and got her job back.
Oh wow. English is also my second language and writing essays intimidate me. How many times did she have to take the essay section of the GK test? :unsure:
I had to take and pass the test, though I don't remember the timeframe to be honest. With the GKT, you only have to take the portion of the test that you don't pass as opposed to retaking the entire test.
Yes, I know a teacher that was fired because she could not pass it. Some districts have special refresher courses for teachers having trouble with it. Good luck! I'm suprised you didn't have to pass it to get into the ed program.
Generally schools don't hire teachers who hasn't passed the test. But in your case they have provided you opportunity to get passed in the first year. Now when you had one unsuccessful attempt of that, the school might put your job on hold till you don't get certify for the exam.
Standardized testing is one of the biggest banes placed upon this country and they hurt education. What really gets accomplished when people are expected to know the same things? Last I checked all people are different. They tell us little, if anything, about intelligence, people skills, verbal communication skills, ability to get along with others, etc.
I believe four times... but like I said, it wasn't her English skills; she was psyching herself out and not finishing. Don't let the essay intimidate you - I'm sure you'll do just fine
I'm sorry but a teacher should be able to pass a standard test that is based on the content they will be teaching to their students.
I consider your comment to be a little harsh. Do you feel the same way about a high school honors student taking AP courses and doing well who can't pass the state standardized test and therefore does not receive a diploma? Or the student taking advanced courses who also doesn't pass the test and has to take double block remedial reading courses the next year? True stories...it happens every year in this state. Sometimes, children and adults do not test well...should we hold that against them and have it affect the rest of their lives?
That's what we've had drilled into our heads since pre-school, but it doesn't make it right. Life is too complex for standardized tests and expecting everyone to know the same things. It isn't possible, much less logical.
Actually, the GK test isn't a subject area exam. It tests math, reading, writing and grammar skills. I do think all teachers should have basic skills in those areas, but it's quite feasible to be a great math teacher without having essay writing skills. As for being hired without passing, here in Florida, you need to pass the GK to get permanent certification. People who take the traditional route of getting their degree in education must pass the GK before getting their degree. However, if you get a temporary certificate based on a non-education degree, you have a year to pass it. I assume that's the situation for the OP.
Tests like these are equivalent to a GED test. I'm sorry but if you can't pass this test you should not be a Teacher of anything. I'm sorry but this is hardly equivalent to the standardized tests students take. Teachers should be held to a higher standard. If you cannot pass the test required, you should not be a Teacher. HS Honors students are not charged with the education of anyone but themselves therefore this comment is not logically sound
Here I disagree with you again. I'm not going to get into an argument because you would just bend it to suit your views. I'm out of this conversation.
No arguing involved just civil conversation. It is completely acceptable to disagree, but I am still correct in my assertion that students are responsible for themselves while Teachers are responsible for other people. I'm not sure how my correct statement could be considered a distortion of facts. We simply disagree and my argument seems to be sound. Anyone can feel free to try to change my mind though.
Say within a year, the teacher don't pass the GK test, but later on pass it within the following 6 months, is there a way for her/him to be able to get her certification back?
What I want to know is what do they do to prepare new teachers from out of state in Florida to deal with the inhumane heat? I had a friend go to Sanford Florida (not a teacher) and after 8 months couldn't take the killer weather there. To me that's the litmus test of teaching in Florida.
