Someone read my blog! Someone read my blog! I know it was only one person, but this feeling is so joyous. They even spent about half an hour on here, which doesn't seem right seeing as I've only got those three posts down there. Who cares! They read it. Wow, site meters are amazing. I wish my writing was more prolific or meaningful, but right now I am mostly just biding my time. And it's not particularly interesting. I am so overjoyed that someone read my blog!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
What's going on with the LAST?
So I bought a test prep book for the LAST on Saturday evening. I haven't had a chance to really get into it and see what's going on, but my first impression is mostly "what the hell." Ok. So I understand that, in general, we'd all like our teachers to be brilliant, worldly, PhD candidates but the questions asked on this sample test are bizarrely random. They sample every single subject on the spectrum, from art history to math and on over to architectural elements. Why do I need to know what kind of features on a building enhance its appearance of height? What are wall setbacks? What is a single-point perspective? Sure, I can guess on these, but this kind of random grouping of knowledge is not the sort of thing anyone can study for and no person should be expected to have amassed such a large collection of obscure knowledge. I know how to add, I know scientific principles, I can analyze passages; so what is up with these questions that would serve so nicely as facts to be whipped out at a party to impress your host?
My other issue mainly stems from the fact that, yes, I can guess on all of these and when I did I got all of them right. What is this test for? What is it testing? What sorts of things are we learning about those who do and do not do well on this test that has any bearing on whether or not they will be a superb earth science teacher or a magnificent Spanish señorita(as is my intention)? I will report back with a more informed rant after actually reading through the book and maybe even after taking the test for real. That should be in mid-April, around the same time that I find out about my borough placement.
Of late, I am working frequently and getting paid too little. It's hard when you just could care less. The kids are cool and the other teachers are too, but I know I'm leaving and I wish I could spend my days thinking about Spanish and lesson plans instead of changing diapers and setting up snack. Oh well, I do enjoy a night of vodka-crans, and that is the price I must pay.
My other issue mainly stems from the fact that, yes, I can guess on all of these and when I did I got all of them right. What is this test for? What is it testing? What sorts of things are we learning about those who do and do not do well on this test that has any bearing on whether or not they will be a superb earth science teacher or a magnificent Spanish señorita(as is my intention)? I will report back with a more informed rant after actually reading through the book and maybe even after taking the test for real. That should be in mid-April, around the same time that I find out about my borough placement.
Of late, I am working frequently and getting paid too little. It's hard when you just could care less. The kids are cool and the other teachers are too, but I know I'm leaving and I wish I could spend my days thinking about Spanish and lesson plans instead of changing diapers and setting up snack. Oh well, I do enjoy a night of vodka-crans, and that is the price I must pay.
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