Fla. Teacher Failed Math Test 6 Times

Local6.com ^ | April 27, 2003

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

High school English instructor Erin Cougill has failed the mathematics part of the state's teacher certification test six times. If she does so again, she'll lose her job.

The Central High School teacher, who also is secretary-treasurer of the Hernando Classroom Teachers Association, plans to take the test again May 13. If she doesn't pass, her job will become open June 1.

Cougill, 36, acknowledges she has a "math block.''

Some of her students recently spoke out on her behalf, submitting a petition attesting to her abilities and criticizing a state law requiring teachers to pass a general knowledge test within one year of their hiring. Until 2000, newly hired teachers had two years in which to pass the test, said Sonia Rivera, a district certification specialist

[Sweet_Sunflower29]

I'm...speechless.

[pepsionice]

I'm not too surprised. There are alot of teachers out there who are simply math teachers but have no background or knowledge of science or literature. They didn't pay attention in college and simply memorized what had to kept for test purposes. Its like testing your car mechanic for English...he probably would fail...but doesn't make him any less of a mechanic.

[annyokie]

I'm incredulous. Study up, already! Six times?!

[Arkinsaw]

Some of her students recently spoke out on her behalf, submitting a petition attesting to her abilities and criticizing a state law requiring teachers to pass a general knowledge test within one year of their hiring.

Sounds like she is a nice person that the students like. Unfortunately, that is not enough of a qualification test. Hope she passes, but if not, she's not qualified. 7 times to take a test is pretty lax standards if you ask me.

[Fred Mertz]

Maybe one of the students could tutor her in math on the weekends.

She's a treasurer? Someone needs to check the books ASAP.

[annyokie]

Well, that's a tad simplistic. Granted, she is an
English teacher, but good grief! The math thing isn't difficult.

[DarthFuzball]

I work as a manager of a small retail chain store.

All applicants must pass a personality and math test. ( multiple-choice)

A high school MATH teacher failed the math test THREE times in the same afternoon.

Thank you, public education.

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

Some of her students recently spoke out on her behalf, submitting a petition attesting to her abilities and criticizing a state law requiring teachers to pass a general knowledge test within one year of their hiring.

"Yeah, and she's like this really cool teacher. One time, we had a test with 20 questions on it, and I only got three right. She gave me like an 85 or something. Why you want to get rid a' someone helps us kids like dat?"

[4mycountry]

Florida. I'm not surprised.....

Oy vey....

[Dan from Michigan]

If she's an ENGLISH teacher, why is a math test so important? As long as she's not teaching math, I don't see the need for it.

Some people are experts in one field and idiots in others. I consider myself gifted in current events, history and political matters. On the other hand, I'm pathetic in math.

[mcenedo]

Would love to see a sample test to see the standards these "teachers" are being held to.

[annyokie]

Good 'un!

[CedarDave]

I wonder what part of 2+2 she didn't understand?

[TruthShallSetYouFree]

There are alot of teachers out there who are simply math teachers but have no background or knowledge of science or literature.

This is the reverse situation. While I agree that you don't need to be able to do advanced calculus in order to teach high school English, it is likely that someone who can't do basic arithmetic (these tests are a joke, believe me) is probably not the brightest bulb on the porch.

[SamAdams76]

Hey, I think this is the same teacher who endorsed the book below. Check out the blurb at the top...

[sackofcatfood]

This woman has no business inside the classroom. She should be moved to the administration immediately!

Make her an activities director or a counselor or a principle or something. That's what we'd do at *my* school.

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Having a treasurer that can't grasp mathematics at the 9th grade level doesn't give me a warm fuzzy. Sheesh, it can't be that hard to get studied up on basic math. How did this person get through college?

[Betty Jane]

Summer would you be able to describe what kinds of questions are on this test? I think California teacher's test was the equivalent of what an eighth grader would know. Yet many teachers failed it on numerous attempts.

[Cicero]

There are a few people who just can't do math, and they can be very competent in other respects. I have no idea if this teacher is a good English teacher, but she might be.

Frankly the problem is not so much with teacher certification and passing tests, most of which are no better than jumping through hoops, but with having good principals who know how to hire good teachers and fire their mistakes before they get tenure.

[bannie]

Would love to see a sample test to see the standards these "teachers" are being held to.

"...the standards to which these "teachers" are being held."

:-D

Please, forgive me: I couldn't help myself!