Eugene Taylor of the math department conducted the training and received calls to do more praxis training because the math component is the most challenging part on the praxis test. Many Louisiana school districts, particularly in rural, northeast parishes, face a shortage of certified teachers. To address this need, Dr. Starr in the GSU Office of Academic Affairs wrote a training grant proposal that was chosen by Entergy Louisiana, Inc. as one of their Excellence in Education Investment grant awards. After receiving the grant, the first phase of the training was held in October and November and was very successful drawing 30-35 teachers per session to the Grambling State campus, according to the coordinator. It's free and teachers have now heard about the first training.
Attendance is the only requirement.
Non-certified teachers want to improve themselves and become certified. During the last session of the training series, we give the participants practice praxis tests. About the success rate of the first training, Starr commented that through informal discussions and class rosters, administrators of the program verify if non-certified teachers passed the tests. We're looking for new ways to prepare teachers for the real-life challenges they face in the classroom and innovative teaching methods that will help them reach each and every student. My model deals with standardized tests and how to prepare for them, including the ACT, GRE, GEE and the praxis test.