Finally, it is that time of year again, teachers are buckling down giving their last few lessons of the semester in preparation. It is not the holidays, quite the opposite actually, but state testing time.

   The high school has been preparing for state tests by using enCASE 21 test scores, finding the weak points of the students and targeting them head on. One of last year’s weak points was reading, which the school is working to improve by using new material in classrooms. 

  The principal Sid Taylor is confident that students will succeed and excel on the state test this year. 

   “For the most part, I think students will do great on their test. All it takes is some hard work” Taylor said. 

   State testing classes have been working their hardest teaching and reviewing the last few skills before the test that will be happening Nov. 30 through Dec. 6. 

   Last year, with COVID slowing everything down, teachers are still proud of their students and how they did on their test. One of those includes Algebra I teacher Ashley Brazell, who had a 100 percent passing rate last year.

   “I believe students did very well considering COVID, we even ranked number 6 in the state for Algebra I scores!” Brazell said. 

   This year there have been changes made to the test. Algebra I will now be taken in one day instead of two, all four tests are now timed, everyone will now have 180 minutes for Biology I, U.S. History, and Algebra I, and 75 minutes for the writing portion of English II.

   In addition, the COVID waiver has been lifted, which means this year’s scores will count for students and no ‘extra credit’ will be handed out. Therefore, it is important that everyone prepares for the state test as effectively as possible.

   “Attendance is essential; to prepare you will need to have good habits, eat a good breakfast and lunch and have a good sleep schedule,” test coordinator Kim Ray said. “To some extent students have lightened up, now it is time to get back into gear.”

   State tests are required for students to graduate, and assistant principal Darlene Hearndon wants students to put in maximum effort.

   “Scores not only affect the school, but it also affects you as a person,” Hearndon said.