PRAXIS Makes Perfect!

I am taking the PRAXIS on Saturday. This is the test that is required by the state of Utah for teacher licensing. If I happen to not pass the test I have the first three years of my career to retake it so that I am ensured a position and license. While studying for this test I have realized that no matter how prepared Westminster has made me for teaching in the classroom, they have done NOTHING to refresh my memory on the material we learn as children. I can't believe how much I have forgotten when it comes to mathematics. Some of the questions I am completely blown away by. Do you remember how to convert improper fractions? WHAT??? It has been quite the awakening for me to have to remember all of the different formulas for solving equations. It's not that I can't do the math, I just have to figure out how you do it.

Also, I have forgotten how ridiculous high stakes test taking really is. It has been years since I have had to take a bubble sheet test. The study book I bought gives you all of these suggestions for making the test taking experience as pleasant as possible. Suggestions such as...Read the newspaper everyday the week before, this will help your brain become used to words and sentences you may not be familiar with...Start an exercise routine and make sure you eat healthy the week of...Map out a route and conduct a dry run of the time it takes you to get to the testing center, this will ensure you know how to find your way and that you can arrive at the testing site (not the parking lot) at least 15 minutes before the testing begins. As helpful as these suggestions are, they really freak me out! Is this a test or a life style change they are asking for? I can't imagine the pressure today's students feel when taking high stake tests in school and knowing that they affect their future outcome.

Even though I am a little apprehensive about taking the PRAXIS I keep hearing that it isn't as bad as you think, and that it is quite easy to pass. I hope that is the case for me, and if it isn't, at least I have three years to work on it.

My Dog Is Cuter Than Your Dog...My Dog Is A Member Of The Honor Roll...My Dog Can Beat Up Your Dog!

I never thought I would become one of those people. You know the ones. They are obsessed with how smart, cute, funny, personable, talented, attractive their dogs are. I had dogs growing up, my very own dog in fact, and I was never one of those people.

However, with the addition of Serena, our little Cocker Spaniel, I have totally become"One of THOSE people!" She's perfect.

BTW...everywhere we take Serena we hear, "Oh my gosh, she's so-o cute. I had a Cocker growing up." We've decided (and by "we" I mean my shit head friends who tease Case and I for how much we love S) that Cocker Spaniels were the dog of the 80's. Everyone had one "growing up," but how often do you see them now? (Oprah doesn't count)

She may be the dog of the 80's, but thanks to Casey and I the 80's are back. We are starting the new trend of Cockers as current pets. Jump on the bandwagon while it's still hot people!