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I want to share my experience with the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence(ABCTE). This organization told me I failed the essay portion of one exam, but it refuses to let me see my essay to determine why it was judged a failure and how it was scored. I need to see my essay to understand why it was not acceptable and caused me to fail an exam, but the ABCTE will not allow me to see a copy of my essay! Something is terribly wrong with this organization and its methods.
ReplyDeleteI took the ABCTE test so I could be an English teacher. I hold a degree in English with an emphasis in writing. I graduated with honors from a school with a reputation for their distinguished writing program. I am a professional writer and thought I would give back by being a teacher. Strangely, I did not pass the essay portion of the English exam. I can't get anyone to explain where my essay was lacking (which I know it wasn't). Don't waste your time with this program. I only know one guy personally who has passed the ABCTEs and he left teaching shortly after because he couldn't get good enough pay. Remember, even after you pass the program, you have two years of full time teaching before you get state licensure.
ReplyDeleteI also had problems with the ABCTE essay scoring. I am a writer who has has many pieces published. I always had top scores in school on any paper I wrote. However, after taking the Professional Teaching Knowledge Exam, I was informed I failed the essay portion. Using their rubric and examples, I can guarantee my essay looked nothing like the examples they provided that matched the score they gave me. Part of me feels they are just trying to get more money out of me to retake the exam. Also they will not provide me with a copy of my essay or even verify the number of paragraphs I wrote to put to rest my belief that they did not receive my entire essay. All they will tell me is that I can pay $75 for an appeal and $125 for a retake. Be wary...
ReplyDeleteI also am a professional writer - I passed the English exam with a high score and failed the essay. I was so upset, but they couldn't tell me what they are looking for on the essay, so I didn't retake it. I'm still upset about it! Perhaps we're writing college-level essays and what they're looking for is something less.
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