Math Test Results

Peter E.

February 10, 2010 - 7:30 PM

I've been dreading it for weeks. About a month ago, I had to take (and pass) the Praxis II Math Content Knowledge test so I can teach high school math in Tulsa next year. It was extremely difficult considering that I haven't taken a math class since high school. Adding to the difficulty, the test covered ALL high school math from algebra to geometry to trigonometry to calculus. It was not an easy test because there was so much to study for.

I did my best to prepare for the test, but my pre-test scores were not promising. I left the test with expectation that I would not pass. Thus, I was not optimistic when my score was posted today. I went to the ETS website and entered my login information. I found the link saying that my score was posted. My heart rate started to increase, and my finger quivered as I clicked the link. The bars inched their way across my browser as the pdf downloaded.

I was amazed by what followed. I was greeted by a 145 out of 200 score. That was not an impressive score, but the word "PASSED" was next to it. I was shocked. However, my surprise and joy was not yet complete. Technically, I passed in the State of Oregon, but I was unsure if Oklahoma had the same standards as Oregon. I clicked around the ETS website, but I could not figure out if I passed or not. Finally, I discovered that the Teach For America director for Tulsa emailed me explaining that Oklahoma recognizes whatever Arkansas recognizes-it was going to be a lock. I knew at this point that I had done it, I passed. To confirm my suspicion, I checked out the ETS website again. It was true, Arkansas recognized a 125 out of 200, I passed with flying colors.

However, this doesn't mean I'm in the clear. I only got a 32 out of 50 raw score, so I have a lot of studying ahead of me so I can be a great teacher. For now though, I'll let go a big sigh of relief.