Thursday, August 11, 2011

The scores are in...

I actually got the scores back last Friday (8/5), but I've not had time to share the results with my blog-family.

When I did get the scores, I sent off an email to my program contact to whom I give progress reports every two weeks. This email was subject lined as:
Midway progress report - Assessment Exam scores.
I think it sums up just about everthing. So, without further ado...

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Hi [Name deleted] :-)
I simply couldn’t wait for the progress report. I feel like I’m bouncing around the room and had to let you know that I just got my scores back from my Assessment Exam:

Objective portion: 90% (9 out of 10 questions... stupid mistake, too - UGH).
Practical portion: 97% (144 out of 149 points) -- [Zero errors on the radiology reports!]

Those dictations were very difficult and I was sweating the score. As of today, I’m also VERY glad that human beings who grade transcriptions can tell the difference between “exact words” and “exact meaning.” I made several word choices that were not exact, but the meaning did not change. You don’t get points off in those cases. Whew!!!

So far the introduction to the editing training is going well. It is a bit cumbersome because we are back into the quizzes and review tests that were so abundant in the objective portion of the training (July through December). It also gets a little frustrating when the answer key changes something not specified in the instructions and you get it wrong because you didn’t... or the opposite, you correct something that is glaringly wrong, but the key implies that they didn’t tell you to fix it. [I think this part of the course may be new enough that they are still working out some of the bugs. I’ve actually submitted a few questions to their support department, and received replies back saying that they would check into them and submit them for repair if appropriate. That should be good news for the students behind me, but it trips me up as I hit them. ] The part that slows me down the most is the fact that, in order to get credit for the quiz scores, you have to change your answers to match theirs... even if your answer is technically correct. It is good practice, though.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful day & a great weekend!
[signature line removed]
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As of today, I have completed the first module of the editing training: Editing Theory. I will be beginning the next module, Editing Techniques, tomorrow morning.

I do have one fly in the ointment at this time for which I would ask for any stray prayers. My unemployment benefits are done this week. Done-done, there won't be any more.

Although Mr. Squirrel has been enjoying some part-time work, he has been waiting for a call back from a local opportunity that would be a near-perfect fit for a pastor... should there be an opening. I am praying for that opening or for God's hand to show him some other opportunity... SOON. It is very plain that we cannot make ends meet on only one part-time job.

At this point, I will also begin taking odd jobs as they come my way, which will hinder the schooling, but it must be done.

Thanks for listening.
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God bless & Godspeed to one and all :-)