Hoskinwood Family

The CSET is now officially behind me! CSET is the colorful name of the California state teaching test, one of them. There are many variations, depending on what you are getting certified to teach. Since I have tentatively been assigned to Middle School Math and Science, I took the Multiple Subject test, for grades K-8. It was a five hour test, with three subsections:

Subtest I: English/History/Social Studies
'English' doesn't really do it much justice. There were a lot of questions about linguistics and how children acquire language, and general language acquisition theory. There was reading comprehension, grammar, and so forth also. The history was a pretty large range, from world history, California history, European history, and US history. There are 52 multiple choice questions and 4 writing questions to each subtest. I felt pretty confident about this section.

Subtest II: Math and Science
This is the one I was most worried about, and therefore studied the most for. I aced the math, and it wasn't all that hard after some brushing up. Hopefully this will make up for my science deficit, which I do wish I studied more for. It is quite a range as well, from earth science, physical science, and biology. Kelley would be so ashamed...the earth science questions killed me! ;) I did this section first, since they say to do the hardest sections first. This was definitely key, since it took me TWO hours to finish it, and that's really only factoring in multiple choice questions. I got to the writing response questions at the end and just wanted to cry. Because I knew I would really be bullshitting to try and answer them. The two math questions were on probability and statistics...which, coincidentally, is my area of weakness. I can't even remember the science questions (probably not a good sign). I came back to some of these at the very end and did the best I could. I'm hoping my multiple choice will make up for by bad written response questions.

Subtest III: Physical Education/Visual and Performing Arts
That one is pretty self-explanatory. I felt pretty strong on this section, and the same goes for the written response questions. I do know my Phys Ed!

The five hours FLEW by and I was relieved I had an easier time concentrating than I did when I took the practice tests. I do not get my scores until 6/19. Worst case scenario, I have to re-take the test in late July. This is not good though, because that means Teach for America has to really plead and bargain w/ the district that had hired me to let me do this. The scores wouldn't come in until a couple of days before school begins. So it is a risk for them. Maybe though, there is a possibility that if I passed every section but math and science, they would place me as an English teacher. But then again, maybe you are required to pass each section, no matter what area you teach. Let's hope I don't have to find out. All I know is, I did the best I could and I did study. I was not surprised by anything on the test.

As for the rest of the trip, it was really pleasant and great to spend some time with my friend Ashley. She picked me up on Friday afternoon and afterwards she ran some errands and unpacked (she just moved into a new place) while I crammed in some more studying. We went out that night for some really yummy sushi. The weather was gorgeous on Saturday! I was sure wishing I could be out to enjoy it on Saturday instead of testing all day. We went out that night and had a fun night out to celebrate. I was exhausted Sunday of course, because my flight was at 9:30 and I was back in New Orleans by noon. It was quite a whirlwind weekend.

This week has been pretty hectic also. I feel like a bad employee this week, because I'm so busy with all my preparation to move and all of these requirements I have to take care of before I leave for Scotland that I am not putting in much work. I had to get a physical, go see the tax man, pick up dress for alterations, get wedding shoes dyed, etc etc. I have to order FIVE transcripts from each college I went to, which comes out to 30 total. It is costing me $150!!! For transcripts...seems so silly. I still have to write a recommendation letter for my boss to sign as well. This will be my third to write. I have also been busy trying to find a home for all of my furniture and trying to start packing. Mom gets here Thursday night to come and save the day!

Lola was delivered safely to South Texas on Sunday. She is probably not missing me in the slightest because Jason takes her to the beach everyday and because she has Lover to play with now. She already claimed a chair as her own at their house!

So now I just need to figure out how to get my stuff to Houston (whatever I don't need for the next two months). Debating whether to mail them or looking online to see if I can ship them with someone with a truck. Getting closer and closer. I can't wait to have a few weeks of fun and adventure and NO work!! :)