Moderately good news on the job front - yesterday I started a temp position that's supposed to last 8 weeks (if I make it through the training - more on that in a moment). I'll be scoring state-administered assessment tests, specifically the TAKS writing test given to Texas 7th-graders. A few observations:

* Judging by some of the papers I've seen thus far, and the rubrics we're using for scoring purposes, I can only say that I have a heightened appreciation for why our educational system is in the state that it's in.

* 2-page-long run-on sentences =

* Bad penmanship =

* In order to actually work the whole 8-week assignment, I have to successfully complete the two-day training program and pass a 2-part qualification test. I've been having a hard time suppressing my urge to grade the tests based on my own ideas of what a 7th-grader should be capable of as opposed to the watered-down standards the state expects us to apply. More difficult is the fact that much of the grading process is subjective, yet despite this, our grades on the practice papers we're grading for training purposes are supposed to match the consensus grades given to these papers by the people who picked them for the training program. So far, I'm averaging about 60%. I have to get an 80% on both parts of the qualification test.

* I really, really need this job.

* I take my qualification test tomorrow, so wish me luck.

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And now, for your viewing/listening pleasure:



Is there aught we have in common with the greedy parasites
Who would lash us into serfdom and would crush us with their might?
Is there anything left for us but to organize and fight,
While the union makes us strong?











Are you not entertained?