ON: Is there any state in which the Basic Skills Test for non-math teachers DOES NOT include a math component? :-(
Quote:
Originally Posted by SPAteacherNYC
I know, I know...we all use math one way or another whether we realize it or not.
But do we really use high-level math? I can certainly understand the reading and writing parts of the Basic Skills Tests...we all [English speakers] talk and write in English all the time; we communicate through the English language, not through statistical data or algebraic equations. I know that some of you will give me snarky examples of how we do use those in real life, but I really need some sympathy now.
The truth is that I feel that I have a lot of good qualities to become a teacher. I am compassionate, patient, knowledgeable, empathetic, hard-working, socially and culturally aware, and very much into social justice and educational improvement, and I love children and adolescents, but I probably won't be able to teach ever because I am unable to pass these stupid tests.
How does knowing how to get the unknown X in a two variable algebraic equation make me a better Spanish teacher?
And those are the kinds of things that you don't master in a 4 month crash course. You have to scaffold those skills from day one of your life-long education.
Most states will not let you teach Spanish, art, or theatre if you don't pass a fricking math component of a Basic Skills test that includes not just simple arithmetic, but probability, stats, and algebra. I don't know whether this was my fault or my teachers' fault, but at some point I became extremely bad at math. Anyone who says that there's no such thing as being bad at math, please come here and teach me how to pass those tests. I will pay them whatever they want.
This is a rant-y post because I am incredibly frustrated. I am not kidding...I'm this close to crying.
IAnyone know if any state in the USA doesn't require a math component in their Basic Skills Tests for non-math/non-science teachers?
But do we really use high-level math? I can certainly understand the reading and writing parts of the Basic Skills Tests...we all [English speakers] talk and write in English all the time; we communicate through the English language, not through statistical data or algebraic equations. I know that some of you will give me snarky examples of how we do use those in real life, but I really need some sympathy now.
The truth is that I feel that I have a lot of good qualities to become a teacher. I am compassionate, patient, knowledgeable, empathetic, hard-working, socially and culturally aware, and very much into social justice and educational improvement, and I love children and adolescents, but I probably won't be able to teach ever because I am unable to pass these stupid tests.
How does knowing how to get the unknown X in a two variable algebraic equation make me a better Spanish teacher?
And those are the kinds of things that you don't master in a 4 month crash course. You have to scaffold those skills from day one of your life-long education.
Most states will not let you teach Spanish, art, or theatre if you don't pass a fricking math component of a Basic Skills test that includes not just simple arithmetic, but probability, stats, and algebra. I don't know whether this was my fault or my teachers' fault, but at some point I became extremely bad at math. Anyone who says that there's no such thing as being bad at math, please come here and teach me how to pass those tests. I will pay them whatever they want.
This is a rant-y post because I am incredibly frustrated. I am not kidding...I'm this close to crying.
IAnyone know if any state in the USA doesn't require a math component in their Basic Skills Tests for non-math/non-science teachers?
While I both sympathize and empathize, perhaps find a career track more inline with your skills AND interests?
I think finding the unknown X in a two variable algebraic equation makes you a better problem solver, Spanish or other skills notwithstanding. The ability to disassemble a problem into its component parts, test assumptions, and re-assemble is a hugely valuable skill in life and business. Algebra, geometry, calculus: all similar in stimulating ability to think and reason.
PS:
In my field(s), both had calculus-based math as pre-reqs for the degrees at-least. My MBA required statistical analysis and problem-solving based on real-world business problems a general manager will encounter. And, of course the finance: that's pretty obviously key to wealth creation, and analysis of issues/trends.
Several decades in business, from my particular positions, hands-down the most interesting higher math I've used is statistical analysis. Just using advanced analysis tools within Excel, for example, is hugely beneficial in dealing with trends, regressions, and other predictors. That, my friends, is then used for strategic decisions.
That-said, the trouble can be dealing with fellow professionals who are math-challenged. I've worked with a few, and I mean sharp people running 100-person orgs (running them well, I might add) who probably couldn't understand a trend line if it means the firing squad. They do understand P&L, though, at least to the extent it affects their own performance ratings! They will occasionally actively discourage use of such analyses, if they actually have to use it (= fear), or diminish, or otherwise disememble.
With recalcitrant ones, I've chosen to react with compassion vs. angst. A wise GM taught me almost ten years ago: Hire people who are better at a particular skill I do not possess. Hence, I do not hesitate to hire younger (or older, for that matter) people with skills I don't have, as a manager. I do not always want to beat them at their own game, my ego can survive not knowing every detail. However, human nature is to protect and covet: only our higher brain functions around "socialization and strategic understanding that all may benefit and my particular hegemony will not be threatened if I don't know every detail" saves me.
If I work myself out of a job via automation, tools creation, and other engineering and math tasks, there will be others jobs. There always are, for me at least.
