All these test exams have me stressed

My life has turned into a mess

Hours of studying to know the information

But in reality it causes stress invasion

I know it’s time to get serious

But all this is a bit delirious

State exam season is one of the most nerve-racking times of the year; it has people studying and stressing for weeks. These exams include Algebra 1 & 2 EOC, Biology and U.S. History EOC, and FSA reading and writing, in addition to major college entrance exams known as SAT and ACT.

Assistant principal Ms. Leal said, “State exams allow us to know if the student has mastered the subject at the end of the year and helps us monitor the teaching standards that comprise the curriculum.”

Many students seem to agree. Junior Leo Guerra said, “State exams measure how knowledgeable you are on a certain subject.”

Sophomore Amanda Echevarria added, “They determine placement for future classes and help determine the teacher’s effectiveness as a result of the students’ performance.”

Not all Stingarees, however, are in favor of those tests. Junior Lorena Martinez stated that all state exams do is create unnecessary stress.

Freshman Fatima Lopez agrees that state exams can show how much knowledge you have on a subject, but that doesn’t mean they are very accurate. “Some students can be bad test takers and not score well,” she added.

In spite of the flaws in the statewide testing, should all tests continue? Leo Guerra stated, “Over all you could be a bad test taker, but you can overcome that by studying. Bad testing strategies are difficult to overcome, but it’s possible if you put the effort.”

Senior Randy Rivera doesn’t think state tests should be stopped, but said, “I do think they should be fixed. There should be a balance in test taking that is equally fair for both teachers and students.”

Sophomore Rachel Valdes, however, would get rid of all the tests. “Not because it’s less work,” she said, “but so it doesn’t stress the student’s mind which can lead on to other issues.”

Students have their own opinions about which test is the hardest. Senior Gabriella Barraza said that the ACT was the most difficult exam she ever took because the test focuses on a broad part of knowledge rather than specific information.

For freshman Marieling Perez, it was the Biology EOC because not only do you have to memorize the information, but the word choice in this state exam confused her.

It falls on teachers to help prepare students for these exams. English teacher Ms. Ransom said that technology is a key factor. For her Kahoot, a popular trivia game, and USA Test Prep, a website review, are the ways to prepare. “I want the students to know the questions being asked on the exam so I reinforce the work,” she said.

Ms. Munguia, who teaches Algebra 2, uses practice questions released by the state and drills the students toward the end. She also added that this year her students will have four weeks to review before their Algebra 2 EOC state exam.