Yesterday, I took the Civil Rights Test (official name is Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment). I think I did okay. There were about a dozen questions worded awkwardly so it took me several readings before I could pick the best answers. There were a few dilemmas that I didn't exactly know how to answer but I did my best guesses. After I completed the test, I was in a daze. The monitor came up to me to escort me out of the test room. I was surprised. I literally forgot that there were cameras in the room recording the testers. I was so in the zone with trying my best on the test that I blocked out everything. It also helped when the test site provided me some ear plugs. Before I left the reception area, the employee handed me a ticket out sheet which said I just completed the test and the official scores will be sent to me. My official score report will be send to me in a few weeks.
After I left the test site, I met up with a college friend and her boyfriend for dinner. It was nice catching up with them after taking a stressful test. Later when I went home, I went back to the paper that was handed to me. It said, "Pass" on the Protecting Student and Civil Rights in the Educational Environment. I can't believe I missed reading this earlier. I guess my mind was in a fog; I couldn't read to comprehend the information on the sheet after spending nearly 90 minutes reading 60 questions and answers while trying to pick the best answer for each one. I'm so excited that I passed.
Why do I need to take the Civil Rights test? It's required by Oregon law. So far from what I gathered, Oregon is the only state requiring its educators to take this test to receive a teaching license or renewal of one in this state. Here is the info I received on why I have to take this test:
In order to hold a teaching license, Oregon educators are required by statute to demonstrate knowledge of civil rights laws and laws prohibiting discrimination. ORS 342.123(1) states:
In addition to and not in lieu of any other law or rule or standard established by the Teacher Standards and Practices Commission, the commission shall require an applicant for a teaching license or any renewal thereof to demonstrate knowledge of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and federal statues pertaining thereto, as well as state statues prohibiting discrimination.
Again, I believe Oregon is a leader on high educational standards for students as well as high teaching standards for public school teachers of Oregon. Oregon is leading this nation with the first Civil Rights test for teachers to either get licensed or renewal. It's nice that teachers and administrators know about the Civil Rights laws but it's not enough. How can the public and the government support educators and schools in making sure every public school student get a good quality education with the right support and resources to aid these students to prepare them for their future as positive and productive citizens of our country? How do we make it fair for the low-income and working class students to have a fair playing field in their educational needs and preparation for their future? If we want our nation to be at the top of the education compare to other countries, we need to work together that all students have the support they need to be highly educated. We need to build communities where education is valued and children are safe to walk to school and back home.
No comments:
Post a Comment