Raising the Bar Exam for Teachers, Will It Pass?
By: Deedra Wilson
Updated: December 7, 2012
Teachers may find themselves taking a stricter entrance exam in addition to the Praxis.
All of this to ensure Arkansas students get the best education possible.
"Most teachers say oh, it's not that bad," said Shoshanna Wenger, who wants to teach Speech Communication. She has passed the Praxis 1, required by the State of Arkansas to teach.
"General exam about math, reading and writing," said Wenger.
Now she is studying for the Praxis 2.
"That is your content area. Typically you might think this is my content area and might not be that hard, but it's very specific."
If she passes she will get to teach a class.
But if that doesn't seem like enough, the American Federation of Teachers, wants instructors to take an additional entrance exam, one more stringent, much like the bar exam for lawyers.
"You could know your content area really well, and maybe not be the best person to work with students, said Wenger."
However, Cathy Kohler, with the Little Rock Education Association feels differently.
"I spoke to my friends who are AFT members across the country and they are perplexed. There are so many ways we are already evaluated, the idea of adding another test is exhausting."
Wenger adds, "I would say bring it on."
The AFT will go before a council in February to present its proposal.
To see sample test questions, click here.
Click here to visit the AFT website.
All of this to ensure Arkansas students get the best education possible.
"Most teachers say oh, it's not that bad," said Shoshanna Wenger, who wants to teach Speech Communication. She has passed the Praxis 1, required by the State of Arkansas to teach.
"General exam about math, reading and writing," said Wenger.
Now she is studying for the Praxis 2.
"That is your content area. Typically you might think this is my content area and might not be that hard, but it's very specific."
If she passes she will get to teach a class.
But if that doesn't seem like enough, the American Federation of Teachers, wants instructors to take an additional entrance exam, one more stringent, much like the bar exam for lawyers.
"You could know your content area really well, and maybe not be the best person to work with students, said Wenger."
However, Cathy Kohler, with the Little Rock Education Association feels differently.
"I spoke to my friends who are AFT members across the country and they are perplexed. There are so many ways we are already evaluated, the idea of adding another test is exhausting."
Wenger adds, "I would say bring it on."
The AFT will go before a council in February to present its proposal.
To see sample test questions, click here.
Click here to visit the AFT website.
