Sunday, November 13, 2011

The English Language Arts CST (Yikes...)


Given the ability to choose freely about exactly what to post on this blog is something I do appreciate, especially after the New York State English Language Arts CST I took this past weekend…

I can’t say that I’m the greatest English student to ever graduate out of Adelphi.  I didn’t win any special awards, and I surely lack creativity that makes one a creative writer.  But, in all honesty, I did well.  I graduated with honors in my major and really feel like I had the pleasure of learning everything I could from all of the professors from the English department at Adelphi.

So, I didn’t do too much preparation for this exam.  I purchased the book and basically did all of the practice questions.  To say that I did well on these practice questions would be a stretch, but I still took the time to look up key words and phrases that I didn’t know.  With that, I’d say I spent some time reviewing.  Maybe not enough, but I didn’t go into the exam blindly, not knowing what to expect.

Still, I found myself struggling at points in the exam.  While some questions were fair, others came down to one choice or another (and by others, I mean most of them).  The test was, for the most part, evaluating skills that left me confused, bitter, and tired by the end.  I know I am not the only person who feels this way.  But by the end of the test, I was ready to log onto the website and sign up for another…

While the essay seemed so easy that I thought they mistakenly gave me the wrong exam, the multiple choice part of the exam still left me concerned.  I really hope I passed.  Considering that this is my first time taking it, I won’t be too upset if I didn’t pass, but I do know that I do not want to sit through another three hours taking an exam where I lack confidence for every answer I fill in.  The test was brutal, and I will defend that side of the argument to anyone who wants to challenge it. 

I guess, at this point, I’ve accepted that I may not pass.  The good news is that I can take the exam as many times as needed in order to get that passing grade, so I may just use this experience as a practice test if I don’t pass this time around (which, if you didn’t get the clue already, it means that this time was definitely a time of practice).

2 comments:

  1. I'll bet you passed... but if you didn't, there's always tomorrow!

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  2. Dear Alex,

    Just read your CST post. I must say: properly placed "Yikes" in the title, my good fellow. What a strange test that was. Like you, I'm not sure that I passed the test; however, as you mentioned, there's always next time. I think the real dread (at least for me) comes from the shame of a failing mark. I mean, after four years of English at Adelphi University (along with honors, awards, etc.) we really should pass that test... right? I mean, having the content knowledge/skills assessed by the CST is the most important thing about being an English teacher... right?
    WRONG.
    Who gives a shit? There, I said it. Pass or fail, you/me (let's throw Julie in there too... just because) we're gonna be awesome teachers and that has to do with character. The state doesn't assess character. So the next time (when/if I/you take the test again) I/you come across the question - "Which of the following is a contemporary Australian poet?" - the go to move is give everyone the finger and chuck the deuces (just because).

    Michael (and this is when I chuck the deuces)

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