Clarification of PRAXIS for teachers

The recent articles regarding the confusion over PRAXIS did more to confuse than clarify. I appreciate the reporters’ efforts to inform teachers and the public. However, clarification is more than warranted. First of all, the confusion was ONLY with the “science teachers” and which test they would have to take. Many science teachers are teaching more than one discipline (chemisty, biology, physics, earth science or general science). The confusion was if a science teacher only takes the biology test, then that teacher will only be certified as “proficient” in biology. Needless to say, if this teacher were teaching two other subjects she/he would no longer be qualified or allowed to teach these two classes. I raised the concern because if science teachers follow this scenario and only qualify in one subject, it will put a burden on the school system to recruit more science teachers and the need for more classrooms.

However, it was brought out in the meeting that the science teachers can take the “general science” test. Although the general science test is all that is required, we (the Board & PSS) are still encouraging those teachers that want to specialize in more than one subject to take the necessary test in each content area. The school system really needs teachers to be specialists in all the content areas they are teaching.

I was merely informing the Board of a potential problem should the science teachers choose only one subject to test for competence, especially when they only need one subject. It will also be one of the goals of tenure to have all high school science teachers teaching only the subject they are specialized in as we see on the mainland. We also now have a student population sufficient to sustain “single” subject teachers in most of the high schools. The decision is now up to the science teachers to take the general science test or take separate tests for each subject they are teaching. Having our science teachers certified in their specialty versus a general science certification will make a significant difference in the overall quality of the teaching staff in the science departments of our high schools.

I wish to strongly encourage all science teachers to help themselves and the system by taking the tests in the subjects they are teaching to assure themselves and the system of their proficiency in the various subject areas. The general science test is acceptable but generic. Having passed PRAXIS in more than one content area will add more quality and prestige to the resumés of teachers and help the school system in accomplishing its goals of having all teachers certified as “proficient” in all the subject areas they are teaching.

Most of these things were not mentioned in the news article, which is why this need clarification. I do want to thank the board chairman for asking Mr. Tim Thornburgh to send out a memo to teachers on this matter and I hope this ends the confusion for science teachers.

Ambrose M. Bennett
BOE Teacher Rep