The Secondary Education Department is responsible for the overall management of the State mandated testing programs in the Robertson County Schools. The Department is responsible for ordering, distributing, and returning tests to the State. Further, the Department assists in interpreting test data.
The following is an overview of the tests that are given in Tennessee.
Terra Nova:
Terra Nova is a comprehensive set of nationally normed achievement tests. These tests also contain some criterion-referenced information for use in determining mastery of certain objectives. These tests are given in the spring to students in grades 1 - 8.
Tennessee Writing Assessment:
These tests are designed as a performance-based test requiring a written essay on a specified topic within a certain amount of time. These tests are designed to ensure that all students can communicate well in writing. Tests are given in February to students in grades 5, 8, & 11.
Gateway / End-of-Course Exams:
Gateway Tests were designed by the State to raise the academic bar for all high school students and to add accountability for students' academic performance. Gateway Tests are required in Algebra I, Biology, and English II. High school students entering as freshmen in the Fall of 2001 must pass these tests to receive a regular high school diploma. Tests are given on a state assigned date near the end of the course (late Fall, late Spring, Summer).
End-of-Course exams exist in Math Foundations II, English I, Physical Science, and U.S. History, but are not required for graduation.
End-of-Course tests count as 15% of a student's course grade in the subject. Tests are given on a state assigned date near the end of the course (late Fall, late Spring, Summer).
Home School Testing:
Students entering public schools from a home school may be tested to determine grade placement or to receive high school credit. The Office of Student Services assists school counselors in ordering and preparing for these testings.
The following is an overview of the tests that are given in Tennessee.
Terra Nova:
Terra Nova is a comprehensive set of nationally normed achievement tests. These tests also contain some criterion-referenced information for use in determining mastery of certain objectives. These tests are given in the spring to students in grades 1 - 8.
Tennessee Writing Assessment:
These tests are designed as a performance-based test requiring a written essay on a specified topic within a certain amount of time. These tests are designed to ensure that all students can communicate well in writing. Tests are given in February to students in grades 5, 8, & 11.
Gateway / End-of-Course Exams:
Gateway Tests were designed by the State to raise the academic bar for all high school students and to add accountability for students' academic performance. Gateway Tests are required in Algebra I, Biology, and English II. High school students entering as freshmen in the Fall of 2001 must pass these tests to receive a regular high school diploma. Tests are given on a state assigned date near the end of the course (late Fall, late Spring, Summer).
End-of-Course exams exist in Math Foundations II, English I, Physical Science, and U.S. History, but are not required for graduation.
End-of-Course tests count as 15% of a student's course grade in the subject. Tests are given on a state assigned date near the end of the course (late Fall, late Spring, Summer).
Home School Testing:
Students entering public schools from a home school may be tested to determine grade placement or to receive high school credit. The Office of Student Services assists school counselors in ordering and preparing for these testings.
Related links: Visit the Tennessee State Department of Education Testing and Evaluation website. Here you may find more detailed information about each of these tests. Also included is an item sampler and practice tests for the Gateway tests.