me arts ed

This post was written by Sacopee Valley Middle School Art Teacher, Danette Kerrigan

On November 4^th, I received the most amazing birthday present. Argy Nestor, our revered DOE representative presented me with a chance to take the Praxis II in both Art Making and Art History, (120 questions) along with three essay questions on a bleary eyed Thursday morning without preparation!

All kidding aside, the experience at Educational Testing Service (ETS) in Princeton, New Jersey was both enlightening and interesting. A beautiful facility, The Chauncey Conference Center offered the perfect environment in which hard work and deep thought were in abundance. Twenty-one Art teachers, from all over the country, examined the proposed future Praxis II content test in Art to determine the “cut score” or lowest possible score a new teacher could receive and still pass the test.

The process involved first understanding the test at hand, (yes that would be by taking it!) and then defining what a “Just Qualified Candidate”(the candidate who would receive that cut score) actually was. Lively discussion followed as each teacher brought his or her own perspective to the task at hand. Through a series of small steps, the greater picture emerged. Astonishingly the picture of our Just Qualified Candidate  (JQC) emerged.

Each teacher then analyzed the expectation of the JQC’s knowledge about each question. After we responded, somewhere wheels turned and within minutes a PowerPoint emerged with a tracking of how we as a group decided the candidate would do. Again, more lively, intelligent, humorous and dedicated discussion. The final designation was made and a recommendation sent.

I was delighted to meet with other art teachers and appalled at conditions elsewhere. I met teachers travelling to different schools with 1000 students a week and 30 + students in a class. I am more grateful than ever for the opportunity I have in my district. I was also amazed that a group of teachers so diverse were so well attuned that they were truly consistent when thinking about the expectations of new art teachers.

Throughout all of this academic discourse, a stunning array of meals and snacks were continuously provided. Service was impeccable. The rooms were lovely. The experience of being treated as an educational professional has rarely been outmatched. If anyone has a chance to participate in work at ETS, don’t pass it up.

Thank you Danette for representing Maine arts educators in the process at ETS! Tomorrow: Chris Milliken’s story on his travels to ETS.