Those That Can't Do...

So I just finished up a long day of testing to make sure I am suitably qualified and intelligent and competent enough to teach children the subject of history in Massachusetts. First, I took a 4-hour test, which judged my ability to read, write, comprehend, spell, and use grammar, punctuation and capital letters correctly. Can you "use grammar"? Whatever.

This test was easy. I'd be surprised if I missed a question.

The second 4-hour test, however, was not so simple. Now, I have a Bachelor's degree in history from a pretty good university, and half of a Master's degree from said institution. I'm pretty knowledgeable in history. This test, however, rather than testing my knowledge, tested my patience. Out of 100 multiple choice questions, I'd say about 4 of them were pretty clear, cut and dry. The rest were terribly worded, based on equally terrible assumptions, or offered no satisfactory answer, forcing me to choose an answer that I did not agree with. I was not happy with this test, to say the least.

The essay questions, of which there were two, were also not fun, and not explained well or particularly well thought-out or supported. But I did my best. Hey, it's what I do. I usually test extremely well. Go ahead, ask me my SAT scores. And I'll tell you how I studied. (Oh, I forgot to say that I didn't study at all for today's tests.)

Anyway, I'm glad that part of the quest for teacher certification is over. I can't think straight. I tried talking when I got out of the test, and I couldn't put 4 words together. My brain hurts. My hand and wrist really hurt.

I need a drink.