Beginning with the graduating class in 1994, all students in the state of Ohio needed to pass a test in order to graduate and earn a diploma. The test began as the 9th Grade Proficiency Test then changed to the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT). Now with the current freshmen and sophomores, the state of Ohio is changing the test from the OGT to the AIR Test (American Institutes for Research).
The OGT only tested students on math, science, reading, writing, and social studies during their 10th grade year. The new AIR Test focuses on end of course tests for students in 9th and 10th grades on Algebra I, Geometry, English I, English II, American History, American Government, Biology, and Physical Science.
Each AIR test is worth up to five points each, and even though students can earn upwards of 40 points, only 18 points are needed to pass and graduate. Students who do not earn 18 points after taking all of the tests will have the opportunity to take the test(s).
“Since the current sophomores did not have to take the AIR tests last year, they were given points for the classes that they took as freshmen, depending on what their end of the year grade was in that class,” Director of Curriculum Dan Rosenbaum said.
Testing will be taking place at McNick from April 12 through April 21. Even though the state recommends be taken online, Rosenbaum said McNick’s students will be taking the tests on paper to reduce the problems that might come with using technology.
“As a department, we have spent a great deal of time researching resources to help our students be familiar with the types of questions that will be asked and the language used in the questions. With the abrupt change in the test from OGT to PARCC to now the AIR test, there were not a great deal of resources available from the Ohio Department of Education, so we had to search them out for ourselves and our students. Our curriculum overall as a school exceeds state standards, so our students should feel prepared and comfortable with the test,” said Angie Noble, English teacher and department chair.
The test scores apply to the Class of 2018 and will continue for future classes that attend McNick.
There is more information for the AIR Test on the Ohio Department of Education website.
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