[etni] Looking forward to Moed Bet?

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Since we are all focused on the subject of the Bagrut right now, perhaps this 
is the time the Ministry could consider making a few changes( before the fact) 
in the logistics of Moed Bet and think about making some changes for the winter 
moed and next year's summer test. I am sure there are other teachers out there 
who have ideas on how to improve the procedures that we have to follow. 
1.  In a few weeks I will have to order the tests and the tapes for Moed Bet.  
However, since the students can sign up for Moed Bet until the day before the 
test, I have absolutely no idea (And I haven't had any idea since they started 
Moed Bet in 2001) of how many to order.  In order to avoid the problem of being 
without enough forms and tapes, I over-order which is of course a waste of 
money and of trees, but it's better than under-ordering which is what a lot of 
schools do and then they frantically try to get more tests from other schools 
or to make photocopies at the last minute.  There must be some sort of solution 
for this situation.  Perhaps the Ministry could consider trying to solve this 
anxiety-producing problem?
2.  The half hour break is not long enough.  Remember large numbers of students 
have extra time and they only get a ten minute break.  Plus the proctors need 
more time to prepare the tests, tapes,, since they can't open the sealed bag 
with the modules long enough before the module to carefully arrange things.  
They are rushing to collect the modules that finished and then to prepare for 
the next round.

3.  Moed Bet will be quieter, but starting the modules for Moed Alef at 12:30 
was not a good idea.  Our school has a junior high school too and the noise 
(especially on the breaks) was very disturbing.  We barely had places to sit 
with our students for the oral testing because the classrooms were occupied 
with JHS students and those taking the modules. I suggest starting the test 
later in the afternoon -the way it used to be and not having so many modules at 
the same time and preferably doing it over two days (even though many would 
probably prefer to just get it over with), it would reduce the tension for 
everyone (students, teachers,proctors) and it certainly will prevent making 
mistakes from rushing around too much.

4. And a dream I have had since the days when we used to have to make the tapes 
for our students which took many years off my life is I  that the Ministry 
would reconsider whether or not the Listening Comprehension is really worth all 
the trouble it takes and the anxiety it causes.  And I would imagine it costs 
the taxpayers a lot of money.  Don't we test their listening comprehension when 
we test them orally?  OK -it's not a formal text, but really - there must be an 
alternative to all those radio tape players we bring in from home, bad 
acoustics, antennas that interfere, ,,,

I will send a more formal letter to Judy Steiner soon. If other teachers agree 
or have any ideas for making the day of the Bagrut a day that we can go home 
feeling good about instead of feeling frustrated, please send ideas to the 
Ministry.
Thanks,
Barbara Ori


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